Battery Beats Kickers Takes lead in series with 2-1 home victory

The Charleston Battery defeated the Richmond Kickers tonight (Friday, September 13, 2002) at Blackbaud Stadium by a score of two goals to one. 2,379 watched as the Battery opened its 2002 A-League playoff campaign with a deserved victory. The match was the first of a two-game, home-and-home series, both teams travel to U of R Stadium, Richmond on Sunday for the second match (WTMZ 910 AM; kick off 6:00 pm).

The first half was a tight, evenly contested affair, with neither side gaining the upper hand. Both teams had chances. For Richmond, Marco Feruzzi shot wide of the target, midway through the half from well inside the 18-yard box.

Ryan Trout came closest for Charleston. He forced a diving, reaction save, from Kickers keeper, Ronnie Pascale in the 28th minute. Then in the 44th minute Pascale denied him again, this time saving well after Trout drilled a shot on-target from the edge of the box.

In the second period, the Battery stepped up the intensity and were rewarded with the go-ahead goal in the 63rd minute. Substitute midfielder, Kyle Swords won the ball at the back of the Richmond penalty area. He slipped it out to Justin Evans who was running on from the midfield. Evans accepted the pass and fired a bullet-shot into the top right-hand corner of Pascale’s goal.

In the 75th minute the Kickers tied the game up again with a goal from former Battery striker, Mike Burke. Burke carried the ball down the far flank before cutting in onto his left foot and beating Battery keeper, Hudock, with a well-struck shot inside the near post.

With three minutes remaining Charleston forward, Paul Conway, converted a penalty kick to restore the Battery’s lead. The penalty was awarded after substitute forward, Chris Bagley was brought down in the box by Richmond defender, Kevin Knight who was trying to shield the ball back to the keeper.

Battery goalkeeper, Dusty Hudock made a series of saves at the end of the game to preserve Charleston’s lead. Hudock was named A-League Goalkeeper of the Year, last Tuesday.

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