Battery Beats Mariners Conway leads the way with a goal and an assist

The Charleston Battery defeated the Hampton Roads Mariners tonight (Saturday, August 31, 2002) at Blackbaud Stadium by a score of two goals to none. Paul Conway led the way with a goal and an assist as the Battery won its 19th of the season. Charleston finishes the regular season with a record of 19-3-6, 89 points, first place in the Eastern Conference and the Southeast Division. The Mariners end their 2002 campaign with a record of 6-19-3, 29 points, last place in the Division.

The Battery controlled the game from start to finish out-shooting the Mariners 17-7. Midfielder Seamus Donnelly came close in the 12th minute but his volley from inside the box, cannoned back off the crossbar.

In the 35th minute Justin Evans lined a shot toward the target from outside the penalty area. The ball appeared to have the Mariners goalkeeper beaten but it flashed just wide of the target.

Just before halftime in the 42nd minute Charleston finally broke the deadlock. Forward Paul Conway made a strong run down the left flank. As he reached the byline he glanced up and whipped the ball across to the back of the 6-yard box. Striker, Ryan Trout ran onto the pass and snapped a header down past the keeper and into the goal.

After the break the Battery continued to apply the pressure. Defender, Collin Phillips almost scored in the 49th minute. He headed powerfully from a corner kick but the ball missed, just high.

In the 64th minute Paul Conway scored the second goal. Ryan Trout swung another corner kick in from the near side. This time it was Mark Watson who headed it goalward. The ball thumped the crossbar and fell into a crowd of players just in front of the goal. Conway was first to react and falling backward he drilled the ball into the goal.

Goalkeeper, Dusty Hudock made two saves to record his league-leading 14th shutout of the season.

Text from the WayBack Machine.