BATTERY DEFEATS MEXICAN POWERHOUSE PUEBLA Steve Klein Scores Winner in the 59th Minute

The A-League Charleston Battery defeated Mexican powerhouse Puebla F.C. by a score of two goals to one in an international friendly at Blackbaud Stadium tonight (Saturday, July 20, 2002). 1,655 watched as Steve Klein scored the winning goal in the 59th minute. The match was an ill-tempered affair, Charleston finished the game with nine men after suffering two ejections, Puebla had one player red-carded.

The first half was played at a fast pace with both teams attacking freely. Charleston striker, Raul Diaz Arce almost forced an early Battery lead in the eighth minute, but his glancing header crept just over the crossbar.

In the 11th minute the Battery was reduced to ten men after Kevin Anderson received a red card. Midfielder, Adrian Sanchez struck the resultant free kick well but the ball curled just wide of the target.

Puebla took the lead in the 32nd minute. Milton Coimbra made a deceptive run through the middle and latched onto the ball at the edge of the box. As Charleston keeper, Todd Hoffard approached; Coimbra coolly slotted the ball into the right hand corner of the net.

Immediately after the break, Charleston were gifted the tying goal by Puebla. Defender, Joaquin Velasquez played the ball into his own net on an errant back pass.

Puebla had a golden chance to take the lead in the 52nd minute after being awarded a penalty. However Mauricio Serna's kick hit the post and was quickly cleared by the Battery defense.

Minutes later, Charleston scored the winner. A free kick from the edge of the penalty area was swung into the middle. It was poorly cleared by the Puebla goalkeeper and Battery defender, Steve Klein poked it home from inside the 6-yard box.

In the 80th minute substitute forward, Paul Conway was ejected after tangling with Puebla midfielder, Mauricio Serna. Serna also received a red card reducing Puebla to ten men. The final score, Charleston Battery 2 – Puebla F.C. 1.

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