Battery Stops Kickers Paul Conway Scores Twice To Power Charleston to 3-2 Victory

The Charleston Battery defeated the Richmond Kickers tonight (Wednesday, August 14, 2002) at Blackbaud Stadium by a score of three goals to two in front of 2,665. Reigning A-League MVP, Paul Conway scored a goal in each half to lead the Battery to victory over its closest Southeast Division rival. Charleston improves to 16-5-3, 75 points and extends its first place lead in the Division. Richmond drops to 12-6-6, 60 points, and stays in second position.

Richmond surprised Charleston with a goal inside the first minute. Former Battery midfielder, Marco Feruzzi made a short pass to Paul Lekics who played the ball first time over the Battery defense. Forward Kevin Jeffrey controlled the ball on his chest, rounded Battery goalkeeper, Dusty Hudock and slotted it home from five yards out.

Charleston fought back with two goals before half time. In the 17th minute, defender Andrew Lewis made a strong run down the right flank. He whipped a cross into the back post where it was met by midfielder, Justin Evans. Evans snapped a header down and past the Richmond keeper, Ronnie Pascale for the tying goal.

In the 32nd minute Paul Conway converted a penalty kick to give the Battery the lead after Steve Klein was bundled down in the box. Richmond defender, Peter Luzak was dismissed for his challenge on Klein forcing the Kickers to play a man short for the remainder of the match.

In the 55th minute Richmond leveled the scores with a fine strike from Marco Feruzzi. A Kickers free kick rebounded to him just outside the box. Without waiting to control the ball he lashed an unstoppable drive past Hudock into the upper left hand corner of the goal.

With four minutes left of regulation Charleston scored the winner. Substitute winger, Morgan Zeba broke down the right touchline. He carried the ball to the goal line and sent in a looping cross to the middle. Paul Conway ran onto the pass and hit a first-time full-volley past Pascale for his second goal of the night. Conway leads the Battery with eleven goals for the year.

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