Battery Ties Eagles Remains In First Place In Southeast Division

The Charleston Battery tied its A-League, Southeast Division rival the Charlotte Eagles tonight (Saturday, May 10, 2003) 2-2 in front of 4,235 at Blackbaud Stadium. Despite outshooting the Eagles 26-6, the Battery (4-0-1) was forced to come from behind twice to earn a point and remains unbeaten in the 2003 season. Charlotte (0-4-1) earned its first point of the season with the draw.

Charlotte scored first midway through the first period. Battery defender John Wilson was called for a hand-ball in the penalty-area and the Eagles were awarded a penalty-kick. Charlotte midfielder, Andy McDermott, slotted the spot-kick past Charleston goalkeeper, Dusty Hudock.

In the 24th minute the Battery almost drew level after Eagles striker, Dustin Swinehart handled the ball just outside the box. Forward, Paul Conway took a quick free-kick but his shot was saved by Charlotte goalkeeper Dwayne Adams.

In the 42nd minute Charleston was denied again, this time by the wood-work. Midfielder, Blair Scoullar rifled a shot from outside the penalty area only to see the ball strike the far post and ricochet harmlessly away.

After the break Charleston increased the pressure and it finally paid off in the 79th minute with a spectacular equalizer. Conway flicked a header across 18-yard box to substitute Chris Goos. Goos immediately fired a bicycle-kick shot into the top right-hand corner of the goal, stunning both Adams and the crowd. It was the Battery rookie’s first goal for the Club.

Two minutes later Charlotte took the lead again. Under pressure from Swinehart Hudock could not hold on to a difficult long-ball in the box. Substitute midfielder, Jose Gomez sprang onto the loose ball and stroked it into the goal.

In the 89th minute Charleston struck again. This time it was Goos who set up the goal, sending in a cross to Conway. Conway controlled the cross just outside the 6-yard box and with a defender on either side of him he managed to squeeze the ball past Adams and inside the near post.

The Battery pushed for a winner in OT but was forced to settle for the draw after two scoreless periods. This game was the second of a home-and-home, back-to-back series with the Eagles. Charleston won the first match 1-0, Friday night in Charlotte.

Article from the WayBack Machine.