Battery Advances To Semifinals.
The game was the second of a First Round playoff series. With the win the Battery advance to take on the Rochester Raging Rhinos in a two-game semifinal series next weekend. Montreal will take on Vancouver in the other semifinal.
“Stephen’s goal was world-class and if it was up to me I would put it forward for FIFA goal of the year in 2006,” said head coach Mike Anhaeuser. “All the boys put forth a tremendous team effort and to come to Puerto Rico and win in front of 8,000 screaming fans is something they can be proud of.”
Charleston created the first chance of the game in the 54th minute as Stephen Armstrong set the ball back to Lazo Alavanja from a free kick. Alavanja hammered a first-time shot at the goal but his effort rose just high.
The Battery pressed again in the 17th minute as midfielder Ian Fuller joined the attack and found some space twenty yards out. Fuller hit a hard left-footed shot but Puerto Rico goalkeeper Dan Kennedy was well placed and dropped to make the save.
The Battery’s best chance of the half came five minutes later after winger Luke Vercollone whipped a deep cross in from the left. Ian Fuller threw himself at the ball but his snap header glanced off the crossbar.
Puerto Rico responded in the 29th minute as Andreas Barros-Schelotto swept a superb cross into the box. Forward Arturo Norambuena met the pass but his slip header sailed wide.
Battery goalkeeper Dusty Hudock was forced into action late in the half as midfielder Noah Delgado found himself free at the edge of the penalty area. Delgado fired at the goal but Hudock managed to get his body in the way of the shot then grabbed the loose ball as it squirmed towards the goal.
Armstrong’s winner came after Lazo Alavanja was pulled down twenty-five yards out earning Charleston a free kick. After a delay Armstrong hit a fierce drive with his left foot that screamed into the top left corner leaving Kennedy no chance to make a save.
The Battery will travel to Rochester Friday for the first semifinal game at Paetek Park; kick off is set for 7:45 PM (CNN 1450AM). Charleston returns to Blackbaud Stadium on Sunday for the deciding game; kick off will be at 6 PM ($8 – $15, 971-4625).