Late goal helps Battery into 4th round of USOC

The Charleston Battery are into the next round of the US Open Cup after beating Elm City Express by a score of 1-0.

Gordon Wild was the man on the scoresheet after his 83rd minute effort off the post was enough for the Black and Yellow to advance.

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The match saw the return of Obi Woodbine, who had been absent from the team for the start of the year through multiple issues, as he lined up as part of the back three in place of the rested Skylar Thomas. Angelo Kelly and Victor Mansaray were on the wings, with Ryan Arambula partnering Tah Brian Anunga in the middle, with a front three of Patrick Okonkwo, Ian Svantesson, and the aforementioned Wild.

The visitors had the first shot in earnest after 14′, when a ball deflected off of the midfielder, Anunga before falling to the feet of an attacker who struck just wide of the far post.

On 22′, Elm City had a free kick which Odisnel Cooper in goal would scramble to his left to save.

Patrick Okonkwo looked to add to his goal from the last round a couple minutes later, when a corner from the right was flicked on at the front post by Neveal Hackshaw, before being put on fram by the striker, only to be saved by the goalkeeper.

Just before the break, Angelo Kelly’s effort following a clearance went high over the bar, and that’s how the first half ended

A Gordon Wild volley after 48′ on the turn after a clearance outside the box would look dangerous, but the ‘keeper would be behind it to save.

Ian Svantesson’s shot from close range would go high shortly after as the teams were still deadlocked.

On 66′, Hackshaw would deliver a ball toward the back post for Svantesson, who’s header back across found Okonkwo, but his headed effort was deflected out for a corner which led to naught.

A cross on the left after 77’ by Kelly found Ian Svantesson with the snap header, but it went wide without troubling the ‘keeper.

Gordon Wild had the next effort on 81′ when his curling shot would go high and wide.

But then, Wild would finally find the breakthrough on 83’, when he received the ball from substitute Attaula Guerra before beating his man, picking his head up and shooting off of the far post and in.

It was another impressive strike from Wild as the Battery went in front, but all was not done just yet.

A free kick would be given shortly after for the away side, which was cleared away by the Battery defense.

Ian Svantesson would head a dangerous ball down at the other end on 90′, but Attaula Guerra’s shot went wide.

And that was how it ended. The Battery are now into the fourth round of the US Open Cup with the win.

The Battery next face Nashville SC on Saturday, May 26th. Kick off is at 7PM, and you can watch on MyTV Charleston.

TOP IMAGE: THE BALL DINKS OFF THE POST AND OPENS THE SCORING IN THE BATTERY’S US OPEN CUP WIN OVER ELM CITY EXPRESS. PHOTO CREDIT ROSS ALMERS PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN