Image by Charleston BatteryImage by 20090510-railhawks.jpg Dan Antoniuk returned to WakeMed Stadium with a goal.
The Charleston Battery won their first game ever against the Carolina RailHawks of Friday, May 10.
Read more stories on this subject in our Charleston Battery topic page. The Battery won 2-1 at WakeMed Stadium in front of 4,531.
Until now the Battery had never won a game (or even lead in a match) against the RailHawks. The series is now 1-6.
Ironically, former RailHawks players Dan Antoniuk and Frankie Sanfilippo chalked both goals for the Battery. And who scored for the RailHawks? Former Battery forward Gavin Glinton.
The Battery have advanced to third position in the USL First Division.
Here's more about the game from an e-mailed released:
The game was a chippy affair with both teams seeing a player sent off; Amir Lowery for Carolina and John Wilson for the Charleston Battery.
Kick off was delayed for an hour because of inclement weather but when it did start Charleston took advantage with quick goal in the 3rd minute. Dan Antoniuk picked up possession in the box and lashed a low shot into the bottom right corner.
In the 9th minute Charleston almost doubled their lead after midfielder Tsuyoshi Yoshitake earned a free-kick on the right side. He whipped the ball into the middle but Fuller’s flashing header was saved by goalkeeper Caleb Patterson.
In the 18th minute the RailHawks were reduced to ten men after midfielder Amir Lowery caught Ian Fuller with his fore-arm. The ensuing red card left Charleston with a man advantage.
Despite the missing player Carolina fought back and created a shooting opportunity in the 26th minute with a quick pass to Kupono Low. Low lifted a shot at goal but the ball rose high over the cross-bar.
Charleston doubled its lead in the 54th minute after Yoshitake set the ball back to Frankie Sanfilippo at the edge of the box. Sanfilippo hit a first-time shot that flew into the top corner to make it 2-0.
Gavin Glinton pulled one back for the RailHawks in the 73rd minute and then the game became frantic as John Wilson was ejected minutes later for a rash challenge on Carolina midfielder Brian Plotkin.
The Battery’s next game is also away; it’s on the 15th versus the Montreal Impact. But then they’ll be back in Charleston for a home game on Wednesday, May 20, against the Miami FC Blues. 7:30 p.m., $10 to $18. Buy tickets in advance by calling (843) 971-GOAL or online.
