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In a first-ever feat for the team, the Charleston Battery have advanced to U.S. Open Cup final after winning in a 4-3 shootout against the Seattle Sounders. It's also the first time since 1999 that a non-MLS team has made it to the final.

Sadly, however, since the New England Revolution lost their game against D.C. United, the final will be held in D.C., on Sept. 3. and not Charleston.

The game ended 1-1 with the Battery (11-6-4, 37 points) scoring their goal in the 33rd minute, and the Sounders (8-7-8, 32 points) scoring first in the 20th minute.

The Charleston Battery's Web site has a solid write-up of the game, saying in part:
"I tell you what, we're excited," Battery coach Mike Anhaeuser said. "But we know we're going to have to be prepared. We made it to the finals, and the semifinals are the hardest games to play sometimes. But now anybody's got a shot—it's a fifty-fifty game. We know we've got to go [to DC] and play well."

The Post and Courier also has its own more in-depth write-up:
The Battery used a smothering defense that held the defending USL First Division champions to just six shots on goal in 120 minutes of action.

The paper also has a splendid photo gallery of the night's game. You can also watch the game on USLive.com.

The Battery's next game is Thursday (Aug. 16) away against the Atlanta Silverbacks. Past game results are available on the Battery Web site.

Charleston's team plays in the US Open Cup finals on September 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Washington D.C. against the MLS team DC United.