Charleston Battery drop to Richmond, still in first

Image by Charleston Battery

The Charleston Battery fell to the Richmond Kickers 3-1 Saturday night at U of R Stadium in front of 2,037. After dominating the first period the Battery conceded three goals in twenty minutes after the break as the Kickers handed the Battery their second loss of the season. 

Playing their second game in 24 hours the Battery players tired visibly after half time on a warm, muggy night in Richmond. Midfielder Alioune Gueye scored the lone Battery goal late in the game as Charleston’s fight back fell short. 

Despite the loss the Battery (6-2-3, 21 points) maintains its grip on first place in USL-2 six points clear of the second place Richmond Kickers (4-2-3, 15 points). The match was chippy at times with tempers flaring and six players were shown yellow cards by the referee. 

The Battery paid the price for not taking the lead before half time as they squandered a succession of opportunities. The best chance came in the 20th minute after Brandon Massie burst between the two Richmond central defenders and was in alone on goal. Richmond goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale was quickly off his line though and smothered Massie’s attempt with an excellent blocking save. 

Richmond showed more energy after the break and goals from Edson Elcock, Bobby Foglesong and Sasha Gorres effectively decided the game. 

The bright moment of the second half came in the 81st minute as midfielder Alioune Gueye headed past Pascale to provide Charleston a consolation goal. 

The Battery returns to Blackbaud Stadium next Friday night for a second game against the Richmond Kickers; kick off is set for 7:30 PM ($10 - $18, 971-4625 / www.charlestonbattery.com). 

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