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USL Charleston Battery

Battery Advance to the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup

May 16, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charleston Battery News Release


e Battery defeated Greenville Triumph SC 2-1 Wednesday night in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Legacy Early College. It was the first meeting between the two sides since Greenville joined USL League One prior to the start of the 2019 season.

Greenville Triumph SC looked to extend their Open Cup run against the Battery after beating South Georgia Tormenta FC in the first round on May 8th. It was a promising start from the League One side as they controlled much of the first half play and created a number of chances including their opening goal in the 30th minute. Midfielder Omar Mohamed created a few yards of space in a one on one with Battery defender Kyle Nelson and forced Nelson into conceding a corner. Max Hemmings connected with the Aaron Walker cross and headed home the opening goal of the match.

e Battery ended the first half on a high, creating a few dangerous opportunities through forwards Zeiko Lewis and Nicque Daley. Daley showcased his power and speed down the left side, shrugging off a Greenville defender before slipping past another in the box. Daley looked to pick out a runner in the box with a low pass but instead missed the back post by mere inches to keep the Battery from leveling before half.

Coming out of halftime the Battery were on the backfoot once again struggling to keep Greenville from getting into dangerous areas. Trailing 1-0 with twenty minutes to play, head coach Mike Anhaeuser elected to bring on forward Ian Svantesson for Daley in the 70th minute. It was Svantessons first action back after suffering an ankle injury in the Battery's 3-1 loss to Bethlehem Steel FC on April 13th.

Svantesson made an immediate impact in attack for the Battery, challenging for loose balls and looking dangerous on crosses and corners. e breakthrough would come in the 79th minute as Svantesson battled for a ball in the box. e Greenville defense struggled to clear the danger and the ball found its way to Svantesson just a few yards out from goal. A quick snap shot was enough to beat Dallas Jaye and level the scoring.

Svantesson continued to work for a winner with extra time minutes away. He'd take his chance in the first minute of stoppage time latching on to a ball delivered down the right side from the Battery defensive half. Svantesson took a few touches into the box and hit a low powerful shot right at Jaye who couldn't control, and the ball deflected into the back of the net.

e win sees the Battery through to the third round of the Open Cup where they will take on USL Championship side Nashville SC on May 29th at Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium at 8:30 EST. e match can be streamed live on ESPN+.

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