Battery Beat Louisville 2-0 with Second-Half Set Pieces

September 12, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charleston Battery News Release

CHARLESTON---A free-kick from Justin Portillo, a header from Dane Kelly and a stellar defensive performance from the entire team propelled the Charleston Battery past Louisville City FC by a score of 2-0 Saturday night in Charleston at MUSC Health Stadium in front of a crowd of 3,978.

"We got the job done, we did exactly what we had to and you have to commend the guys for that," Battery head coach Mike Anhaeuser said after the match. "They are a good team. We were able to take control and were unlucky to not add another goal."

The first 15 minutes of play were up and down the field for both squads, but chances were not to be found. Both teams spent the first half targeting their top forwards, Kelly for Charleston and Matt Fondy for Louisville City, but neither could find space in the final third to get anything other than a few half-chances for Kelly.

When the teams returned for the second half, the game opened up a little, but both teams made it clear they would not relent on defense.

Set pieces would prove to be the difference in the second half.

In the 63rd minute, Dane Kelly was knocked down on the edge of the box. In a threatening position, three Battery players surrounded the ball but Justin Portillo took the kick. Portillo hit the ball towards the far post and got Louisville keeper Greg Ranjitsingh to dive. A deflection off a defender sent the ball spinning into the back of the net with the keeper hopelessly sprawled in front of the goal. It was Kelly's team-leading 10th USL goal of the season, giving him double-digit goals for the third consecutive year.

A 1-0 lead did not mean Charleston was done searching for goals. Continuing to push forward with Kelly and Maikel Chang leading the way, the Battery created a few dangerous chances but couldn't get another shot past Ranjitsingh until the final 10 minutes..

In the 81st minute, substitute midfielder Dante Marini was knocked down on the right edge of the box and a free kick was given to Charleston. Midfielder Jarad van Schaik stepped up to take the free kick and sent a cross towards Kelly by the far post. Kelly rose above his defenders and headed the ball past Ranjitsingh to give the Battery a 2-0 lead.

Louisville continued to look for an opportunity on the attack but was continually thwarted by Charleston's back four. Louisville entered the match as the league leaders in goals scored, including league leader Fondy, who has 22 goals (the USL single-season record) and 103 shots on the season. Despite the prolific track record, Fondy was held shotless by the Battery and was left frustrated at being held in check.

The victory extended Charleston's home unbeaten streak to 23 matches and almost assured a spot in the USL playoffs for the Battery. The Battery will look to grab the third seed in the USL post-season field when the team squares off against Charlotte Independence next Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Charleston, S.C. at MUSC Health Stadium. Tickets are available starting at $10. For information call 843-971-GOAL or visit online at charlestonbattery.com.

Charleston Battery vs. Louisville City FC (Kim Morgan Gregory Photography)	Charleston Battery vs. Louisville City FC (Kim Morgan Gregory Photography)	Charleston Battery vs. Louisville City FC (Kim Morgan Gregory Photography)
Charleston Battery vs. Louisville City FC (Kim Morgan Gregory Photography)	Charleston Battery vs. Louisville City FC (Kim Morgan Gregory Photography)

United Soccer League Championship Stories from September 12, 2015

• Braun Brace Lifts Republic FC over Portland Timbers 2 3-0 - Sacramento Republic FC
• Battery Beat Louisville 2-0 with Second-Half Set Pieces - Charleston Battery
• Saint Louis Snaps Charlotte's Unbeaten Streak - Charlotte Independence
• STL FC Blanks Charlotte in Front of Record Crowd - Saint Louis FC
• Islanders Complicate Playoff Fate with Draw against Richmond - Penn FC
• Kickers Battle Harrisburg to 1-1 Draw - Richmond Kickers
• With Two-Seed Wrapped Up, Louisville City Drops Second Straight - Louisville City FC
• Dantas Rescues Vital Point for 10-Man Hounds - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
• Arizona United SC Shutout 1-0 in Series-Ending Loss to Real Monarchs SLC - Phoenix Rising FC
• Rhinos Match Postponed Due to Field Conditions - Rochester Rhinos
• Sounders FC 2 Falls 1-0 at Home to Orange County Blues FC - Tacoma Defiance

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