USL-1 Charleston Battery

Battery defeats Islanders, Hollingsworth scores 89th minute winner

Published on July 22, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Charleston Battery News Release


Charleston, SC. The Charleston Battery defeated the Puerto Rico Islanders by a score of two goals to one tonight at Blackbaud Stadium in front of 3,388. Mt. Pleasant native, Ben Hollingsworth scored the winning goal in the final minute to lift the Battery into 6th position in the USL First Division; it was Hollingsworth's first goal for the Club.

The Battery opened the scoring in the 23rd minute as midfielder Josh Smith streaked past his defender on the right side. Smith whipped a cross into the back post to midfielder Jesus Martinez who headed past goalkeeper Dan Kennedy.

Four minutes later the Islanders equalized as the Battery conceded an own-goal. Defender Tim Karalexis attempted to head back to goalkeeper Mike Behonick but the ball carried past Behonick and into the empty-net.

Karalexis was injured on the play and Charleston were forced to make a substitution, inserting defender Jeremie Piette.

Midfielder Lazo Alavanja had a pair of chances after the half-time break. In the 70th minute Alavanja combined with substitute midfielder Boyzzz Khumalo to work a scoring opportunity. Khumalo crossed to Alavanja in the box but his header flew high of the goal.

In the 74th minute he made a weaving run through the middle before firing a hard shot at the goal. The ball appeared to have beaten the goalkeeper but it struck his trailing led and deflected away.

In the 79th minute Puerto Rico threatened as substitute midfielder Juan Irrera crossed from the right-flank. Substitute forward Alberto Perez met the cross but his shot missed wide-right.

The winning goal came in the 89th minute after Charleston were awarded a free-kick thirty yards out. Alavanja struck the ball at the goal with a low driven shot. Hollingsworth ran onto the shot and redirected the ball past a helpless Dan Kennedy.

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USL First Division Stories from July 22, 2005


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