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USL-1 Charleston Battery

Battery earns point in opener

April 11, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Charleston Battery News Release


Vancouver, BC. The Charleston Battery battled the defending USL champion Vancouver Whitecaps to a 0-0 tie Saturday night at Swangaurd Stadium to earn a point in the season opener. Playing in driving rain for much of the game the Battery produced a gritty performance as goalkeeper Dusty Hudock opened his 10th season as a Charleston player with a shut-out.

The first chance of the game fell to the Charleston Battery in the 10th minute as forward Darren Spicer broke behind the Vancouver defense on the right side. He squared the ball for his strike-partner Tom Heinemann but the ball was scrambled away before Heinemann could reach it.

Vancouver forward Marcus Haber came close in the 14th minute after he slipped past Battery defender John Wilson on the right-flank. Hudock was quick to come off his line and Haber's early shot missed wide left.

Heinemann had a second chance five minutes before the break but his shot on the turn was gathered easily by Whitecaps goalkeeper Jay Nolly.

Both teams traded chances in the second half as the game opened up. Charleston defender Frankie Sanfilippo had a great look in the 53rd minute as he ran down a Vancouver clearance at the edge of the box. He hammered a first-time volley at the goal but watched as the ball flew just wide.

Midfielder Ian Fuller earned a free-kick in the 88th minute but his right-footed attempt hit the side netting.

In stoppage time Vancouver pushed forward and created a scramble in the box from a long throw. Midfielder Martin Nash poked the ball towards the goal but the Battery defense held firm and managed to clear the ball to safety.

Charleston returns to Blackbaud Stadium next Saturday night (April 18) for its home opener versus the Montreal Impact (7:30 PM, $10 - $18, 971-4625, charlestonbattery.com).

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