USL-1 Charleston Battery

Battery falls to New York

Published on March 24, 2007 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Charleston Battery News Release


The New York Red Bulls took on tournament hosts USL Division One Charleston Battery. In last year's tournament, the Red Bulls lost to the Battery 1-0 and serve as the only MLS team to lose to the Battery in the four-year history of the tournament.

A nearly full-strength Red Bull again struggled, but managed to get past the USL side 1-0 on a second half stoppage time goal by Dema Kovalenko.

Battery goalkeeper Dusty Hudock was hands-down the man of the match, coming up big on several occasions including a save on a Claudio Reyna penalty kick.

But the Red Bulls speed up front proved to be too much for the Battery-in their second week of preseason preparation-when Kovalenko jumped on a rebound after Hudock made an initial save on a Dane Richard breakaway.

The Battery's game plan was obvious from the start: Absorb the Red Bulls repeated runs forward and counter. It worked, for the most part. The Battery had several chances utilizing the counter, but lacked the breakaway speed in the end to capitalize.

Despite the strong defensive effort, it looked as if the Red Bulls would pull ahead in the 61st minute when Battery midfielder Ian Fuller was called for a handball in the penalty area. Reyna stepped up hitting the spot-kick low and to Hudock's right. With a good jump on the ball, Hudock knocked the ball down and it was cleared away.

Richard, a 63rd minute substitute for Ansu Toure, increased the pressure on the tiring Battery back line, making several penetrating runs, forcing Hudock to make two good saves before his third run on goal which Kovalenko finished.

For Red Bulls coach Bruce Arena, the result was met with mixed feelings. "We attacked well," he said. "But our finishing need to be better."

On Wednesday the Red Bulls face Toronto F.C. in the second leg of the round-robin tournament at 6:p.m. followed by Charleston and Houston at 8:15.

Check out the Charleston Battery Statistics

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USL First Division Stories from March 24, 2007


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