USL-1 Charleston Battery

Battery loses to Thunder

Published on June 4, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Charleston Battery News Release


Charleston, SC. The Charleston Battery lost to the Minnesota Thunder tonight by a score of three goals to one at Blackbaud Stadium in front of 3,570. With the loss Charleston drops to a record of 2-6-2, 8 points and remains in 8th position in the USL First Division. Minnesota improves to 2-1-4, 10 points good for 6th position.

The Battery scored first through midfielder Lazo Alavanja in the 24th minute. Forward Thabiso Khumalo played a deep cross in from wide on the right. Alavanja took a touch to control it just inside the box then fired a low right-footed shot into the bottom left corner of the goal.

In the 36th minute the Thunder were awarded a free-kick twenty yards out. Midfielder Jeff Matteo drove it at the goal but Charleston goalkeeper Chris Doyle tipped the shot over the bar.

Minnesota equalized in the 62nd minute. The Ball was worked to defender Chris Brunt just outside the penalty-area. Brunt hit a low stinging shot that beat Doyle diving to his right.

In the 69th minute Alavanja was denied by the woodwork after his hard first-time shot cannoned back off the underside of the cross-bar. The ball struck Minnesota goalkeeper Joe Warren but he grabbed it before it could be finished into the goal.

In the 84th minute Charleston had another opportunity after Alavanja broke a tackle and whipped in a cross from the right flank. Evans met the ball well but was denied by Warren who made an excellent reaction save.

In the 88th minute the Thunder took the lead with a goal by substitute forward Nathan Knox. Then in the dieing moments Minnesota added to its lead after defender Tim Karalexis and goalkeeper Chris Doyle miscued on a clearance. Substitute forward Aaron Paye took advantage and lobbed Doyle from just inside the box.




USL First Division Stories from June 4, 2005


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