USL Orange County SC

Blues Earn Draw, Shutout in Charleston

Published on July 1, 2011 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release


Charleston, SC - The Los Angeles Blues earned a draw on the road on Friday evening, playing traditional USL powerhouse Charleston Battery to a scoreless draw behind a solid defensive effort. Blues netminder Oscar Dautt became the day's hero, as his point-blank reflex denied the Battery's Dane Kelly the winning goal late in the match.

Blues striker Chukwudi Chijindu created the only noteworthy opportunity of an uneventful first half, controlling the ball at the top of the penalty area in the 12th minute and releasing a fierce drive that whistled just over the crossbar. The Battery did not come close to scoring until ten minutes after the break. Zach Prince displayed some magnificent footwork on the right side of the box before centering to Kelly, whose finishing touch let him down as he redirected straight into the arms of Dautt from close range.

Unfortunately for the fans inside Charleston's Blackbaud Stadium, the second half hardly turned out more entertaining than the first, as neither team was able to create a chance until the final stages. In the 81st minute, Battery forward Brandon Massie chested down a long cross to the right side of the penalty area and saw his dangerous half-volley from a tight angle scream just wide of the far post.

The hosts had a golden opportunity to take all three points in second-half stoppage time. Veteran midfielder Stephen Armstrong passed the ball to Mike Zaher on the left and the 25-year-old whipped in a great left-footed cross that found the head of a crashing Kelly. The Battery forward should have had an easy finish from about five yards out, but Dautt came up with a fantastic reaction stop to keep the match scoreless and save the day for the Blues.

Charleston next hosts Orlando City on Saturday, July 9. Meanwhile, the Blues hope to create more offense when they take on hosts Wilmington Hammerheads tomorrow, June 2, at 4.30 p.m. PST in a game that will be streamed on www.usllive.com.

Los Angeles' next home match is against the Dayton Dutch Lions on Friday, July 15, at Fullerton's Titan Stadium. The meeting, which kicks off at 8 p.m. PST, will be broadcast nationally on Fox Soccer Channel. Everyone in attendance will receive a ticket voucher for the July 23 game between MLS sides Chivas USA and Houston Dynamo at the Home Depot Center in Carson. Tickets for the Blues' match against Dayton are $14 at the gate and $10 if purchased in advance by calling 310-264-4649 or visiting www.labluesprosoccer.com. Group rates are available.

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