Sports stats



USL Charleston Battery

FC Montreal Hold Charleston to a Scoreless Draw

August 1, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charleston Battery News Release


Charleston Battery vs. FC Montreal
Charleston Battery vs. FC Montreal
(Charleston Battery)

Despite conceding a man advantage for more than 45 minutes, a tough FC Montreal squad held Charleston Battery to a hard-fought 0-0 draw Saturday night at MUSC Health Stadium in Charleston, in front of a crowd of 5,638 fans.

"We wanted to win," said Battery head coach Mike Anhaeuser. "Obviously, it did get a little chippy and it caused some problems with us. We are going to take the point but we are disappointed we didn't get the three points."

Even though no goals were scored, the first half provided plenty of entertainment for the spectators.

Charleston found itself backed into its own net after Montreal was awarded an indirect free-kick just to the right of the penalty spot. The free-kick was the result of a back pass from Battery defender Shawn Ferguson that was handled by keeper Odisnel Cooper. Charleston loaded the goal line with nine players and left back Emmanuel Adjetey was able to get a body on the ball to prevent a goal.

Charleston looked to strike quickly after giving up the free kick. Forward Dane Kelly found space in the 13th minute after he blew past the last defender. With only the keeper to beat, Kelly tried side-step the sliding keeper but only the ball would make it past, as the keeper took out the feet of Kelly and the referee awarded a penalty kick. Unfortunately, when Justin Portillo stepped up to take the kick, the Montreal keeper read him all the way and dived to his right to make the stop.

The next 20 minutes did not feature too much action as both teams cautiously looked to break through without allowing the other side to find an opening.

The 41st minute provided the most interesting situation of the first half when Charleston defender Shawn Ferguson was whistled for a foul along the right sideline near the benches. Unfortunately for Ferguson, Montreal forward Charles Joly took exception to him trying to prevent a quick free kick. Joly did his best impression of a hockey player with a hip-check that sent Ferguson to the ground. This caused both teams to converge on the players, and Battery midfielder Ricky Garbanzo was on the receiving end of a two-handed shove from Joly that sent Garbanzo sprawling.

"The referee called a foul on me," defender Shawn Ferguson said of the incident. "The guy was trying to play it fast and I just got in the way. Next thing I know, he hip-checked me and Ricky got in there and took one to the face."

The scuffle would earn Joly a straight red card, while Ferguson and Garbanzo each received yellow cards for their roles. The yellow for Garbanzo means he will miss the next match because of yellow card accumulation.

The players weren't the only ones to get heated late in the half. Both coaches began shouting at each other after the incident and Montreal head coach Phillippe Eullaffroy was seen yelling at fans after the final whistle blew.

Despite being up a man for the entire second half, Charleston came out of the locker room sluggish and couldn't find the final pass or shot to put them ahead.

In the 55th minute, Battery midfielder Justin Portillo headed a pass to winger Maikel Chang. Chang was able to find Kelly, who had space. Kelly couldn't find a quality strike and sent a shot sailing well over the bar.

In the 63rd minute, Charleston sent midfielder Sebastien Thuriere on for Jarad van Schaik and Thuriere was able to insert some life into the Battery attack.

Thuriere and defender Quinton Griffith were able to connect on a nice give-and-go deep in the attacking zone in the 71st minute. Griffith was able to send a cross into the box but the ball was forced out for a corner.

The ensuing corner found Thuriere, who was wide open but his volley attempt was scorched straight into the hands of the Montreal keeper.

Thuriere was able to connect with Kelly later in the half, when he found Kelly open at the top of the box. Kelly waws able to turn on his defender but couldn't keep the shot down and the keeper calmly watched it sail over his head and the goal.

Charleston really pushed forward late in the game and Kelly had another opportunity to snag three point for the Battery in stoppage time but once again sent the shot high over the crossbar.

The draw gives Charleston 35 points (9-4-8) on the season and they sit in third place in the USL Eastern Conference behind Louisville and Rochester.

The Charleston Battery continues its season on Saturday August 15th, when they host St. Louis FC at home at MUSC Health Stadium in Charleston, S.C. Tickets are available starting at $10. For information call 843-971-GOAL or visit online at charlestonbattery.com.

Check out the Charleston Battery Statistics




Images from this story

Charleston Battery vs. FC Montreal
Charleston Battery vs. FC Montreal
(Vin Duffy/Charleston Battery)		 Charleston Battery vs. FC Montreal
Charleston Battery vs. FC Montreal
 Charleston Battery vs. FC Montreal
Charleston Battery vs. FC Montreal
Charleston Battery vs. FC Montreal
Charleston Battery vs. FC Montreal
 Charleston Battery vs. FC Montreal
Charleston Battery vs. FC Montreal
  

• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...

United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 1, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central