Sports stats



USL Charleston Battery

Inter Miami Capture Carolina Challenge Cup Title

February 19, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charleston Battery News Release


CHARLESTON, S.C. - Inter Miami CF were crowned champions of the 2022 Breeze Airways© Carolina Challenge Cup on Saturday following a 1-2 victory over Charlotte FC at Patriots Point. The victory capped off an unbeaten run for the Herons, with goals coming from Leonardo Campana and Gonzalo Higuaín. Miami's title-winning run snaps Columbus Crew's three-year winning streak in the tournament.

Miami's first goal came just before the half-hour mark and was set up by defender DeAndre Yedlin. The U.S. international drove the ball from the right side before finding Campana in the middle of the box. Campana's one-touch shot rattled off the right post but a fortunate bounce gave him another opportunity, which he flicked in with his left foot on the ricochet. That lead would hold through to the intermission.

Miami added to their lead in the 70th minute following a strong build up inside Charlotte's defensive third. Jean Mota sent in a well-placed ball to Noah Allen, over the Charlotte defense, who then played the ball back to the top of the box to Higuaín. From there, the No. 10 drove the ball into the back of the net.

Charlotte would get one back towards the end of the match when the side was awarded a penalty in stoppage time. Ex-Miami player Christian Makoun made no mistake from the spot while refraining to celebrate against his former club. The goal was the first in front of Charlotte's lively fanbase. Miami would see out the victory despite Charlotte's spirited effort for a late equalizer.

Inter Miami's title capped off the reintroduction of the Breeze Airways© Carolina Challenge Cup after two years and in its edition at Patriots Point. The trophy is the first piece of silverware in Miami's history. As the dust settles, following Miami on the table are the Columbus Crew (five points), Charleston Battery (three points) and Charlotte FC (one point).

As the visiting MLS sides start their regular seasons in a week's time, the Battery's preseason continues through the next three weeks ahead of their USL Championship opener at home against FC Tulsa on March 12.

Check out the Charleston Battery Statistics

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

United Soccer League Championship Stories from February 19, 2022


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