USL-1 Charleston Battery

USA Held Scoreless By England

Published on June 9, 2004 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Charleston Battery News Release


Charleston, SC - The United States USL Representative XI tied 0-0 with the England National Game XI tonight at Blackbaud Stadium in front of a crowd of 1,893. The USA outshot England by 16-7 but could not find a way to break England's defenses. The match was the return leg of the two-match series; England won the first game 2-1 on March 2003 in a game played in England.

The US held a twelve shots to zero advantage in the first half. Charleston Battery forward Paul Conway came close in the 4th minute. Richmond Kickers midfielder Mike Burke picked out Conway inside the box. Conway's shot from inside the box missed wide left.

In the 27th minute, the US created another good goal -scoring oppurtunity. Minnesota Timbers midfielder Marco Ferruzzi collected the ball wide on the left. He drifted toward the 18-yard-box then fired a right-footed shot on target. England goalkeeper Matt Baker made an excellent diving save and deflected the ball over the goal.

England's first chance of the game came in the 53rd minute. Substitute midfielder Gary Thompson sent a searching ball in from the right side. Forward Steve Guinan met the cross but his glancing shot was well-saved by Charleston Battery goalkeeper Dusty Hudock.

England midfielder Gareth Sheldon forced another save from Hudock in the 72nd minute. Sheldon cut in from the left side and hit a hard right-footed shot at the goal. Hudock reacted well and tipped the ball over the goal.

The US almost won the game in the 82nd minute. Virginia Beach Mariners forward Dante Washington played a neat pass in to substitute midfielder Steve Klein. Klein's right-footed shot missed wide-left. The final score USA 0 - England 0.




USL First Division Stories from June 9, 2004


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