MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – For the second time this season, the Charleston Battery were too good for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, managing a 1-0 win at Patriot’s Point on Friday night.
After a scoreless first half, Charleston took the lead in the 54th minute. Angelo Kelly took possession and sent the ball for Mauro Chichero. Chichero set up Zeiko Lewis, who beat Forrest Lasso on the run and sent his shot into the back of the net.
It was a rough night for the Rowdies, who didn’t manage a shot on target in 90 minutes. No adjustments made by Head Coach Neil Collins, and there were several in the match, could stop the Battery from controlling the match.
In the 22nd minute, Charleston thought the opener came. AJ Paterson directed the ball into the back of the net. Tampa Bay was spared by the assistant’s flag to keep the match scoreless, where it would stay at the break.
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The Rowdies could have opened the scoring just before conceding the lone goal of the match. Leo Fernandes had a free-kick from just over 20 yards out but hit it over the bar.
With 10 minutes to play, Fernandes’ corner could have salvaged a draw for the visitors. He found a wide-open Sebastian Dalgaard who couldn’t get the shot away, resigning the Rowdies to the loss.
The result tightened the group. Charleston now three points behind the Rowdies with a game in hand, so the Rowdies could well find themselves second place facing a more challenging opening round of the playoffs.
(Photo: Charleston Battery)
Florida Soccer Report 