:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49651869/prince--740x493.0.0.jpeg)
The Battery traveled to Legion Stadium Saturday night to take on the Wilmington Hammerheads, looking to shake off what has been a bizarre turn of events in the wake of Wednesday's 2nd round USOC match up against The Villages SC.
Wilmington on the other hand entered the match looking for their 1st win in USL play in over a month's time. The Hammers have cut it close in their recent losses, all of which have been decided by just a goal.
While the Hammerheads have struggled the Battery have looked strong in league play as of late, scoring nine goals in their previous four matches as they claw their way back up the Eastern Conference table.
Saturdays match got off to a slow start with neither team finding much in the way of chances in their respective attacking 3rds.
The Battery backline put in a strong showing keeping the Wilmington attack at bay throughout thee early stages of the match led by captain Shawn Ferguson. The 6'5 CB would have an outstanding performance for Charleston.
In the 33rd minute Ferguson came up big for The Battery, finishing off a swinging corner by MF Justin Portillo with an amazing goal off the backheel, his first of 2016.
ICYMI: Here is Shawn Ferguson's goal from earlier! #CB93 @Chas_Battery @TheRegiment2 @QARCapo @BlackYellowPost pic.twitter.com/NesA58oblO
— Eric Quintana (@EricQuintana47) May 22, 2016
Here's another angle of that Ferguson goal. #CB93 @Chas_Battery @QARCapo @TheRegiment2 @BlackYellowPost pic.twitter.com/x47cbFBQPE
— Mouths of the South (@MOTSPodcast) May 22, 2016
Ferguson's goal would prove to be the decisive moment for Charleston as they bunkered down for the remainder of the match. The Hammerheads found the majority of possession for the but Wilmington failed to take advantage, with Battery keeper Odisnel Cooper stepping up big to thwart several Hammers chances.
Charleston would go on to wrap up the clean sheet, downing the Hammerheads 1-0. The win moved the Battery into a tie for second place with Red Bulls II in the Eastern Conference Table.
MAN OF THE MATCH:
"BIG" SHAWN FERGUSON
Ferguson's goal secured points on the road for Charleston, and the Battery captain played a key role in leading the club to a clean sheet.
KEY TAKE AWAYS
BOUNCING BACK
After a gut punch of a loss in the USOC and the crazy 24hrs that followed, the Battery managed to put aside all of the distractions and take care of business on the road.
GUERRA AND CORDO RETURN
To key offensive weapons returned for the Battery. Ataullah Guerra, made his first start since leaving the Pittsburgh match with a knee injury. Forward Heviel Cordoves returned for the Battery, coming on late as a sub and nearly scoring a goal of a volley in the 79th minute. It was Cordoves first appearance for Charleston since early April, when the former Cuban international picked up a neck injury in training.
CLIMBING THE TABLE
With a date with first place Louisville just a week away, the Battery have worked their way back to within striking distance of the top spot in the East.
UP NEXT:
Home against Louisville City FC, next Saturday @ 7:30