Charleston Battery vs. Richmond Kickers, 2016 USL Season: Final score 2-0, Aerial dominance leads Battery to victory

The Charleston Battery topped the Richmond Kickers, 2-0, on Saturday night at MUSC Health Stadium in USL regular season action. With the win, the Battery pull 10 points ahead of the Kickers in the Eastern conference standings.

The home team took the lead just before the half-hour mark on a header by Taylor Mueller. Justin Portillo’s out-swinging corner found the head of the defender who snapped an effort to the far post that left the Kickers’ goalkeeper rooted to his spot.

Just five minutes later the Battery would double their lead from another header. Obi Woodbine’s right-footed cross from the left flank found Heviel Cordoves unmarked and his glancing header found its way inside the post to make it 2-0.

Richmond began to take control of the match after the second goal but they were unable to create any truly dangerous chances before the halftime whistle blew.

They made four changes to begin the second half and came out on the front foot as the Battery tried to hold the lead. Yudai Imura hit the post just five minutes in for the guests, but they still couldn’t find the net to reduce the two-goal deficit.

Portillo nearly extended the Battery’s lead to 3-0 just after the hour mark as he saw a free kick from just outside the penalty area bang off the crossbar and stay out.

Second half substitute Dante Marini saw merely five minutes of playing time before being shown a straight red card for a studs up challenge in the midfield, leaving the Battery to play the rest of the match with 10 men.

However, the Kickers were unable to take advantage and failed to find the net on the night. The Battery came away with the win.

Thoughts

• Justin Portillo had a very shaky opening 15 minutes with a horrible turnover leading to the Kickers’ first shot on target that was saved by Tambakis.
• Romario Williams got behind the Richmond back line several times in the first 30 minutes but was unable to get a chance on goal. He then had to be subbed off due to a leg injury.
• The Battery dominated the flanks in the first half and did well to beat the Kickers in the air.
• Quinton Griffith was a live wire from his right back spot. Blazing past players and getting into dangerous spots on the field.
• Tambakis came up huge in the dying minutes with a clutch save to preserve the clean sheet.

What’s Next?

The Battery host world-famous Scottish club Rangers FC on Wednesday night at MUSC Health Stadium. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET.