Battery Fall to Miami 1-2, Sold-out Crowd at Patriots Point

By: Battery Media

The Charleston Battery were defeated 1-2 by Miami FC in front of a sold-out crowd at Patriots Point on Saturday. Augi Williams brought the stadium to life with a strike in the 7th minute, but a pair of goals in the second half for Miami proved to be the difference. Charleston will turn their focus to the regular season finale next Saturday against Birmingham Legion FC before kicking off their playoff run.

The Battery were off to a flying start to the night to get the packed house on their feet. Augi Williams scored the opening tally in the 7th minute to put the Battery ahead 1-0. Tristan Trager forced the issue by driving down the left flank with a cross to Williams. Goalkeeper Jake McGuire saved Williams’ first effort but the save went back to the striker, who sent it to the back of the net in his second attempt.

The goal was Williams’ 14th of the year across all competitions.

Both sides began to settle in defensively after the opening tally. Only three on-target attempts would come through the half-hour mark but all were from the 18-yard box or further. Goalkeeper Trey Muse recorded two saves in the first half. Chris Allan nearly drew more blood in the 33rd minute, but his strike from distance rocked off the woodwork.

Williams’ goal held through halftime as the Battery took the 1-0 lead into the break. Charleston also held the majority of possession against Miami, at 58% to 42%.

Play resumed with neither side making a change to personnel. Miami were awarded a penalty in the 55th minute after Ryan Telfer went to ground while attempting a dribble inside the box. Joaquin Rivas converted from the spot a moment later, despite Muse guessing correctly in his save attempt.

Charleston pushed for another go-ahead goal after conceding, with Emilio Ycaza and Derek Dodson registering shots through the 77th minute. Miami, however, managed to find the breakthrough goal in the 79th minute via Michael Salazar to make the score 1-2.

The Battery registered more passes in the opposition’s half and in the final third than Miami in the second half, but were unable to add a second goal before the final whistle.

Saturday’s loss marks the second consecutive for the club. The team will look to get back on track in the final regular season match of the season next weekend before the playoffs start.

Charleston’s record moves to 16W-9L-8D (56 pts), locking their spot in third in the conference standings.

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