Battery Draw 0-0 with Pittsburgh as Kuzemka Notches Clean Sheet

Chris Cowger, Futbol, Highmark Stadium, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Soccer, Soccer Photography, Sports Photography, USL, USL Championship

By: Battery Media

PITTSBURGH  – The Charleston Battery secured a point in a scoreless draw with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Wednesday at Highmark Stadium. Battery goalkeeper Daniel Kuzemka notched three saves in his first career clean sheet during a night that was highlighted by defense. Charleston remains undefeated against Pittsburgh in 2022 with one win and one draw. The Battery will look to build on the strong road performance this Saturday when they return to Patriots Point to face New York Red Bulls II.

The evening began with a cautious start from both teams as neither were eager to overcommit one way or another. Only three shots were registered through the first 17 minutes, all off target. Pittsburgh created their first real chance of the night in the 19th minute following a string of passes into the final third. Goalkeeper Daniel Kuzemka made a diving save to deny Toby Sims and neutralized the threat.

It wouldn’t be until past the half-hour mark that another opportunity to score presented itself. Sims sent in an inviting cross into the box, but it failed to be received by a teammate. The Battery nearly broke the game open in the 39th minute when a defensive error allowed Andrew Booth to take a shot on goal without goalkeeper Jahmali Waite on his line. Booth’s shot was deflected initially and then tipped over the crossbar with a header by Arturo Ordóñez, a big chance missed.

The half ended scoreless, with the Battery holding just shy of 60% of possession and the Hounds taking the majority of shots (seven to Charleston’s two).

Play resumed in the second half with the Hounds winning a pair of free kicks within the opening 10 minutes. The second, taken by Kenardo Forbes, was calmly saved by Kuzemka. The rookie shot-stopper was called upon again in the 69th minute to make a save on Jelani Peters’ shot after Peters dispossessed Booth.

The intensity began to ramp up in the waning moments of the match as the two sides searched for a match-winner. Charleston had a free kick in the 82nd minute that turned contentious when Patrick Hogan was taken down inside the box during the play. The Battery appealed for a penalty to be awarded but to no avail. Pittsburgh had a chance at the end of stoppage time to score when Alexander Dixon tried to connect with Forbes inside the box, however the pass was just beyond reach.

The final whistle blew and the Battery secured a point at Highmark Stadium, remaining undefeated against Pittsburgh in 2022. Kuzemka notched his first career clean sheet as a professional and AJ Paterson appeared in his 75th total match with the Battery. Charleston’s draw also secured the supporter-led Old Guard Shield for the Lowcountry fans.

Battery Head Coach Conor Casey and goalkeeper Daniel Kuzemka discussed the match after the draw.

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