Battery Earn Point in 1-1 Draw with Sacramento off Paterson’s Goal

By: Battery Media

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 18, 2023) – The Charleston Battery battled to a 1-1 draw on the road against Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday. AJ Paterson struck first with a goal in the first half, assisted by Fidel Barajas, to break open the game. Republic FC, however, would level the score in the second half and neither side managed to take the lead despite the high intensity on the pitch.

After a contentious start to the match with Sacramento on the front foot, it was the Battery who struck first. Fidel Barajas connected with AJ Paterson in the 22nd minute following a rebound from a set piece, and Paterson headed home the opening tally. The goal and assist were the first of the season for Paterson and Barajas, respectively.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men for the rest of the night when Luis Felipe was shown his second yellow card of the game in the 36th minute. Republic FC held the majority of possession in the first half but the Battery took the 0-1 lead into the break.

The Battery started the second half with rhythm early on and nearly doubled their lead in the opening minutes. Sacramento, however, leveled the score in the 55th minute via Jack Gurr with a close-range shot off a deflected cross.

Both sides continued to search for a second goal with intensity. Emilio Ycaza and Derek Dodson both tested goalkeeper Danny Vitiello, however neither could break through. Nick Markanich, Augi Williams and Tristan Trager led the charge up top in the waning minutes of the match but were unable to find the back of the net.

The 1-1 score held to the final whistle and the points were shared, marking the second consecutive draw for the Battery to start the 2023 season.

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