Avila’s Goal Secures Battery 1-0 Win Over Memphis

By: Battery Media

The Charleston Battery defeated Memphis 901 FC 1-0 at Patriots Point on Saturday in front of a crowd of over 4,000 strong. Beto Avila’s goal in the first half proved to make the difference as Ben Pirmann’s men took home three big points amid a heated race for playoff positioning. Goalkeeper Trey Muse tallied his ninth shutout of the season in the win.

Charleston started the match similar to the first meeting between the two sides, on the front foot and applying heavy pressure early on. However, a shot on target wouldn’t be registered through the quarter-hour mark by either team.

Beto Avila broke open the game in the 17th minute with a stunning strike from short distance and through a tight window past goalkeeper Drew Romig. Chris Allan provided the assist for the goal against his former club, leading Avila down the right side. From there, Avila flashed his shiftiness to get around one defender and then tucked the ball between Romig and the near post.

The goal was Avila’s third of the season and second against 901 FC in as many games. Allan’s assist was his second of the year, first in league play.

Charleston continued to take the game to Memphis while looking to double their lead as the half progressed. The visitors managed only one shot on target against Trey Muse, which he saved in the 24th minute.

The 1-0 scoreline held to halftime, setting the stage for a crucial second half of play.

Play resumed with the Battery looking to maintain their command of the game while limiting Memphis’ chances. The visitors did start to find their footing and challenge Charleston’s defense more than they did in the first half.

Muse was tested early on, making a save in the 47th minute and the 57th minute to keep 901 FC at bay.

Despite relinquishing over 60% possession to the opposition in the second half, Charleston smartly saw out the game with a 1-0 lead in hand. Memphis did not have a shot on target again after the hour mark.

The Battery secured the 1-0 victory, their first over Memphis since 2019, handing them a major boost in their playoff aspirations. The win helps affirm Charleston’s spot in the top four with a record 13W-7L-7D (46 pts), which would allow them to host a playoff game in the opening round.

Saturday’s victory was a noteworthy one for Ben Pirmann, who tallied his 50th career victory in the USL Championship regular season and it was one that came at the expense of his former club.

Trey Muse also notched a new career high for shutouts in a season. The win was his ninth of 2023, surpassing his mark of eight last year.

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