Alvarez helps silence Thunder

Battery 2, Thunder 1

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Striker Byron Alvarez scored twice to lead Charleston to its first road win of the season as the Battery beat the Minnesota Thunder, 2-1, on Saturday night at James Griffin Stadium.

Leading 2-0, the Battery gave up a late penalty kick goal, but Charleston held on for the victory and improved to 3-2-3 (12 points) and moved the Battery into sixth place in the USL standings.

Charleston came out flying from the opening whistle and had two good chances

inside the first five minutes. Alvarez had a free-kick tipped wide in the third minute, then seconds later midfielder Gordon Chin hit a hard volley that was also scrambled away by Minnesota.

The Battery scored the first goal in the 19th minute following a slip pass into the box from midfielder Lazo Alavanja. Byron Alvarez took possession of the ball and tucked it past Thunder goalkeeper Joe Warrens' far-post.

Battery goalkeeper Dusty Hudock made an strong save in the 30th minute after the Thunder earned a corner-kick on the right-side. The ball was swung into the middle where it was met by midfielder Godfrey Tenoff who snapped a header at the goal. Hudock leapt across and just managed to turn the ball wide with his left palm.

Charleston came close to scoring a second in the 62nd minute as Alavanja broke a tackle 30 yards out. He took a touch to control the ball then fired a shot that sailed high.

Alvarez scored his second goal in the 75th minute with a superb chipped finish after a through-ball from Chin. Warren came off his line quickly but was stranded as Alvarez lifted the ball over him and into the goal.

The Battery next plays Thursday at Blackbaud Stadium, hosting the Seattle Sounders at 7:30 p.m.