Hawks blank Battery

RailHawks 1, Battery 0

RALEIGH — The Charleston Battery was defeated by the Carolina RailHawks by a score of 1-0 Saturday night at SAS Stadium. The lone goal came by Carolina midfielder Kupono Low from the penalty-spot in the 39th minute. After conceding the goal, the Battery (1-2-2, 5 points) enjoyed the majority of possession but could not break down a resilient RailHawks defense.

The Battery started quickly and created an early chance in the 10th minute as midfielder Stephen Armstrong played a through-ball to Aaron King. King ran onto the pass but his shot from the edge of the box curled wide of the goal.

In the 32nd minute, midfielder Gordon Chin found some space at the edge of the penalty area. Chin held off his marker and fired a hard shot at goal. The ball deflected on its way through and flew into the side netting.

The RailHawks took the lead in the 39th minute from the penalty-spot after Battery defender Tim Karalexis tangled awkwardly with midfielder Chris Carrieri in the box. Railhawks midfielder Kupono Low took the spot-kick and slotted it neatly past Battery goalkeeper Dusty Hudock into the bottom left corner of the goal.

Charleston created two good chances in succession after half-time. Defender Lee Sandwina forced RailHawks goalkeeper Chris McClellan to make a save in the 51st minute. Then, seconds later, Stephen Armstrong was denied by another good save as he shot towards the near-post.

The Battery takes on the Atlanta Silverbacks next Saturday at Blackbaud Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.