Battery shuts down Silverbacks

Battery 2, Silverbacks 0

Ian Fuller was an instigator and a finisher as the Charleston Battery shut out its southern rival in a 2-0 victory over the Atlanta Silverbacks in front of a crowd of 4,631 at Blackbaud Stadium on Saturday.

It was the first time in nearly two years the Battery managed to beat its United Soccer League rivals who also are the team's most common opponent. The Battery owns an 18-13-4 record against Atlanta.

"This is a rivalry and we want to make sure we take care of business on our end and keep it a rivalry," Charleston coach Mike Anhaeuser said.

Fuller, though he won't be credited with an assist, helped get the Battery on the scoreboard first when he took a quick free kick just past midfield in the 36th minute. Stephen Armstrong received the ball down the left sideline and hammered a slant pass from about quarter-field toward the net where Byron Alvarez broke through a line of defenders and headed a goal from point-blank range.

"It was a great goal together," he said. "Stevie's a master at taking it down the side and Alvarez is a great finisher. It was absolutely perfect timing."

In the second half, Fuller actually was able to get himself on the scoring sheet with a goal of his own. In the 50th minute, Luke Vercollone launched a corner kick from the right side that was deflected high into the air. Chris Corcoran timed his jump well and knocked the ball down to the feet of several players in front of the goal. Fuller was the first to gain control and quickly pushed a shot through traffic and past Atlanta keeper Felipe Quintero.

"It was something special. There's a huge difference between one goal and two goals in this game," he said. "We haven't scored many goals (this season). To get two and not give away any is superb. If we do that all year, we'll pick up a lot of points."

The victory gave Charleston (2-2-2) three much-needed points in the standings.

Though both teams had several scoring opportunities, Charleston seemed to take better control of the ball during its possessions and pushed the pace of play in Atlanta's zone. The Battery was particularly adept at winning headers to control free balls in the air.

"From the start, we took control of the game," Anhaeuser said. "We wanted to keep pressure on their end and work forward, and it seemed to work out for us."

Fuller's second-half goal gave the Battery an important cushion to work with as the Silverbacks just missed on several scoring chances in the final 15 minutes of the game. Overall, Atlanta (3-3-2, 11 points) took 13 shots, and Battery keeper Dusty Hudock made five saves. Atlanta's closest scoring opportunity came when Dayton O'Brien hit the crossbar with about 10 minutes left.

Charleston had 10 shots on goal, but continually kept pressure on the Silverbacks in both halves. Of the Battery's eight corner kicks, seven came in the second half.

Charleston next plays on Wednesday at the California Victory.

Reach Bill Henley at 937-5595 or by email at bhenley@postandcourier.com.

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