Charleston looks to take 'that next step'

Battery, Dallas FC meet again in U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals

Tyrone Walker
The Post and Courier

Ian Fuller (left) and the Charleston Battery face FC Dallas today in the quarterfinal of the U.S. Open Cup.

Lazo Alavanja hopes that the third time and a change in venue will be the charm for the Charleston Battery tonight against Dallas FC.

For the third time in as many years, the Charleston Battery will take on Major League Soccer's Dallas FC today in the quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas, at 8:30 p.m.

In its two previous matchups, Dallas walked out of Blackbaud Stadium with hard fought overtime victories.

"We've been so close to beating them the last two times," said Alavanja, who began his professional career with the Dallas Burn in the MLS. "We had our chances to beat them in both of the last two games we played against them, and maybe since we're playing on the road we can get a break and come out with a good result.

"We're playing with a lot of confidence right now. I know if we defend like we're capable of doing, we're going to be in the match. I know it's a game we're all looking forward to."

The Battery advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament for the third straight season after beating the Houston Dynamo in penalty kicks last Tuesday night.

"We've proven we can play with and beat teams from the MLS," said Charleston Battery coach Mike Anhaeuser. "Now, it's time to take that next step and get to the semifinals. Dallas has beaten us the last two seasons, so we've got an incentive to get a good result."

The Battery has been to the U.S. Open Cup semfinals twice, the last time losing to the Chicago Fire, 1-0, in 2004.

With defense at a premium against MLS teams, the Battery will be without two of its key defensive players in defender Marco Reda and holding midfielder Chris Corcoran. Both earned red cards in last week's win over Houston. Reda scored the Battery's only goal during regulation against the Dynamo.

"It's unfortunate that we can't go into Dallas with a full lineup," Anhaeuser said. "Marco has been an integral part of our defense. He has MLS experience and that's a huge factor in games like this. Chris is probably one of our best defensive midfielders. We're going to miss them both."

Anhaeuser was able to rest several players during Saturday's 1-0 win over Seattle. Midfielder Stephen Armstrong played just 20 minutes, while midfielder Kevin Williams and defender John Wilson did not dress for the game.

"We've played a lot of soccer in the last couple of weeks, but our fitness level is pretty good," Anhaeuser said. "Getting John and Kevin a day off and having Stephen out there for less than a half should give us some fresh legs against Dallas."

Dallas defeated the Miami FC Blues, 2-1, behind two goals from forward Abe Thompson to earn its berth into the quarterfinals.

"We've been playing very well defensively all season and on the road against an MLS team that's going to be huge," said Charleston defender Nelson Akwari. "If we can defend properly, I like our chances to win."

Reach Andrew Miller at apmiller@postandcourier.com and check out the new Battery blog at www.charleston.net/blogs/battery/>