Battery rallies past C of C in exhibition contest, 3-1

Charleston Battery 3, College of Charleston 1

In what has become a rite of spring, the Charleston Battery and the College of Charleston men's soccer team played an exhibition match Wednesday at Patriots Point.

The Battery won 3-1, but both teams left satisfied.

"I think my young men did very well," said Cougars coach Ralph Lundy. "This is what we need. We need to play big brothers. And the Battery is very gracious to play us every spring. I'm very pleased with what we did here today."

The Battery, preparing for the upcoming USL First Division season, was able to get an assessment of its personnel against outside competition.

The Battery plays host to the fifth annual Carolina Challenge Cup beginning this weekend when they take on the New York Red Bulls of the MLS at 8:15 p.m. on Saturday at Blackbaud Stadium.

"We were able to play all our players which was good," said Battery coach Mike Anhaeuser. "We're still looking to get things gelling because we have a lot of new players. What we wanted to do was make sure we got the guys at least 45 minutes for their fitness and just get out in a game environment. We've played a intrasquad scrimmage, but this is a good time to get out against a team and some competition where they're battling a little harder than when we're playing each other."

Charleston actually led 1-0, but the Battery tied it by halftime and scored two goals in the second half to pull away.

"We've got to make sure that we take care of business and do the things that we do properly," Anhaeuser said. "We're only a week into our preseason and they've been together, so they have the upper hand on that side. But these guys are professionals and they need to come out and prepare themselves and get themselves ready. There were some good things and some things we need to work on and that's what you find no matter who the competition is. It was very good.

"The college always brings great effort. They played a very good first half and actually battled very well."

Reach Charles Bennett at cbennett@postandcourier.com.