RELEASE — CHARLESTON, S.C. – VSI Tampa Bay FC and the Charleston Battery left Blackbaud Stadium Saturday after 90 scoreless minutes.
In front of thousands of fans the two teams battled to a draw, the Battery’s third draw in as many games. In the midst of the second half the match developed into a choppy battle between the teams. VSI received three cautions and Charleston two for the rough play that ensued. The loss comes after a road loss to Charlotte June 21.
VSI Interim Head Coach Joel Harrison said, “I thought we were very good going forward and creating chances. Our midfield did a very good job of playing quickly when the opportunity was on to penetrate and defensively we did an excellent job of recognizing when to hold the ball and when to play forward. I am very proud of the guys for their effort and mental toughness to recover after a tough loss on Friday and put together an excellent performance tonight.”
Harrison was especially pleased with forward Sallieu Bundu and midfielder Darren Toby. Bundu sat as the target for VSI and assisted in keeping the ball, allowing other players to join in the attack causing some trouble for the Colin Falvey and the rest of the Battery backline. Toby dictated the tempo for VSI, breaking up the Battery attack with accurately timed tackles and intercepted passes. Toby also aided in the attack, controlling the pace of the game moving forward.
Despite numerous free kicks and shots whipped towards both nets, the teams found it impossible to finish. The Charleston Battery
(7-3-5) delivered a number of chances to VSI (7-6-2) keeper Alex Horwath who maintained his clean sheet for the match; one notable opportunity from Battery midfielder Nicki Paterson. Horwath properly judged a dangerous free kick driven past the VSI wall by Paterson late in the second half to confirm the 0-0 draw.
Charleston Head Coach Anhaeuser said, “Tonight was just one of those games, both teams created some good chances but no one could seem to find the back of the net. In the end you just have to take the point and realize that it’s definitely better than a loss,”
The Battery move to fourth place in the USL PRO standings and VSI Tampa Bay FC remain in fifth only three points behind the Battery. Charleston moves on to host Orlando City on Friday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m. and the game will be live streamed at www.uslnation.com.
VSI Tampa Bay FC return to Tampa Bay to prepare for the Richmond Kickers. The Kickers enter Plant City Stadium on Sunday, June 30 for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff in Plant City Stadium. Tickets to the match are available at the stadium ticket box office on game days an hour and a half prior to the kickoff of any given home match.