The Charleston Battery rallied to defeat the PDL's Reading United by a score of 2-1 in the second round of the 2012 U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night at Blackbaud Stadium.
After falling behind the Battery drew level through Dane Kelly and then Nicki Paterson scored the game winner late in the second half firing a free kick past Reading's goalkeeper, Emmanuel Martin to lift the Battery into the third round.
"I will tell you they are a good side, and they have some quality young players," said Battery Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser "they did a very good job causing us some problems particularly on the corner kicks and free kicks."
After a scoreless first half Reading United took the lead in the 64th minute when Olutolani Ibikunle headed the ball past Charleston's goalkeeper, Brock Duckworth from a Steve Neumann corner kick.
Minutes later the Charleston Battery fought back and drew level after Dane Kelly took a left footed shot from just outside the 18 yard box to tie the match at 1-1. Navion Boyd was credited with the assist.
The Battery continued to press and were rewarded for their efforts in the 79th minute when substitute midfielder Nicki Paterson was taken down 30 yards out. Paterson took the free kick himself and bent a beautifully placed ball into the net giving United's goalkeeper no chance.
"Those were two great finishes to come back when we were down so that shows a lot of character," said Mike Anhaeuser
With the win the Battery advances to host Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup. The game will be played at Blackbaud Stadium on Tuesday, May 29 at 7:30 PM. ($10-$18, (843)-971-GOAL (4625) / www.charlestonbattery.com)
The Charleston Battery returns to USL PRO action to host the LA Blues this Saturday night, May 26 at Blackbaud Stadium; kick off is set for 7:30 PM.
