Battery falls to New York Red Bulls

The Charleston Battery fell to MLS's New York Red Bulls in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup by a score of 3-0 on Tuesday night at Blackbaud Stadium in front of 3,527 fans.

The Red Bulls and MLS leading goal scorer Kenny Cooper scored early to give New York an edge over the Battery. Heath Pearce and Connor Lade also tallied as the Red Bulls advance.

Kenny Cooper opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Cooper received a ball with his back to Charleston goalkeeper, Brock Duckworth. He was able to turn and rip a quick one-time finish to the lower left corner of the net to give NY the early lead.

The Battery's best chance of the night came in the 32nd minute when Jose Cuevas connected with Colin Falvey. Cuevas played an excellent ball into the box off a corner kick which Falvey headed sharply at the goal but Red Bulls goalkeeper, Ryan Meara held strong and tipped the ball over the bar.

The Red Bulls scored again in the 41st minute with a nicely worked short corner that saw Dax McCarty clip the ball in to the back post. Defender Heath Pearce controlled the ball and placed it neatly away giving Duckworth no chance.

Connor Lade put the game beyond doubt in the 71st minute curling in a fine strike from 18 yards out into the upper right corner of the net.

The Red Bulls will now advance to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup and face the victor of the New England Revolution-Harrisburg City Islanders game on June 5th.

The Battery returns to USL PRO action with a three game road swing starting Thursday, May 31st at the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (1340 AM).

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