PHOENIX – The Charleston Battery battled Phoenix Rising FC to a 0-0 draw at Phoenix Rising Stadium on Saturday. The rematch of the 2023 USL Championship Final was not short of intrigue but neither side was able to find the back of the net.
Charleston and Phoenix kicked off with the thermostat reading 101°F. Neither team ceded meaningful ground to the opposition early on and only one shot was recorded through the first 20 minutes, a speculative attempt taken by Phoenix in the 9th minute that went wide.
The best chance of the first half was met with an equally sensational save in the third minute of stoppage time. Goalkeeper Adam Grinwis went airborne to deny Panos Armenakas with a diving save.
Charleston and Phoenix took the 0-0 score into halftime.
Phoenix had a promising chance in the 52nd minute that ultimately came up empty. Mohamed Traore’s initial header off a corner kick hit off the post and Alejandro Fuenmayor, inside the 6-yard box and with an open net in front of him, spilled his follow-up shot wide of the frame before the ball was cleared out.
Charleston began to find their footing toward the hour-mark and posed regular danger against Rising FC’s defense for the first time. Nick Markanich sent in a shot on target that was saved with the help of the crossbar in the 58th minute and Emilio Ycaza forced goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo into a reflex save in the 62nd minute.
Tempers and emotions began to flare in the 85th minute following a Phoenix corner kick centered around Phoenix’s Pape Mar Boye, who was previously booked in the second half for a dangerous challenge against Josh Drack. The altercation, however, did not result in any bookings for either side.
Charleston and Phoenix both pressed forward heavily for the winning goal in the waning moments of the match. Emilio Ycaza’s shot on target in the 94th minute represented the best chance before the final whistle blew.
For the third consecutive meeting, the Charleston and Phoenix’s match ended in a draw at full-time. Rising FC had more overall shots (12 to eight) but the Battery were more accurate with their attempts (four on target to one on target).
The point earned moves the Battery’s record to 8W-2L-6D (30pts), placing them second in the Eastern Conference table.
With the result, Charleston have recorded their league-best ninth shutout of the season. Adam Grinwis’ clean sheet tally now stands at six, tied for second-best in the league.
Leland Archer had a forceful hand in shutting down Phoenix throughout the night, recording a match-high 10 clearances and seven recoveries
