By: Battery Media
The Charleston Battery fell 1-2 to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on a rainy Saturday at Patriots Point, which included a nearly two-hour weather delay, snapping the club's 10-game undefeated streak. Charleston went down early but Leland Archer put the team back into the game with a goal in the first half. However, it was a bridge too far in the second half to overcome Colorado Springs’ lead. The Battery remain atop the Eastern Conference standings and will look to bounce back next week.
Scoring started in the 4th minute when Colorado Springs struck first via Maalique Foster. Play was suspended shortly after due to thunderstorms in the area. After a roughly two-hour delay, the match resumed at 9:32 p.m. ET under moderate rainfall.
Both sides looked to get their footing on the new and slick playing surface in the opening minutes of resumed play. Switchbacks FC doubled their lead in the 15th minute when Steven Echevarria's shot from outside the box was deflected into the net.
The Battery continued to press forward to get back into the game despite the early 0-2 deficit. Charleston cut into the visitor's lead in the 27th minute when Leland Archer scored on a header, assisted by Derek Dodson. AJ Paterson initially lifted a cross to Dodson inside the box and Dodson headed the ball back to Archer. The goal was Archer's third of his career and first since 2021.
Halftime arrived with Colorado holding a 1-2 lead over Charleston.
Goalkeeper Trey Muse made a strong save in the opening minute of the second half, denying Deshane Beckford.
Charleston looked to get a footing through the wings but were unable to find the right combination against Colorado Springs' defense. Jesse Randall, Derek Dodson and Deklan Wynne led much of the charge forward. The Battery had a trio of shots past the 80th minute, by Paterson, Randall and Dodson, but all were blocked.
The Battery aimed for an equalizer during the eight minutes of stoppage time at the end of the second half, however, Fidel Barajas was the only player able to register a shot. The night ended in a 1-2 defeat for Charleston, snapping the club's 10-game unbeaten streak to start the season.
As of writing, the Battery remain atop the Eastern Conference standings, despite the loss, with a 4W-1L-3D record (15 pts).
