By: Battery Media
The Charleston Battery defeated Rio Grande Valley FC Toros, 0-2, on Saturday at H-E-B Park, affirming the club's spot in first place of the Eastern Conference standings. Augi Williams scored on both sides of halftime and Trey Muse notched a single-game league-high 10 saves during the victory. The win was Charleston's seventh victory of the season, surpassing the total wins mark in 2022 (six).
Action began with RGV looking to assert themselves early as the Battery absorbed their pressure and kept the hosts at bay. Goalkeeper Trey Muse was tested several times and made four saves in the first 16 minutes.
The game was temporarily suspended in the 21st minute due to lightning in the area.
Play resumed after roughly an hour-long delay. Charleston broke open the game in the 30th minute when Augi Williams found the back of the net, assisted by Robbie Crawford. Fidel Barajas initiated the play with a strong cross from the left flank that connected with Crawford inside the box. Crawford then played it off to Williams for the opening tally. The goal was Williams' seventh across all competitions this year.
The Battery continued to apply heavy pressure to RGV's defense via Barajas and Williams but had to settle for just a 0-1 lead at halftime. Muse was strong on the opposite end, making six saves in the first half.
Play resumed in the second half with much of the same pace from both sides; Charleston looked to double their lead and RGV aimed for an equalizer. Muse stayed steady between the sticks and made a pair of saves through the hour mark.
Charleston would receive a boost from their newest arrival, Beto Avila, who made an immediate impact by winning a penalty minutes after entering the match. The debutant won the penalty by drawing a foul against Frank Nodarse in the box. Williams would step up for the spot attempt and sent a bullet past goalkeeper Carlos Merancio. The conversion marked Williams' second brace of the season.
With a 0-2 lead, the Battery continued to apply pressure and limit legitimate chances for RGV as the half wore on, despite conceding over 60% possession to the hosts in the second half.
Muse remained strong for the Battery and would register 10 saves on the night, a single-game high in the USL Championship this year and the first player to crack double-digit saves this season.
Charleston stayed relentless to secure their seventh league victory of the season in the 0-2 result at H-E-B Park. The win, in the Battery's 12th league contest of 2023, surpasses their mark for victories in all of 2022 (six).
Trey Muse notched his fifth clean sheet of the season, which ranks him tied for second-most in the league this season. Augi Williams' brace propelled him to tied for third-most goals so far in the league this year.
The victory put Charleston four points clear of the Tampa Bay Rowdies for first place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Head Coach Ben Pirmann and Augi Williams discussed the victory after the final whistle, with key quotes to follow.
