By: Battery Media
The Charleston Battery defeated Monterey Bay FC, 1-0, on Saturday in front of a packed house at Patriots Point. It was the first-ever meeting between the two clubs and Arturo Rodriguez's early goal proved to be the difference-maker. Charleston held MBFC without many opportunities for much of the match to see out the victory. The Battery's victory affirmed their spot atop the Eastern Conference.
Saturday's contest began with both teams looking to create chances to score early. The Battery broke open the game in the 8th minute when Arturo Rodriguez slotted a close-range strike into the net. The play was initiated by Derek Dodson, who crossed to ball to Fidel Barajas, and Barajas assisted his compatriot, Rodriguez. The goal was Rodriguez's second of the season and the assist was Barajas' fourth.
As of writing, Barajas' assist sees him lead the league in assists so far this season.
Charleston kept up the tempo and pressured MBFC heavily as the half wore on. Barajas nearly added a second goal minutes after Rodriguez's but the shot was wide. Augustine Williams also came close to scoring in the 19th minute with a header that was saved.
The Battery took a 1-0 lead into the interval. Charleston dominated possession, shots on target and passes in the opposition's half of the field in the first half.
Play resumed in the second half with Charleston bringing the same tempo from the first 45 minutes. Dante Polvara came close to doubling the Battery's lead with a strike off a volley that forced Carlos Herrera to make an athletic save in the 51st minute.
As the latter stages of the match wore on, Charleston continued to tighten their grip on the game to see out the victory. The Black and Yellow maintained the majority of the possession in the second half and held MBFC to only one shot on target.
The Battery secured the 1-0 victory at home, bringing the packed Patriots Point crowd to celebration in a commanding response to the previous week's loss against San Antonio. Charleston affirmed their spot atop of the Eastern Conference with a 6W-2L-3D record (21 pts).
Goalkeeper Trey Muse notched his fourth shutout of the season in a relatively easy day at the office, tallying one save. As of writing, Muse's four clean sheets rank him tied for second-most in the league.
