By: Battery Media
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (June 10, 2023) – The Charleston Battery were defeated 2-0 on the road to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday at Highmark Stadium. An early goal and a late strike for the hosts made the difference, despite the Battery holding a majority of the possession and outshooting Pittsburgh, 13 to four. Charleston will look rebound in their next match, on the road against Hartford Athletic on Saturday.
Charleston found themselves with an early deficit to overcome when Pittsburgh's Junior Etou netted for the hosts in the 1st minute. The Battery's response was courageous as they held roughly 66% of possession in the opening 20 minutes and earned a handful of free kicks and corner kicks in dangerous spots.
Goalkeeper Trey Muse was tested again in the 26th minute, making an easy save on Luke Biasi's shot. It was Pittsburgh's final shot of the half as they settled into a more defensive formation to preserve their early lead.
The 1-0 score held into halftime with the Battery unable to convert the chances they created. Charleston held nearly 65% of possession in the first half, registered more passes in the final third (63 to 44) and outshot Pittsburgh four to two.
Play resumed in the second half with Charleston searching for an equalizer, dictating play while holding the majority of possession and passes in the opposition's half through the initial 20 minutes. Muse stepped up to make an important save in the 61st minute following a Pittsburgh counterattack.
Charleston continued to hamper Pittsburgh inside their own box through the 75th minute but were unable to put one past goalkeeper Jahmali Waite. AJ Paterson and substitute, Fidel Barajas, registered close shots that were just off-target.
Pittsburgh managed to double their lead in the 83rd minute via Tola Showunmi. The tally would put the game out of reach for Charleston, sealing the 2-0 victory for the hosts.
