Zeiko Lewis and his Charleston Battery teammates kicked off the second day of the Carolina Challenge Cup with a 1 - 1 draw against former Challenge Cup winners, Columbus Crew.
The cold, rainy weather played a part early in the match as players attempted to find their footing on the slick surface. Both sides took advantage of the conditions by putting pressure on attackers and defenders alike.
Ian Svantesson put the Charleston Battery up 1-0 in the 25th minute, his second goal of the tournament. A quick spell of attacking play led to a Charleston Battery corner which resulted in the goal. Jared van Schaik's cross found the head of Svantesson, giving the Columbus goalie no chance at making a save.
Charleston Battery came inches from doubling their lead late in the first half thanks to a powerful header from midfielder Vincenzo Candela. Jared van Schaik's chipped ball in from the left side connected with Candela. The header hit the middle of the crossbar before being cleared by the Columbus defense.
Charleston Battery nearly made it to half time unscathed, but a late stoppage time goal from Robinho leveled things up. Columbus Crew attacker Edward Opoku provided the assist with a quick pass across the box which evaded the Battery defense and found Robinho in the middle of the box.
Second half heroics from goalkeeper Joe Kuzminsky and defender Leland Archer preserved the draw for the Charleston Battery. A late Crew attack forced a number of saves from Kuzminsky and a critical block on the goal line from Archer.
|
