Awarded penalty kick gives Charleston the edge over the Lions
Charleston, July 19 2013 - The Dayton Dutch Lions FC Men's team left the field frustrated after a 1-0 loss against the Charleston Battery. Despite numerous chances and a few calls for a penalty kick for the Lions themselves, Charleston took 3 crucial points in the hunt of a playoff spot with a Nicki Patterson penalty kick in the 60th minute in front of 3100.
The game was very even in the opening half with both sides sparring for chances. The Battery’s first look at goal came in the 24th minute as Paterson scuffed a shot wide of the right post. Dayton fought back and came close two minutes later as Joel DeLass was unmarked at the back post from a corner kick. DeLass met the cross but his header was saved by Odisnel Cooper.
Cody Ellison had a chance for the Battery on the stroke of halftime as the ball sat up for him 10 yards out from a corner. Ellison drilled a volley on target but goalkeeper Matt Williams clawed the shot away to safety.
The second half the Lions were able to pass the ball around better resulting in the best chance of the game when Eli Garner went one on one with the goalie but placed the ball just inches wide of the right post. The game changed on the hour-mark after Jose Cuevas played a ball over Dane Kelly’s shoulder from the right side. Kelly cushioned the pass as he drove into the box but Taylor Lord cleared it just before being able to take a shot on goals. However, the referee gave a penalty kick calling it a foul. Paterson, same as in the game in Dayton earlier in the season (also 1-0) converted to take his season tally to a team best six goals.
Dayton Coach Bal brought Bardsley and Khutsidze and later also target man Broekhuizen and got the chance to equalize when Remco Klaasse went into the box in the top left side and got one on one with the Battery's goalie who made a great save. Twice the Lions came close when shots in the box were blocked by Battery's hands and arms but the ref did not see a penalty kick in them leaving the Lions empty handed.
The team is still in 7th position and face Charlotte tonight for another big game. Shintaro Harada is back for Coach Bal after a suspension.
Line up: Williams, Lord, Presciado, Granger, Smith, DeLass, Madigan (Khutsidze), Westdijk, Klaasse, Schwartzendruber (Bardsley), Klaasse, Garner