Battery Earn Point in 1-1 Draw with Sacramento off Paterson’s Goal

March 18, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Charleston Battery News Release

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Charleston Battery battled to a 1-1 draw on the road against Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday. AJ Paterson struck first with a goal in the first half, assisted by Fidel Barajas, to break open the game. Republic FC, however, would level the score in the second half and neither side managed to take the lead despite the high intensity on the pitch.

MATCH PHOTOS AND HIGHLIGHTS

After a contentious start to the match with Sacramento on the front foot, it was the Battery who struck first. Fidel Barajas connected with AJ Paterson in the 22nd minute following a rebound from a set piece, and Paterson headed home the opening tally. The goal and assist were the first of the season for Paterson and Barajas, respectively.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men for the rest of the night when Luis Felipe was shown his second yellow card of the game in the 36th minute. Republic FC held the majority of possession in the first half but the Battery took the 0-1 lead into the break.

The Battery started the second half with rhythm early on and nearly doubled their lead in the opening minutes. Sacramento, however, leveled the score in the 55th minute via Jack Gurr with a close-range shot off a deflected cross.

Both sides continued to search for a second goal with intensity. Emilio Ycaza and Derek Dodson both tested goalkeeper Danny Vitiello, however neither could break through. Nick Markanich, Augi Williams and Tristan Trager led the charge up top in the waning minutes of the match but were unable to find the back of the net.

The 1-1 score held to the final whistle and the points were shared, marking the second consecutive draw for the Battery to start the 2023 season

Coach Pirmann on the squad handling the road environment tonight…

I’m proud of their effort, two matches in a row where we were up for the fight. I think these players play for each other, they play for the badge, they have courage and they’re not afraid of the moment. We matched the intensity and even went up and above. They play for each other and that’s what it’s about.

Coach Pirmann on the room for improvement…

It’s two games now that we’ve dropped points from winning positions and dropped four points with very good performances. I told the team that we need to make sure that that’s not the trend. We can’t control wins, losses or ties, but we can control our behaviors, we can control our execution….