Charleston Battery News Release - www.charlestonbattery.com

Saturday, March 31, 2007

CHARLESTON, SC -- The Houston Dynamo won the Carolina Challenge Cup with a come from behind victory over the New York Red Bulls tonight at Blackbaud Stadium in front of 2,613. This is a third straight tournament win for the reigning MLS Champs who overhauled the Red Bulls with goals from Brian Ching and Alejandro Moreno.

New York took the lead in the 6th minute through midfielder Dave van den Bergh. Van den Bergh collected the ball on the left side then fired in a shot that skipped awkwardly off the turf and into the Houston goal.

Houston replied with twenty minutes to go. Brad Davis broke to the goal-line and chipped in a cross to the back post. US National Team forward Brian Ching met the cross and powered a header into the goal.

Houston scored the winning goal in the 80th minute with a neat move down the right side. Dwayne DeRosario fought past his marker and played the ball across the six-yard box. Substitute forward Alejandro Moreno ran onto the cross and flicked the ball home with his trailing leg.

Toronto F.C. 3 - Charleston Battery 0

Fueled by a franchise-first win last Wednesday over New York Red Bulls in the Carolina

Challenge Cup, Toronto F.C. came into its final preseason tune-up versus tournament posts Charleston Battery exuding confidence. The convincing 3-0 win over the Battery can do nothing but stoke the fire for the expansion clubs opener next week in Los Angeles.

Toronto struck early, when Alecko Eskandarian took a Ronnie O’Brian pass on the right flank and hit a 35-yard blast with his left foot to give Toronto the lead.

The early goal took the wind out of the USL Division One side coming off a much-deserved 1-1 draw with Houston. Fielding several reserve and trialists, the Battery offered little competition for Mo Johnston’s Toronto side.

Abbe Ibrahim doubled the score in the 35th minute off an Eskandarian corner kick. The driven ball somehow found its way through the Battery’s six-yard box, falling at Ibrahim’s feet. Ibrahim easily slotted home the second goal of the game.

The game may be Ibrahim’s last—at least in Canada. VISA issues will not allow Togo national into Canada. For the time being, he will remain in the U.S. and meet up with his Toronto teammates for games. With three consecutive road games, Toronto will have another month to sort things out before the Red’s home opener.

After a stern talking to at halftime, the Battery did manage to pick up its game in the second half. Charleston’s Byron Alvarez repeatedly found space on the right flank. Twice Alvarez served up opportune balls but the Battery could not capitalize. Ian Fuller missed badly from inside the penalty area just after halftime, and Toronto Greg Sutton saved easily on a Michael Todd blast.

Edison Buddle put the game away in the 73rd minute after taking the ball just outside of the center circle, beating two Battery defenders, and slamming home a right-footed blast from just inside the penalty box.