CHARLESTON, S.C. – Heviel Cordoves scored a first-half hat trick as the Charleston Battery took a 5-0 victory against the University of North Florida on Sunday afternoon in a preseason exhibition at MUSC Health Stadium.

The Battery took the lead in the 15th minute when Nico Rittmeyer eluded a defender just inside the penalty area and fired a low shot toward the left corner. North Florida’s goalkeeper was able to parry the effort, but Cordoves was on hand to follow up for a tap-in finish.

The Battery then closed the first half with three goals in 10 minutes, the first coming from the penalty spot as O’Brian Woodbine sent the goalkeeper the wrong way with a shot to the right corner. Cordoves added his second of the game in the 42nd minute when Woodbine played in a fine through-ball that allowed the Cuban to round the UNF goalkeeper and finish, and he completed his hat trick a minute later to make it 4-0 at the break.

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Charleston added to its lead four minutes into the second half when Romario Williams broke in and set up Ataullah Guerra for a simple finish to the left corner. The Battery remained in control for most of the second half, and almost added to their lead inside the final five minutes when a low drive by Neveal Hackshaw sent a low drive on goal that was saved, but the hosts settled for a comfortable win as they build toward their home opener on March 25th against FC Cincinnati.