CHARLESTON, S.C. –  The Charleston Battery and Orlando City B played to a 0-0 draw at MUSC Health Stadium on Saturday night, a result that reduced the Battery’s lead to one point at the top of the USL Eastern Conference. Orlando City B (5-6-8, 23pts) almost took the lead in the 29th minute as a quick give and go pass between Hadji Barry and Scott Thomsen landed Barry behind the Battery defense, only to be thwarted by Charleston keeper Odisnel Cooper who came quickly off of his line to make an important save. The Battery (10-4-7, 37pts) had two first half goals both called back for offside, and that was the storyline for all of Charleston’s attacking plays throughout the first half as they were flagged a total of six times in the first 45 minutes. Neither side was able to create many clear chances throughout the second half; the most dangerous effort in the second half came from the Battery’s Neveal Hackshaw in the 83rd minute as his headed attempt was cleared off the line. Orlando found their rhythm in the last 15 minutes of the game and as the Battery defended deep the visitors looked to be an attacking threat but were only able to place one shot on target.

Scoring:

None

• #CHSvORL: Full Match and Opta Box Score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. This was Charleston’s third game in seven days, and fifth game without a win.  The schedule and lack of momentum definitely seemed to take its toll on the home team as they failed to effectively possess the ball in the midfield and weren’t able to break down Orlando’s offside trap.

• 2. Orlando extend their undefeated streak to five games and their defensive stature is proving to be problematic from teams in the top half of the Eastern Conference. Tonight’s performance saw OCB become to be the first team to shutout Charleston at home this season.

• 3. Now leading the Eastern Conference by only one point, over a second place Charlotte Independence side with two games in hand, the Battery surely had their sights set on taking away three points from tonight’s game and giving themselves some breathing room at the top of the table. With Charlotte and Louisville both picking up wins today, the race to become Eastern Conference Champions is still wide open.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Odisnel Cooper, Charleston Battery – When called into action Cooper came up big with a crucial save in the first half and remained steadfast for the rest of the game. Leading from the back, Cooper picks up his sixth clean sheet of the season for the Battery.

Upcoming Games:

Charleston Battery at Toronto FC II – August 5, 4:30 p.m. ET, Ontario Soccer Centre
Orlando City B vs. Harrisburg City Islanders – August 2, 7:30 p.m. ET, Orlando City Stadium