Propelled by goals from Randi Patterson and Aaron King the Charleston Battery defeated the Rochester Rhinos at Blackbaud Stadium Friday night in front of 3,355.

The win was the Battery’s first of the season after starting the campaign with two ties and a draw; goalkeeper Dusty Hudock recorded the shut-out, his first of the year.
The game started slowly and neither side created a chance until the 24th minute. The Rhinos earned a free-kick 25 yards out but Mauricio Salles’ left-footed attempt was smothered by Battery goalkeeper Dusty Hudock.

The game sparked to life just before half-time as the Battery broke the deadlock from a corner-kick. Mike Richardson played the ball to the back of the box where it was redirected back to the goal-mouth by defender Kevin Nylen. Forward Randi Patterson met the cross and finished neatly past Rochester goalkeeper Scott Vallow.
At the stroke of half-time the Battery had a chance to double their advantage following an excellent through ball from midfielder Ozzie Alonso. Mike Richardson ran onto the pass but pulled his shot across the goal just missing the target.

In the 68th minute veteran winger Steve Guppy found some space on the left flank. Guppy whipped a cross into the box but it was just too high for striker Matt Delicate to turn towards goal.

Charleston scored again in the 81st minute after another good slipped pass from Alonso. This time substitute Aaron King was the beneficiary; King collected the pass and slotted neatly past Vallow after outpacing defender Tenywa Bonseau.

Rochester came close to a consolation goal in the 87th minute but John Menyongar’s well-struck effort was parried over the bar by Hudock.

Charleston takes on the Miami FC Blues next Friday night at Blackbaud Stadium, the game is live on FOX Soccer Channel; gates open at 6:00 PM – kick off is set for 8:00 PM.