Charleston Battery News Release - www.charlestonbattery.com

Thursday, March 20, 2008        --       Watch these games On Demand at www.USLlive.com                

CHARLESTON, SC -- The San Jose Earthquakes came from behind to beat the Charleston Battery by a score of two goals to one, Wednesday night at Blackbaud Stadium. Playing in difficult conditions with blustery wind and driving rain midfielder Ramiro Corrales rallied his team with a goal and an assist to lift the ‘Quakes to a second successive tournament victory. The win secures the 2008 Carolina Challenge Cup for San Jose.

Charleston took an early lead in the 5th minute after a defensive mix-up from a corner-kick. Goalkeeper Preston Burpo attempted to punch the ball clear but it landed at the feet of Darren Spicer, who slotted home from the miscue.

Former Battery striker Gavin Glinton almost leveled in the 23rd minute as the ball was whipped into him from the right side. He met the cross well but his glancing header flew wide of the goal.

San Jose equalized minutes later after some neat interplay at the edge of the box. Ned Grabavoy played the final pass into the path of Ramiro Corrales who finished neatly past Battery goalkeeper Keith Wiggans.

After half-time the weather grew increasingly severe but San Jose pushed on and were rewarded for their endeavor in the 70th minute with a second goal. This time it was Corrales who played the ball through into the path of forward Kei Kamara. Kamara rounded Wiggans at the edge of the box then stroked the ball home into the far corner.

Charleston had one last chance in the dieing moments but midfielder Osvaldo Alonso’s free kick skipped wide of the target.

New York 1 – Toronto F.C. 1
In the first game of the evening New York battled Toronto F.C. to a 1-1 tie. Toronto took the lead through Jeff Cunningham in the 10th minute but they could not hang on as the Red Bulls stormed back in the second half with an equalizer from forward John Wolyniec in the 74th minute.

The 2008 Carolina Challenge Cup concludes on Saturday as the Battery take on Toronto F.C. at 6 PM followed by New York vs San Jose at 8:15 PM, $8 - $15, 971-GOAL / charlestonbattery.com.