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Alavanja hit a cracker as the Battery defeated Portland
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9/12/2008 12:37:56 AM
Battery secures playoff berth with win versus Timbers
Portland, OR. The Charleston Battery came from behind to beat the Portland Timbers by a score of two goals to one Thursday night at PGE Park in front of 13,050; the win secures Charleston a playoff berth. After conceding an early goal a stunning strike from Lazo Alavanja brought the teams level, then substitute forward Aaron King slotted home the winner in the 89th minute.
Portland scored in the 14th minute after former Battery forward Chris Bagley intercepted a diagonal pass from Nelson Akwari. Bagley centered the ball into the box and midfielder Shaun Higgins finished off the move with a neat finish.
The Battery responded and were awarded a free-kick in the 21st minute that Stephen Armstrong whipped in from the right side. Midfielder Ian Fuller met the cross but his sharp header was smothered by Timbers goalkeeper Chase Harrison.
Charleston goalkeeper Dusty Hudock was called into action ten minutes later after Portland striker Takayuki Suzuki picked out Chris Bagley with a cross from the left. Bagley snapped a header on target but Hudock made a fine fingertip save to deny him.
In the 40th minute Portland were reduced to ten men after defender Cameron Dunn was ejected for elbowing Ian Fuller in the penalty-area.
With a man advantage Charleston pressed but did not break through until the 73rd minute. Stephen Armstrong started the move with a pass to Lazo Alavanja twenty-five yards out. Alavanja cut inside his defender then hammered home a curling left-footed shot that flew into the top right corner.
The goal deflated the Timbers and sensing the advantage the Battery went looking for a winner. The goal came just before full-time after a long ball forward was defended poorly by the Timbers two center-halves. Aaron King latched onto the loose ball, and slipped a low shot under Harrison and into the goal.
The Charleston Battery plays it’s final road match of the season this Saturday night in St. Paul Minnesota with a 8:05 PM fixture versus the Min Thunder (REAL 1340 AM).
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