Battery suffers its first loss

Bayoman, Puerto Rico. — The Charleston Battery's season-long unbeaten streak came to an end Thursday night at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium after a stoppage time goal lifted the Puerto Rico Islanders to a 1-0 victory.

Puerto Rico defender John Krause converted a scramble in front of the Battery goal during the second minute of extra time to end the Battery's unbeaten run.

"I feel that the team performed at a very high level under the circumstances, and were unfortunate to give up a goal in injury time from a set piece," Battery coach Mike Anhaeuser said. "Overall our defensive performance was very sound and we will now move on and prepare for Saturday's match."

Despite the loss, Charleston (6-1-6, 24 points) remains in first place in the USL First Division.

Puerto Rico attacked from the opening whistle and forced Battery goalie Dusty Hudock into action in only the third minute.

The ball was crossed from the left, but forward Sean Fraser's effort was palmed around the post by Hudock.

The Battery fought back and striker Randi Patterson used his pace to run

onto a long ball over the top in the ninth minute. Patterson fired at goal with a first-time effort but Puerto Rico goalkeeper Bill Gaudette reacted well and blocked the ball wide for a corner.

Minutes later, Patterson threatened again as he reacted first to another looping ball over the Puerto Rico defense. With Gaudette approaching, Patterson flicked the ball towards the goal but it was cleared off the line by defender Scott Jones.

Late in the half, the Islanders came close as midfielder James Marcelin surged forward with the ball. Marcelin drove a shot through a crowd of players but Hudock just managed to tip the ball wide as he dove across to his right.

Charleston enjoyed more of the ball in the second half and looked the likelier of the sides to score. In the 75th minute, Tyler Hemming had a chance with a free kick from 20 yards but he curled his shot wide of the far post.

Late in the game, Hemming had another free kick but this time whipped the ball into the middle. Substitute forward Dan Antoniuk met the cross and flicked a header at the goal but Gaudette tipped it over the bar.

The decisive goal came in the 92nd minute after a long throw-in from the far side. Hudock managed to save the initial header, but John Kraus followed up quickly and slammed the ball home from inside the six-yard box.

The Battery plays the Islanders again on Saturday at 7 p.m.