Nunes rallies Battery

Pittsburgh -- Substitute forward Amaury Nunes scored two goals, including one in stoppage time, to lift the Battery to a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Friday night at Chartiers Valley Stadium.

Pittsburgh fought back from a 2-0 deficit to lead 3-2 with 10 minutes remaining before Nunes' two late goals decided the match. The win maintains the first-place Battery's (6-0-1, 19 points) unbeaten start to the season.

"For the fans that weren't there, this was one of the most exciting games that I've been involved with," said head coach Mike Anhaeuser. "Amaury Nunes scored two great goals to win it for us, and the team showed unbelievable fitness and character to get it done."

The Battery opened the scoring in the 20th minute after forward Lamar Neagle saw his shot saved by Pittsburgh goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap. Rudolph Mayard followed up and blasted home from close range.

Charleston doubled its advantage in the 24th minute as Tom Heinemann slotted home past Gilstrap after being put through behind the Pittsburgh back line.

The Riverhounds fought back with a goal just before halftime and then added two more after the break to take a one-goal lead into the closing minutes of the game.

Nunes entered the match in the 75th minute and pulled the Battery level with just 10 minutes remaining. The ball was played into Heinemann, who chested it back to Nunes at the edge of the box. Nunes hit a first-time volley that dipped over Gilstrap and into the goal.

The winner came in the 90th minute from a Kevin Jackson free kick. Jackson whipped in a deep ball to the back post, and Nunes directed his header home with a clever looping finish.

The Battery concludes its two-match road trip tonight in Harrisburg, Pa., with a 7 p.m. game against the Islanders.

Charleston's next home match is May 29 when the Battery takes on the Real Maryland Monarchs.