Battery's Flatley learning on the job: After an early-season miscue, former College of Charleston star has been a solid defender

Sean Flatley had a rather inauspicious beginning to his professional soccer career.

Thirty seconds into his first pro game, the Charleston Battery rookie attempted a routine play every defender makes a dozen times a game. A hundred times a season.

It was just a simple pass backward to Battery keeper Keith Wiggans inside the 18-yard box.

But Flatley's routine pass to Wiggans turned into every defender's worst nightmare.

Instead of kicking the ball crisply back to Wiggans, he muffed the kick.

Richmond's Matt Delicate stepped in front of the pass and had an unobstructed path to the goal.

Delicate took a shot that Wiggans miraculously blocked high into the air.

But the Richmond striker stayed with the ball and headed the rebound into the empty net for the score.

"As soon as the ball left my foot I knew I was in trouble," Flatley said. "It felt like the whole world had just come crashing down on me. I was helpless. There was nothing I could do to stop him from scoring. It was entirely my fault. It's a feeling I wouldn't wish on anyone."

Fellow defender Colin Falvey immediately went over to Flatley and gave him a quick pep talk. "I've seen more than one guy crawl into a shell after a play like that," Falvey said. "I told him to forget about it. We had 89 minutes left and we had his back."

That was exactly what the former College of Charleston star needed to hear at the moment.

"I knew I'd made a mistake, a big one, but the guys rallied around me," he said. "To know that my teammates supported me and were behind me helped me get over it pretty quickly."

For the next 89 minutes, Flatley was arguably the best player on the field for the Battery.

"He didn't let that goal get to him," said Charleston coach Mike Anhaeuser. "I think that shows you the kind of resiliency and character Sean has. First professional game and to make a mistake like that would have crushed most guys. Sean battled through it and played very well from that point on."

Two second-half goals in the Battery's 2-1 victory over Richmond made the sting of the first 30 seconds a little easier to take for Flatley. "It's a team game and getting the result is what matters most. I beat myself up pretty good after the game, but we won and that made it easier to push on, learn from it and move on."

With veterans John Wilson and Falvey anchoring the defensive corps, it has been tough for Flatley to get a lot of playing time this season.

Flatley has made five starts since the Richmond game.

"John and Colin are great leaders, great role models," Flatley said. "I've learned so much from those guys. I know I've got to wait my turn and take advantage of the opportunities when I do get on the field."

Los Angeles Blues at Charleston Battery

When: Today, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Blackbaud Stadium

Records: Los Angeles (5-3-3, 18 points); Charleston (7-6-3, 24 points).

Tickets: 971-4625.