USL Pro-leading Orlando holds off Battery, 2-1

Orlando, Fla. —USL Pro League-leading Orlando City scored in the 57th minute to defeat the Charleston Battery, 2-1, on Saturday night at the Citrus Bowl in front of 5,602.

The win widens the gap between the first-place Lions and the Battery to five points, with Charleston having played one less game.

Orlando’s Jean Alexandre directed the ball past Battery goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra in the 7th minute to make it 1-0.

Charleston almost leveled two minutes later as Jose Cuevas appeared to be brought down in the box by the Orlando goalkeeper. As the referee waived away the Battery appeals for a penalty, forward Sallieu Bundu ran onto the loose ball but his driven shot was turned away.

Charleston equalized in the 38th minute with a brilliant goal from midfielder Nicki Paterson. The Battery earned a corner on the far side that was parried clear by the Orlando defense. Paterson set himself as the ball looped out towards him and hit a stunning first-time volley that dipped under the crossbar and into the goal.

The game winner was scored in the 57th minute after Charleston failed to deal with a long ball into the penalty area. Lions midfielder Jamie Watson hit a crisp finish past Dykstra.

Charleston next hosts Antigua Barracuda FC next Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Blackbaud Stadium.