Battery eliminated from U.S. Open Cup by Crew

COLUMBUS, ohio -- The Charleston Battery was knocked out of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night, losing 3-0 to Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew.

Emilio Renteria converted a penalty kick in the 38th minute for Columbus, which put the game away with second-half goals from Steven Lennart and Eddie Gaven and advanced to the semifinal round.

The Battery failed to build on last week's upset win over the Chicago Fire of the MLS.

Charleston's hopes of moving on to the semifinals took an early blow as referee Hilario Grajeda awarded the Crew a disputed penalty kick late in the first half.

Charleston defenders appealed the decision in vain, claiming that Lennart had gone to ground without contact, but the decision stood and Renteria converted, blasting the ball straight down the middle and into the roof of the goal.

"I felt the penalty decision changed the game. In my opinion, it was a very difficult decision for the referee to make," said Battery head coach Mike Anhaeuser. "It was a good finish by Renteria, but the penalty turned the match, as I knew we would tire in the second half."

The Battery tried to respond after halftime and had a pair of chances either side of the hour mark. In the 57th minute, Stephen Armstrong smashed a free kick wide of the target from just outside the box.

Ten minutes later, the Battery came close again after the ball was worked out to the far side then whipped into the middle by Armstrong. Forward Tom Heinemann stretched to get on the end of the cross but could only head across the goal as he was pressured by a Crew defender.

As the Battery continued to press for an equalizer, the game opened up and Columbus took advantage, scoring a second goal in the 70th minute as Lennart pinged the ball home from close range.

The third goal came from another counterattack after Battery midfielder Alioune Gueye saw his shot from close range saved. Columbus sprang forward and Gaven finished neatly from the edge of the penalty area.

Charleston returns to USL-2 action on Friday at Blackbaud Stadium with a 7:30 p.m. match against the Richmond Kickers.