An own goal by Jacksonville Armada defender Drew Beckie midway through the first half provided the only goal of the game. Consequently, the Charleston Battery advanced to the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup with a 1-0 win against the Armada Wednesday night due to the singular mishap.
Jacksonville dominated the game in terms of possession, having control for more than two-thirds of the match at Jacksonville University’s Southern Oak Stadium.
Beckie’s own goal came after a Battery attack. When both teams failed to control a cross, the veteran defender jumped on it looking to clear, but mistakenly blasted it into his own net.
“It just wasn’t our night,” Jacksonville coach Mark Lowry told the team’s official website.
Charleston applied the pressure early on. In the 10th minute, the Battery appeared to take the lead, but the goal was ruled offside.
Jacksonville enjoyed a chance of its own in the 20th minute, but Bryam Rebellón’s shot sailed just wide.
The Armada continued to press after the goal, most notably when Derek Gebhard launched a ball into the box where Rebellón attempted a bicycle kick.
After halftime, the Battery went on the attack and created a couple chances in the first ten minutes.
Jacksonville seized control for the last 25 minutes of the match. However, the Battery defense held firm for their fifth clean sheet of the season in all competitions, despite multiple crosses and an ever-present attack.
From a statistical standpoint, each team created just two shots on goal. The Armada earned 13 fouls and one yellow card, while the Battery produced 10 fouls and three cards.
Charleston will face their MLS affiliate Atlanta United in the next round. The match will be played at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Atlanta on June 14. The Battery started the tournament out in Atlanta as they defeated the NPSL’s Atlanta Silverbacks 2-1 in the Second Round on May 17.