FANTASTIC FINISH (UPDATED)* Kovalenko's late goal lifts Red Bulls, 1-0
FANTASTIC FINISH
Kovalenko's late goal lifts Red Bulls, 1-0
Charleston, S.C. -- Midfielder Dema Kovalenko's stoppage-time goal boosted the Red Bulls to a 1-0 victory over the Charleston Battery on the opening night of the Carolina Challenge Cup Saturday night.
Rookie Dane Richards took a shot on goal and Kovalenko converted the rebound.
The Red Bulls will take on Toronto FC at the cup at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Red Bulls captain and midfielder Claudio Reyna had a penalty kick saved in the 62nd minute after the hosts were called for a handball in the penalty area. Goalkeeper Dusty Hudock, the Battery captain, made a fabulous save as he guessed right and dived to his right to deny Reyna.
The Red Bulls created many chances in the second half and controlled play.
Forward Jozy Altidore had the Red Bulls' best chance during first-half stoppage time. He tracked done a through ball from defender Todd Dunivant and tried to chip Hudock, but the keeper got his hand on the ball.
Bobby Convey, who has a house in South Carolina, watched the match.
In the first game, the defending champion Houston Dynamo blanked Toronto FC, 2-0, behind goals from Ryan Cochrane and Chris Wondolowski.
Starting lineups
New York Red Bulls: Jon Conway, Todd Dunivant, Taylor Graham, Carlos Mendes, Marvell Wynne, Ansu Toure, Seth Stammler, Claudio Reyna, Dema Kovalenko, Jozy Altidore, John Wolyniec.
Charleston Battery: Dusty Hudock, Tim Karalexi, Brandon Curran, Chris Gores, Anthony Catalano, Lazo Alvaria, Armando Romero, Luke Verollone, Ian Fuller, Byron Alvarez, Aaron King.
Red Bulls 1 : 0 Charleston Battery
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