Charleston Battery complete 3-goal comeback to reach Eastern Conference Final

The Charleston Battery advanced to the Eastern Conference Final of the USL Championship Playoffs after a dramatic match against Hartford Athletic at Patriots Point, Live 5 WCSC reported. The game ended 3-3 after extra time, with Charleston winning the penalty shootout 5-4 in front of a sellout crowd on Saturday.

Charleston trailed 0-3 at halftime, with Hartford scoring in the 13th, 16th, and 31st minutes. Michee Ngalina opened the scoring for Hartford, followed by Barry Coffey and Sadat Anaku, according to ABC News 4 WCIV. The Battery had outshot Hartford 10 to 6 in the first half but could not score before the break.

In the second half, Charleston mounted a comeback with three goals in the final 27 minutes. Emilio Ycaza scored in the 80th minute, Colton Swan in the 83rd, and Kirill Pakhomov in stoppage time at 90+7 minutes, Live 5 WCSC detailed.

The match went into extra time tied at 3-3, and the Battery ultimately prevailed in the penalty shootout. Goalkeeper John Berner and player Jeremy Kelly were key in securing the win for Charleston, Live 5 WCSC noted.

This victory sends Charleston to the Eastern Conference Final for the third time in four years, marking a significant achievement for the team. The comeback was described as one of the most dramatic in USL Championship playoff history by ABC News 4 WCIV.