Alavanja Scores in Upset; Palace Comes Close

Lazo Alavanja - Image From Charleston Battery Website

The Charleston Battery pulled off a major upset last night when they knocked off FC Dallas of the MLS in the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup by a score of 3-1. Ironmen forward Lazo Alavanja was a key contributor in the Battery's win. He opened the scoring for the Battery in the 29th minute when he chipped the ball past an onrushing Dario Sala.

Alavanja left the game in the 70th minute. However, his night was not done. A few minutes after being subbed out, Alavanja threw a water bottle cap in the direction of the referee, which promptly lead to a sending off. The ejection will mean that Alavanja will not be available for the Battery's semifinal match with the Seattle Sounders.

Crystal Palace Baltimore came close to upsetting the New England Revolution, but ultimately fell on penalty kicks. Gary Brooks had an active match for Palace before being subbed out in the 81st minute. Ibrahim Kante did not suit up for Palace because of a red card in the third round. His absence was felt in the penalty shootout as Kante is one of Palace's regular penalty takers.