Palace Bounced From Playoffs (Irons In The USL Update)

Crystal Palace Baltimore's season came to an end Saturday night when they fell to the Charlotte Eagles in the USL-2 semifinals.

Palace opened the match on the attack against the home side and earned a goal in the fifth minute for their effort. But Charlotte came out inspired after the break and equalized on a penalty kick in the 48th minute. Charlotte would get the go-ahead goal just three minutes later.

Palace earned a free kick just outside the box in the final minute of play when Charlotte's keeper came off his line to take-out a player breaking free on goal. But Palace's ensuing effort sailed just over the bar to end the scoring at 2-1 in Charlotte's favor.

Despite the disappointing loss, the season was a successful one for Palace as they remained in the top half of the standings throughout and enjoyed an inspiring run that lasted deep into the U.S. Open Cup tournament.

The season was also a success for Palace's two Ironmen players. Gary Brooks' seven league-play goals was tied for fifth best in the USL-2. Ibrahim Kante anchored a strong Palace defense that conceded just ten goals at home.

We here at the Local Fe26 congratulate Palace for their season and hope to see both players back on the pitch for the Ironmen when the new season opens up.

Charleston Advances To USOC Final

The Charleston Battery earned a spot in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final after advancing past the Seattle Sounders last night on penalties.

The matchup between the Battery and Sounders proved to be an action-packed one as both teams pressed hard to break the 1-1 deadlock. The Sounders hit the crossbar and had one ball cleared off the line in extra time. The Battery effectively counter-attacked and forced crucial saves from the Sounders keeper during the latter stages of the game.

Battery keeper Dusty Hudock made two key stops during penalties to help the Battery win the shootout 4-3.

The Battery will travel to RFK Stadium to take on DC United in the final on September 3rd. The game will be televised on Fox Soccer Channel. We here at the Local Fe26 will be rooting hard for Lazo Alavanja and the Battery.

Ironmen In US Open Cup (Semifinal Preview)

The Charleston Battery will take on the Seattle Sounders tonight in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Semifinals. The match is slated to get underway at 7:30 PM at Blackbaud Stadium.

The Battery will be without Lazo Alavanja who drew a red card in the quarterfinals after throwing a bottle cap towards the referee.

The New England Revolution and DC United will also meet tonight at 7:30 PM in the other Semifinals match.

Both games can be seen online. Check the USOC website for more information.

Alavanja Returns; Charleston Sputters (Irons In USL Update)

Lazo Alavanja - Image From Charleston Battery Website

Lazo Alavanja made his return this week for the Charleston Battery after missing four games with an ankle sprain. Alavanja started in Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Minnesota Thunder and registered two shots before being subbed out at the halftime break. The loss dropped the Battery out of first place.

The Battery went into their second match of the week looking to take three points back against the Portland Timbers. Alavanja once again got the start and found his scoring touch with an equalizing goal in the 69th minute. However, the Battery could not find the go-ahead goal and had to settle for a disappointing 1-1 draw.

The Battery now sit two points behind the co-leading Vancouver Whitecaps and Puerto Rico Islanders. John Krause and the Islanders overtook the Battery with a dominating 4-0 win over the Rochester Rhinos at home on Friday night.

Local Fe26 To Participate in Charity Tournament

Red Bull New York will host an adult soccer tournament tomorrow to benefit the American Cancer Society. Games are set to begin at 8:30 AM at Giants Stadium.

One of our regulars here at the Local Fe26 will be participating in the tournament as part of the team fielded by the Empire Supporters Club.

Check here for more details on the tournament.

Alavanja Injury Update

Lazo Alavanja - Image From Charleston Battery Website

We finally have word on Lazo Alavanja's injury.

As we reported last week, Alavanja sustained an unspecified injury in a July 19th match and hasn't been in the lineup since for the Charleston Battery.

Andrew Miller of the Charleston Post and Courier has reported that Alavanja has been sidelined with an ankle injury. Alavanja was considered a game-time decision for Sunday's match against the Whitecaps, but ultimately did not play.

Hopefully Lazo is able to return soon and keep his productive form. We here at the Local Fe26 will keep you updated as soon as anything develops.

Ironmen At Top Of Table (Irons In USL Update)

The Puerto Rico Islanders' hot streak came to an end Friday night when they fell to the Seattle Sounders 2-1 at rain soaked Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium. The loss was their first in six games.

Despite stumbling against the Sounders, the Islanders pushed on and earned three big points when they shutout Dan Antoniuk and the Carolina RailHawks 1-0 Sunday night. The win allowed Los Islenos to remain just one point out of first.

John Krause played the full 90 minutes in each game this weekend for the Islanders.

Lazo Alavanja's Charleston Battery also split their two games this weekend. The Battery fell Friday to the Atlanta Silverbacks 2-1, but rebounded with a huge win at home against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The win kept the Battery tied with the Whitecaps for top spot in the USL.

Elsewhere, Mauricio Salles' fifth goal of the season was not enough for his Rochester Rhinos as they fell to the Silverbacks 4-3 on Sunday.