Heinemann Lifts 'Caps in Canadian Cup

Passing quietly under the North American soccer radar, former Charleston Battery forward Tom Heinemann did some heavy lifting to push the Vancouver Whitecaps into the Amway Canadian Cup Final last week.  Toppling FC Edmonton in a two-leg semi, the Caps move on to battle Montreal for the Canadian title and a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Heinemann netted the game winning goal, deep into stoppage time as the first legged ended 3-2.  He was also heavily involved in the 'Caps productive offensive in the successive 2-0 win, proving instrumental in forcing an own goal.  Since his early career this personable striker has had a knack for being in the right place at the right time, and these days its earning him more minutes in Vancouver.  Combined with the goal scoring exploits of fellow USL product Cory Hertzog, the Whitecaps are becoming potent example of the talent USL athletes can bring to the table.

But don't take my word for it...see what the editors over at MSL Soccer had to say about Charleston's beloved "Wildman."  And you may wanna check out his game-winning goal while you're at it:





(photo credit: Whitecaps facebook)

Guns of Charleston!!

The Charleston Battery is back in action!!!

The Carolina Challenge Cup kicked off this past weekend, boasting a sellout crowd of 5,767 and a tremendous display by the tournament's hosts.  Earlier in the week, the Battery faced College of Charleston at Patriots Point, playing to a scoreless draw, but showcasing plenty of offensive promise and defensive solidarity.  A growing tradition and easily one of the country's finest tournaments, this year D.C. United, the Chicago Fire, and the Columbus Crew were invited to the Carolina Challenge Cup.

In the first match, D.C. edged the Fire one goal to nil.  Chicago looked sharp early on, but failed to convert a PK and eventually succumbed to United's miserly defense.

The highly anticipated second match saw no shortage of excitement as the Battery proved comeback kings, leveling twice as the game ended 2-2.  The Crew's visit also meant the return of the beloved "Wildman" Tom Heinemann, prolific Battery goalscorer and MVP of Charleston's Championship match against Richmond in 2010.  With six minutes gone, the Crew's Eddie Gaven managed a classy strike to give the visitors an early lead.  Columbus enjoyed possession in the first half, but a darting run by Charleston's latest signing, midfielder Jose Cuevas, was followed by an insightful cross.  There was a scramble in the box before Dane Kelly snatched a true poacher's goal, bringing the hosts level just before the break.

Twelve minutes after the restart, Columbus' Renteria was brought down by Charleston's Charlie Romero inside the eighteen and the official pointed to the spot.  Milo Mirosevic stepped up and restored the Crew's lead.  The rest of the second half was a tight contest in the middle of the park, but slowly the Battery began to make inroads in Columbus' final third.  With a minute left in regulation, Charleston's Bundu was hauled down in the area and the Battery's persistence was rewarded.  Cuevas took the PK and brought the Battery level once more as time expired.

It was a fine night of football and the Battery will look to build on the weekend's excellent performance when they face D.C. United in Wednesday's second game.  The Coffee Pot Cup is on the line and its always great to get the better of D.C.  Cheers to the Battery on a job well done, and here's to our best CCC yet!!

Guns of Charleston,

Lead the way!

Find the net,

 and save the day!!

Can't touch this!!

Happy Holidays from Tommy Heinemann!!

MLS Cup Playoffs Underway!! FCD 0-2 NYRB

Last night, in an action-packed wildcard playoff match, the New York Red Bulls traveled to Pizza Hut Park to face FC Dallas in the first postseason game of the 2011 MLS season.  New York just notched their playoff berth with a win over Philly in their final regular season game last week.  Dallas on the other hand were gasping for air after their unimpressive slide in recent weeks.  Either way, both sides had been good enough to make it and both sides looked hungry for a win.

The home town crowd did their part in lifting the Hoops and the first half hour was all FCD.  Dallas had several chances to go in front but the finishing was missing from their play.  New York finally switched on and were clearly happy to have their resident legend Thierry Henry back in the lineup.  Big shots and feverish pace characterized the first half but neither team could shake their opponent.

Lethal Lindpere

The second half proved more exciting than the first and Dallas looked to score by means of a set piece but free kick missed the target by inches.  So many shots in this game would be tortuous to witness as a fan in the stands.  Often when the ball slams into the side netting, without the perspective of instant replay, you're convinced you've got a goal.  This playoff fixture was filled with such attempts, serving to ratchet up the intensity of the crowd's participation.  FCD surrendered the ball cheaply in the 61st minute and Joel Lindpere, NY's clutch man, rifled a shot almost immediately.  The effort was stuffed but Red Bull's Dane Richards collected the rebound and passed to Ballouchy who dangerously slid the ball into the box.  Lindpere would not be stifled twice and easily converted the goal from close range.  Dallas nearly netted an equalizer moments later, but New York's defense was able to hang tough.  With ten minutes left in the game, the Red Bull's had a player sent off for a dangerous challenge and FCD took advantage of the red card.  Try as they might, Dallas could not find the leveler and seven minutes into stoppage time, it was Thierry Henry who put the match to bed.  Seizing on a long ball, the Frenchman strode goalwards and assaulted a threadbare Hoops defense.  His initial shot was blocked, but the front man's quickness allowed him to easily tap in the rebound and effectively silence Pizza Hut Park.

Wildman & Co take on Rapids

The good news is that this is just the beginning!!!  New York play host to the LA Galaxy Sunday (Oct 30th)in the first of a two leg aggregate series.  Tonight in another HUGE wild card showdown, the Columbus Crew face defending MLS Cup Champs the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The healthy Columbus side boasts some terrifying offensive options including our own former Charleston Battery forward Tommy Heinemann.  The game can be viewed via mlssoccer.com for FREE!  Look for another spectacular matchup and don't forget the MLS Cup final in Nov 20th!

Heiney Strikes Again!!

Former Battery "Wildman," Tom Heinemann scored a brilliant goal for the Columbus Crew in a riveting upset of Real Salt Lake at the Rio Tinto.  Scoring only four first half goals all season, the Crew struck twice in the first ten minutes of play to silence the home fans and stun the MLS community.

The infamous Rio Tinto

RSL's stadium the Rio Tinto, has come to be known as a veritable football fortress in recent years.  Until this game, Real Salt Lake had lost only once at home this season.  A fierce rivalry has been growing between Columbus and RSL, particularly since their Western Conference neighbors ousted Columbus from the CONCACAF Champions League.  Such was the atmosphere as the Crew entered the Salt Lake stronghold, having never won a match on the grounds and being outscored 11-2 all-time.  This game would be a rather different story, much to the chagrin of the RSL faithful.  Only five minutes into the match, Columbus midfielder Robbie Rogers (who assisted both goals) slipped a ball completely through the box to an unmarked Eddie Gaven.  Netting for the fourth time this season, Gaven's goal looked as easy as breathing.  Five minutes later, from a routine throw in, Rogers again slipped the stalwart RSL defense and lofted a cross to the waiting Heinemann who headed towards goal, finishing with ease.  Try as they might, Real Salt Lake were powerless to overturn the deficit despite an concerted effort including fantastic play by Fabian Espindola.  Eighty minutes later, the Crew had done the unthinkable: stormed the RSL fortress and emerged with a historic win.

The game marked Tom Heinemann's eighth start on the year and he is seeing a lot more regular play with the first team.  The St. Louis native has logged 882 minutes so far and featured in 17 matches.  We've really missed his talent and personality in Charleston this year, but we're proud to see him doing so well and racking up goals in the big leagues!  Go Heiney!!  Go Black & Gold!!

Looking as wild as ever with two goals under his belt!