who lost in that year's final to the Rhinos, the only time an MLS team has failed to win the Open Cup since the league's inception.
The Battery took the lead after just seven minutes, as Valencia won an aerial battle with two Rhinos defenders at the top of the penalty area and knocked a header past Rhino goaltender Theo Zagar to give the visitors the lead.
The Rhinos had several quality chances to even the score during the first half, the best chance coming from forward Chris Carrieri, but his shot from 18 yards out rattled off the crossbar midway through the half.
The second half was dominated by the Rhinos as they controlled possession, but despite outshooting the Battery 18-9 on the night they could not break down the Charleston defense.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
