The Charleston Battery started the Conor Casey era with a 1-0 victory over MLS expansion squad Charlotte FC on the opening day of the Breeze Airways Carolina Challenge Cup on Feb. 12. 

Forward Aidan Apodaca, one of the new players signed by the Battery this year, got in behind the Charlotte defense to score the first goal of the Casey era, beating former Clemson goalkeeper George Marks for a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. 

Casey, hired as the Battery's new coach, went with three different squads in 30-minute shifts as he tries to finalize his roster and figure out combinations as the Battery prepares for its March 12 USL opener at home against Tulsa.

In the Challenge Cup opener on Saturday, the Columbus Crew and Inter Miami CF fought to a 1-1 draw. Crew midfielder Derrick Etienne Jr. scored a late equalizer after Miami's Ariel Lassiter scored first in the 59th minute.

Columbus will play Charlotte FC at 5 p.m. on Feb. 15, while the Battery takes on Miami at 8 p.m.

Follow on Twitter @Jeff_fromthePC

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