The Charlotte 49ers women’s soccer team opened the 2014 season as the preseason favorite to win Conference USA. The 49ers picked up a 1-0 win against UNC Greensboro last Friday night before moving down to Coastal Carolina for Friday’s match-up against the Chanticleers. Charlotte (1-1) was not able to keep up the momentum and fell 2-1 in overtime.
The 49ers put up 22 shots on the night setting an impressive season-high, but were unable to get shots past the keeper early. Coastal Carolina (2-1) got on the board first and took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
It wasn’t until the 85th minute when a pass from senior Sara Trexler found the foot of sophomore Perri Bonner for the game-tying goal. Charlotte was able to hold possession for the remaining five minutes and force an overtime.
However, the Chanticleers were able to find a header that ended up in the back of the net in the 95th minute to get the victory. Following a flip throw from Christina Stern, Ellie Taylor was able to get the redirection off her head past Charlotte keeper Annika McHenry.
Amanda Jones, Rebecca Beaty, and Martha Thomas were all able to get off good attempts for the 49ers contributing to the 22 shots on the night. Bonner posted a career-high with six shots of her own and Jones was able to match a career-high with eight. Charlotte was unable to pull out the win but surely cannot be disappointed with the play of the offense.
Charlotte will continue the long road trip on Sunday, August 31 by moving up the coast to take on UNC Wilmington at 2 p.m.