Charlotte 49ers look to get into win column in SC

CHARLOTTE ATHLETICS

Sophomore forward Ayanna Parker, who scored her first collegiate goal last week against North Carolina State, is playing more in a reserve role for the Charlotte 49ers.

The Charlotte 49ers will try to grab their first win of the season with a pair of games in South Carolina. Charlotte (0-2) plays Coastal Carolina (1-0) Thursday for a 2 p.m. game before taking on Citadel.

The 49ers, who opened with one-goal losses to James Madison and North Carolina State – the latter in front of a home record 1,607 people. Charlotte conceded two goals in the last 15 minutes in the loss to the Wolfpack. The 49ers have a veteran core, including three players who earned AAC Watch List recognition.

49ers were named to the American Athletic Conference Watch List ahead of the 2023 season. Midfielder Julia Patrum and forward Macey Bader, who tied for the team lead with three assists last season, are joined by Payton Patrick, a transfer who led South Carolina with four goals in SEC play in 2022. In addition, sophomore Bailey Manfredi was named All-Conference USA in 2022 while Tash Hudson earned third-team all-conference.

A key substitute is forward Ayanna Parker, who scored her first collegiate goal in the loss to N.C. State. After averaging 22 minutes per game played as a freshman, Parker is averaging 45 minutes a match this year.

Coastal Carolina beat UNC Wilmington 1-0 in its season opener, with Emily Petring tallying the game-winner on a penalty kick in the 69th minute. The Chanticleers, who won their first game for new coach Jo Chubb, were outshot 12-6 but goalkeeper Vivienne Carr stopped all six that were on target.

Thursday’s game will be the fourth between the schools. Charlotte leads the series 2-1. Last year’s 49ers’ win was coach Brandi Fontaine’s first.

Charlotte is looking to establish a winning vibe before starting play in the American Athletic Conference, the third different conference the 49ers have been affiliated with. The 49ers were 104-63-23 in Conference USA over 10 years after going 59-14-5 over eight seasons in the Atlantic 10.

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