MIAMI – A halftime lightning delay sent a jolt of energy to the Charlotte women’s soccer program, as the 49ers came out of the extended break with renewed focus and they picked up a 4-0 away Conference USA triumph over FIU Friday evening in Miami. The 49ers allowed the Panthers only four shots, with just one on goal, during the second half, while expanding their one-goal cushion at the intermission to remain perfect in league play.

For the third time this year, Charlotte (6-4, 2-0 C-USA) freshmen accounted for all of the team’s scoring. Julia Grainda put the wheels in motion with the only strike of the first half, knocking in a Martha Thomas cross and placing it into the upper left corner for her fifth of the campaign at the 39:25 mark. The assist was Thomas’ career-best seventh of the season, leading all 49ers.

In the second half, Charlotte focused on increasing its margin and keeping the ball on its offensive end of the field. The 49ers were able to dominate during the final 45 minutes as their lead swelled to the final outcome.

Freshman Riley Orr netted her first career goal at the 58:27 mark when she sent a corner kick to the far post and in behind FIU (1-7-1, 0-2 C-USA) netminder Sophia Trujillo.

About four-and-a-half minutes later, at 62:56, senior Rebecca Beatty sent a cross in from the right side, directly in front of the net, which found freshman Megan Greene. Greene rose high over the Panthers backline and redirected it over the end line for her team-leading seventh score as the Niners built a 3-0 advantage.

As much as Charlotte was controlling the play offensively, it was just as stout defensively. The Panthers managed only two of their 14 shots on goal the entire evening. Conversely, the 49ers were able to place 10 of their 19 shots on frame as they were relentless in the attack for the full 90 minutes.

Charlotte chipped in one final score to decide the outcome, as freshman Jamie Fankhauser tallied the first of her collegiate career at 89:43. She was set up on the score by Katie O’Neill, who fed her the ball near the six-yard box along the far post.

Anchoring the defense was redshirt sophomore Anna Shelden picked up the first shutout of her career by making two saves. Thomas paced all players with six shots, while Greene added three, sophomore Emily Truelove and Grainda each chipped in two as the Niners had four players with multiple attempts.

The 49ers will return to Transamerica Field next weekend for a pair of matches, starting at 7 p.m. Friday against UTEP in the Miners’ first visit to the Queen City. Charlotte will then play host to UTSA at 1 p.m. Sunday to conclude the two-game set.

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