CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Junior Jamie Fankhauser netted her first goal of the season in the ninth minute and the Charlotte offense never relented all night in a 1-0 victory over Akron at Transamerica Field. The 49ers finished with a dominating 21-to-3 shot advantage over the Zips in the first meeting between the two schools.

From the opening kickoff, it was Charlotte (2-1) who would control much of the action. By halftime, the Niners built a 15-to-2 margin in the shots category and only added to it in the second stanza, not allowing the visitors much of an offensive attack throughout the 90 minutes.

A flurry of activity in front of the Akron (0-2) net led to the ball settling into the feet of sophomore Brianna Morris on the left flank. It didn’t take her long before she sent a dangerous pass into the box, locating Fankhauser who redirected it past netminder Erin McKinney at 8:31 for her fourth career score.

The goal came after a series of corner kicks, taken by Morris, and shots from junior Megan Greene, Fankhauser and a header by freshman Annie Sorando. The aggressive attack sustained pressure with junior Julia Grainda creating opportunities and classmate Mary Manser having a point-blank look turned away by McKinney in the 39th minute.

The 49ers continue to present problems for the Zips defense in the second period but were unable to convert again.

Sophomore Abby Stapleton collected two saves for her ninth career shutout and second of the three games played this season. McKinney finished with 10 stops for Akron.

Grainda led all players with five shots, placing three on goal, while Greene and junior Sophie Sipprell added four apiece.

The victory came in the Niners’ 500th all-time game, improving their record to 285-171-44.

Charlotte returns to action at 2 p.m. Sunday when it travels to Athens, Georgia, for a showdown in the SEC against Georgia. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN3/SEC Network Plus.

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