ELON, N.C. – Charlotte’s offense continued to find a rhythm while the 49ers’ defense stood firm for another shutout, as the Niners women’s soccer team opened its final non-conference road swing with a 2-0 triumph at Elon Thursday night. It marked the fourth clean sheet in six games this year for Charlotte, who has allowed multiple goals just once in 2018.

Junior Jamie Fankhauser broke the early scoreless drought for both teams with her strike in the 33rd minute. Classmate Julia Grainda maintained possession down the left flank while shielding off her defender. As she reached the edge of the penalty box, she sent a cross in front of the goal mouth, locating Fankhauser who was making a run to the top of the six-yard box. Fankhauser one-timed the pass into the back of the net, behind goalie Valentina Estrada at 32:30.

It was a part of an offensive-minded first half for the Niners, who held a 7-to-4 shot advantage at the break. Junior Sophie Sipprell launched the game’s first attempt in the 13th minute, sending it just wide, while Preseason All-Conference USA Team pick Megan Greene had three solid looks herself, including a header that went just wide.

Meanwhile, it was another strong start on the defensive side for Charlotte (4-2), as well, as the back line continued to push the ball forward to create more chances. Sophomore goalkeeper Abby Stapleton collected one save by the intermission but it did not come until the 41st minute when the Phoenix’s Hannah Doherty tried to sneak a shot around a cluster of players from 15 yards away.

Early in the second half, at 46:14, the 49ers had a chance to double their lead when a foul was called on Elon (2-2-3) inside the 18-yard box. The penalty kick, taken by freshman Sandra Geiselhart, was saved by a diving Estrada to preserve the one-goal margin.

Despite not adding to its lead at that point, Charlotte continued to push forward offensively. Freshman Michaella Arteta had a great look in the 57th minute, curling her shot to the left post but it was again thwarted by a diving stop from Estrada.

The 49ers were able to crack open the defense again just over two minutes later, at 58:29, when Greene shrugged off a pair of defenders and sent a low ground ball to the right post, tucking it into the net behind Estrada to double the margin to 2-0.

Charlotte had another chance to pad its lead with just under 13 minutes left in regulation. Freshman Emma Totten, using her left foot on the right side, fired a hard shot at the near post but it went just wide of hitting the support and sailed into the back fence.

The Phoenix had one last look, a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box, but the ball was seen clearly over the wall by Stapleton and the clean sheet was preserved, the 11th of her career. She continued her ascent up the program’s career shutouts list, moving into fifth all-time behind seven saves. Estrada finished with four stops for Elon.

Greene led all players with five shots, placing three on goal, while Hannah Doherty topped the home side with three attempts.

The 49ers return to action at 1 p.m. Sunday in Greenville against ECU in the last non-conference match of the campaign.

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