CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Freshman Megan Greene found the back of the net two times in a four-minute span, but it was her late-game heroics that carried Charlotte women’s soccer to a 2-1 overtime triumph over Elon Thursday night. The match was played at the 49ers’ Practice Facility due to ongoing renovations at Transamerica Field.

Greene knotted the score at 1-1 with a header as only 33 seconds remained in regulation, at 89:27. She rose high over the Phoenix backline, redirecting a right-side cross from senior Rebecca Beatty. The goal came as Charlotte (4-3) was mounting a push during the late stages of regulation looking for the equalizer.

“All day we had crosses coming into the box and it was a matter of getting onto the end of one,” Greene said.

The 49ers then controlled from the onset in the extra period but it only took one shot to put Elon (3-4) away for good. Senior Katie O’Neill, making just her second appearance of the campaign and playing her most extensive minutes, sent a long pass forward while standing near the midfield line. Greene used her speed to sprint past the Phoenix defense and continue the ball’s momentum forward, slipping it underneath goalie Katelyn Fowler for her first career game winner at the 93:15 mark.

“We’re delighted to win an overtime game,” head coach John Cullen remarked. “I’m immensely proud of our character tonight. The goal went against the run of play a bit and we fell behind. We kept creating and creating and were wondering if that goal was going to come.

“Megan came up big with a phenomenal header. She’s really good in the air and we’re thrilled to have her. This young team grew up tonight. With just over 30 seconds to go, losing 1-0, we felt like there was one more chance and we put it in.”

Elon had claimed an early 1-0 edge following Sydney Schilling’s second goal of the year at 64:17. A bouncing ball following a Phoenix corner kick landed at Schilling’s feet, who slotted it between a mass of players from both sides at the top of the 18-yard box to give the visitors the advantage.

Charlotte continued to create chances of its own throughout the night with many being blocked away by the Elon defensive unit. The 49ers finished the night with 20 shots but only put six on frame as the Phoenix were able to step in front of a number of the attempts.

Greene finished with a game-best six shots, while junior Martha Thomas added four. Four other Niners were credited with multi-shot performances.

Hannah Doherty paced Elon with three attempts, its only player with multiple shots.

Both netminders played the entire 93:15 with Charlotte’s Anna Shelden holding a slight 4-3 edge over Fowler in the saves column.

“This field brings back tremendous memories as a player,” Cullen continued. “The crowd being so close to the field generated atmosphere and you could feel the energy all night long. I played here and had some wonderful moments. I’m glad our players could experience it.”

The 49ers will return to action at 1 p.m. Sunday in Greenville when they close out the non-conference campaign at East Carolina.

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