CONWAY, S.C. – Charlotte netted a goal late in regulation to force extra time on the clock but a bouncing header score lifted host Coastal Carolina to a 2-1 overtime triumph over the 49ers in women’s soccer action Friday night.

The Niners trailed for much of the contest as the Chanticleers jumped out to a 1-0 edge during the first half. Despite the deficit, Charlotte (1-1) dominated much of the offensive attack, posting a season-high 22 shots on the CCU frame and used sophomore Perri Bonner’s equalizer late to knot the scoring.

Bonner found herself open on the left side after senior Sara Trexler sent her a crossing pass. Bonner then one-timed the redirection just inside her near post at 84:32 to bring the 49ers all-square on her first goal of the campaign. It marked her fourth career score, after she topped the squad’s freshmen class last fall with three.

Coastal Carolina (2-1) found themselves with the 1-0 advantage following Kacey Kelley’s blast from 25 yards out in the 19th minute. Kelley was able to corral the ball at her feet and send a hard shot over a leaping Annika McHenry for the unassisted tally at 18:23.

Charlotte maintained its composure, holding a shot advantage in both periods, but it would be the host Chanticleers that registered the game winner at 94:04. Christina Stern used a flip throw-in to create an opportunity near the top of the 18-yard box. As the ball bounced around, it went high enough for Ellie Taylor to redirect it with her head to just inside the right-post netting.

The 49ers were not without their own chances during the course of the contest, starting early when Preseason All-Conference USA selection Amanda Jones had two quick opportunities and one of her corner kicks resulted in a shot just high from sophomore Rebecca Beatty. All of those looks occurred within the first five minutes of the match.

McHenry also played well, making multiple diving stops to keep her squad within striking distance. Bonner entered the game late in the first half and immediately became a force up-front with chances just before the intermission and early in the second period.

Freshman Martha Thomas also was able to break free soon after Bonner’s game-tying score, as the Niners continued to push forward, but the Chanticleer defense denied her a clean look at the goal.

Jones led all players with eight shots, tying a career best set Oct. 18, 2013, against UAB. The eight attempts are also tied for sixth in single-game school history, now happening nine times in 21 years.

Bonner was credited with a career-high six shots, while Trexler and Beatty each finished with three.

Kelley topped Coastal Carolina with her half-dozen attempts, doubling-up her next-closest teammate, Stern.

Charlotte will look to bounce back when it stays near the beach for a 2 p.m. Sunday meeting at UNC Wilmington in Wilmington, N.C.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Men's NCAA Tournament First Round Recap

Vanderbilt Shocks No. 1 Florida State

Men's NCAA Tournament Round Two Preview