MIAMI – Freshman Martha Thomas returned to her native south Florida and triumphantly lifted the Charlotte women’s soccer team to a 2-1 victory at FIU Sunday afternoon with a pair of second-half goals. The Weston, Florida, product raised her team-leading total to a half dozen after clinching the win with the game-winning goal with just over three minutes remaining in regulation.

Thomas, as she did earlier in the period, found the back of the net at 86:45 when she knocked home a pass from sophomore Rebecca Beatty at the top of the 18-yard box and placed it high past Panthers goalkeeper Nevena Stojakovic. The game winner is Thomas’ third of the campaign, inching within distance of the conference leader through Sunday’s action.

The rookie had tied the contest at 1-1 earlier in the half, converting a corner kick from redshirt senior Jennifer Lee at the 52:17 mark and pulling Charlotte (4-4-1, 1-1 C-USA) even in the score column.

The two goals came on Thomas’ only two shots of the afternoon, as she would tie Preseason All-Conference USA selection, senior Amanda Jones, for the team lead in the category.

FIU (6-5, 1-1 C-USA) had jumped out in front on an early goal when Ashleigh Shim raced down the right flank before crossing the ball back across the top of the penalty area. Chelsea Leiva connected on the pass and redirected it past the Niners’ starting goalkeeper, reigning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week Annika McHenry, at 5:34.

After that, possession was mostly held on both sides in the midfield as only a combined five shots were sent towards the two nets. Offensive production increased slightly in the second frame but the Panthers maintained an overall slight edge on attempts, 9-7.

Charlotte returns to action at 7 p.m. Friday when it plays host to Marshall at Transamerica Field, a place where the 49ers are unbeaten this fall. The contest will serve as Faculty & Staff Night. Faculty and staff interested in purchasing tickets must contact the ticket office in advance at 704.687.4949 or via Charlotte49ers.com.

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