CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The top-scoring tandem in the last two years of Conference USA women’s soccer was at it again Sunday afternoon, as senior Martha Thomas and sophomore Megan Greene each scored in the second half to give the 49ers a 2-1 come-from-behind triumph over East Carolina. The victory was the fourth straight for the Niners as they marked the close of non-conference play with the contest against a longtime in-state rival and former league foe.

Thomas evened the scoreboard with her fifth of the season in the 50th minute after Charlotte (5-3) found itself down one at the intermission. Freshman Brianna Morris, who made her first career start Friday before finding herself back in the starting lineup again Sunday, sent a right-side cross towards the six-yard box. Her pass was redirected between the pipes by Thomas on a header past netminder Michelle Newhouse, at 49:25, to just inside the right post.

For Thomas, it marked career goal No. 39, tying her with Whitney Weinraub (2007-10) for the all-time 49ers’ record. It also moved Thomas into a tie with Courtney Cook (1994-97) for third on the career charts for points with 102. Weinraub holds that mark, as well, with 104, while Hailey Beam (2006-09) is currently in second at 103.

The re-energized Charlotte attack continued to push forward and Greene put her name on the board just over four-and-a-half minutes later. A loose ball was kicked high over the Pirates back line by her own feet before she back-peddled and put her head on it to redirect it just inside the left post for the clincher at 53:57.

The two goals in the second half came after East Carolina (4-2-1) had taken a 1-0 lead early in the opening period as Cashlin Copley capitalized on a misplayed ball by the Niners’ defense and slipped it between the legs of a charging Alivia McKelvy at the 13:36 mark.

McKelvy earned her first career start in goal for the 49ers and finished with a career-best six saves, one more stop than Newhouse.

Thomas led all players with six shots, while Greene added four, senior Virginia Lingo contributed three and sophomore Julia Grainda added two.

Marianna Shurina paced the Pirates with two shots, as eight different players had attempts.

Charlotte returns to action at 7 p.m. Friday when it plays host to Marshall at Transamerica Field to open the Conference USA slate.

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