Lady Seahawks Lose Late Lead and Game to UNCC

Charlotte scored two goals in the final 14:04 of regulation to erase a one-goal deficit and beat UNC Wilmington, 3-2, in collegiate women’s soccer action Monday at Transamerica Field.

The 49ers evened their season mark at 1-1-0 with the come-from-behind victory while the Seahawks dipped to 0-1-1 on the young season.

“It was a great college soccer game,” UNCW head coach Paul Cairney said. “Both teams battled and Charlotte worked very hard in second half to wear us down and get the victory. UNCW put forth a solid team effort tonight.”

Freshman Meagan Simeone put the Seahawks ahead 1-0 in the sixth minute when she headed home a cross from senior Brittany Croce for her first collegiate tally.

Junior Hailey Beam evened the score at 1-all for the 49ers on a shot from the right side at the 12:02 mark. Sophomore Whitney Weinraub assisted on the play.

Junior Erica Rodgers gave UNCW the lead once again, converting a cross-field pass from senior Kelly Renkin in the 21st minute to give the Seahawks a 2-1 edge.

Freshman Erin Pardini had a chance to add to the Seahawks lead in the 70th minute, but her shot hit the post.

49er freshman Jonna Handra leveled the score at 2-apiece in the 76th minute, putting home a rebound opportunity created on a shot by classmate Macky Wingo.

Charlotte freshman Oni Bernard put the 49ers ahead for good at the 83:29 mark, heading home her own rebound for the decisive marker.

The 49ers held a 14-9 edge in shots and enjoyed a 9-2 advantage in corners kicks taken. UNCW senior keeper Emily Pratt made seven saves while Charlotte junior Lauren Brown was credited with four stops.

UNCW continues its three-game road swing Friday with a 7 p.m. contest at Gardner-Webb. Charlotte is back on the field Sunday in a 1 p.m. kickoff versus Tennessee Tech. -Courtesy UNCW

-- Jesse Jones, CAPE FEAR SPORTS REPORT