Sept. 6, 2002
Columbia, S.C. – An early first period goal and a penalty kick in the second half was enough for the host 49ers as Charlotte defeated the South Carolina women’s soccer team 2-0 on Friday evening in the Puma Classic. The loss moves South Carolina’s record to 2-1 on the season. Carolina concludes the tournament on Sunday with a Noon match vs. East Carolina.
The Gamecocks outshot Charlotte 10-9 and kept the offensive attack on the Charlotte goal for most of the match despite the outcome.
Charlotte opened the scoring early in the first period at 10:25. 49ers forward Jill Hayes’ cross found forward Courtney Crandall who scored her second goal of the season past Carolina goalkeeper Elise Matthews into the right corner for a 1-0 lead.
USC had a couple chances in the first half to knot the game at one. Forward Ashley Williams broke in past the Charlotte defenders and knocked a shot just wide right of the goal. Midfielder Melinda Carter also had an opportunity with goalkeeper Jenn Howell out of the box, but a team save by the 49ers kept Charlotte on top 1-0.
The Gamecocks looked close to tying the match in the second half as a corner kick by Melinda Carter caused a stir in the box with Morgan McIntyre and Jess Julin coming close to knocking in the tying goal. A Gamecock shot by Camille Toney also bounced off the post and over the goal.
The 49ers increased their lead to 2-0 at 66:31 with a penalty kick goal by Jill Hayes. Hayes was tripped up in the Carolina box leading to the stoppage of play.
