GREENVILLE, SC - The 22nd-ranked Charlotte 49ers men’s soccer team (6-1-2) behind a first half goal by Luke Exley and a stout defense blanked Furman (4-4-2), 1-0, on the road in their final non-conference game. The 49ers have not lost since the first game of the season and Charlotte is 6-0-2 during that stretch.

"This was a tremendous road win," Charlotte coach Jeremy Gunn said. "Tonight’s win was the result of unbelievable determination from our players."
Exley scored the game’s only goal when he blasted a shot from 25 yards out into the top right corner of the goal off an Adam Gross assist in the 36th minute. Exley’s goal was his third of the season. Gross’ assist was his fourth of the season which tied him for the team lead.

"Exley’s goal was a fantastic strike," Gunn said.

Charlotte had another great scoring chance in the first half when Jennings Rex hit the post with a shot in the 30th minute. Gross, Isaac Cowles and Exley all took shots in the first half.

In the second half, James had a scoring chance in the 86th minute but his header just went wide of the goal.

The 49ers finished the game with an 8-6 advantage in shots. Gross and Exley led the 49ers with two shots apiece. While, Isaac Caughran, James, Cowles and Rex each tallied a shot for the 49ers.

Charlotte’s defense behind the play of goalkeeper David Martin and defenders Cowles, Charles Rodriguez, Nathan Mathers and Justin Tucker recorded their second shutout of the season. Martin recorded two saves for the 49ers. Charlotte’s defense has limited six foes to a goal or less this season.

In the second half, Martin made a fantastic save and then Rodriguez made a game-saving clearance to preserve the 49ers shutout.

"We have had an incredible start to the season," Gunn said. "We have worked really hard and to go 6-1-2 in the non-conference portion of our schedule with six tough road games is fantastic. Now our team has to draw a line and get ready to attack the A-10 schedule."

Charlotte returns to action next weekend, October 9-11, when they begin Atlantic 10 play at home against George Washington and Richmond. The 49ers host George Washington in the A-10 opener, Friday, October 9 at 7 pm at Transamerica Field.