RICHMOND, VA – The 23rd-ranked Charlotte 49ers (9-4-0, A-10: 4-0-0) behind an overtime goal from Andres Cuero and another stellar defensive effort defeated Richmond (3-8-1, A-10: 2-1-0), 1-0. The victory was the 49ers sixth straight win.

“The team put in another great performance today,” Charlotte coach Jeremy Gunn said. “At times we were playing some of our best attacking soccer of the season. Richmond was dogged in defense, and their keeper was brilliant, but in the end our boys thoroughly deserved the win. Our defenders were composed and everyone looked comfortable on the ball when we attacked. This weekend underlined the importance of the strength and depth of our squad. Thomas Allen and Paul Willoughby made their first starts of the year and were brilliant.   We have made a tremendous start to the A-10 season by winning four road games. We can now look forward to being back at Transamerica Field – the games won’t get any easier – but we will be at home and hopefully confident, fresh, and hungry.”

Cuero scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season and his second straight game-winning goal in the 94th minute. Charles Rodriguez’s shot was deflected by Richmond goalkeeper Brock Tomlinson. Cuero collected the deflection and put the ball into the back of the net giving the 49ers the victory.

“In overtime, we continued to put Richmond under pressure,” Gunn said. “We finally broke through when a Donnie Smith cross was headed on target by Rodriguez. Cuero controlled the deflection of Rodriguez’s shot with his thigh and then rammed the ball home from close range.”

Charlotte finished the game with a 27-5 advantage in shots. Tyler Gibson led the 49ers with five shots. Anthony Perez, Donnie Smith and Cuero each tallied four shots apiece. Paul Willoughby, Will Mayhew, Aidan Kirkbride and Rodriguez each recorded two shots apiece.

In the first half, Charlotte’s Smith, Perez, Kirkbride, Cuero, Gibson and Thomas Allen all had scoring chances but their shots were either blocked, went wide, hit the post and crossbar or were stopped by Richmond’s Tomlinson.

The second half, Charlotte’s Willoughby, Smith, Gibson, Mayhew, Cuero, Perez and Justin Tucker had shots that were either high, wide, blocked or saved by Richmond’s keeper.

In the 93rd minute, Willoughby had a shot for the 49ers that was stopped by Richmond’s Tomlinson. Then, Cuero scored the game’s only goal.

Charlotte’s defense behind the play of goalkeeper Gavin Dawson and defenders Thomas Allen, Perez, Tucker and Rodriguez was stellar again as they recorded their second straight shutout.

Charlotte returns to Transamerica Field when they host A-10 foe Saint Louis, Friday, October 22 at 7 pm.