Charlotte men's soccer earned its third consecutive shutout with a 3-0 victory against Florida Atlantic Sunday night at Transamerica Field.
The win, which improves the Niners to 4-1-1 (2-0 The American), is the first of the 2023 season for Charlotte at home and the second victory in American Athletic Conference play.
After a scoreless first half despite nine shots and some truly great chances, the goals came in bunches for the Green & White as three different 49ers-- Filip Jauk, Brandon Morales, and Samy Kolby scored in the second half. For the game, Charlotte recorded season-highs in total shots (22) and shots on target (nine) against the Owls (1-4-3, 0-2) while Leonard Stritter's three saves helped earn the sophomore record yet another clean sheet in goal.
In the 59th minute, Jonathan Nyandjo sent in a beautiful cross to Brigham Larsen, whose well-timed header was saved by the FAU keeper but fortunately, Jauk was in perfect poaching position to play clean up and deliver the ball to the back of the net.
In the 69th minute, Brandon Morales received a throw-in from Brad Dildy and delivered an absolute screamer from outside the box for the 2-0 lead. The accuracy on the shot was perfect as it sailed over the keeper's head, hit the bottom of the crossbar, and into the net.
Samy Kolby added the third and final goal in the 87th minute. Following shot attempts from Larsen and Morales, Kolby corralled the rebound and beat the out-of-position keeper for the score. Kolby's chance arrived after Larsen had his shot ricochet off the crossbar and Morales' flying header was saved. All that chaos in the box led to the keeper being near the six-yard box and out of position for Kolby to capitalize.
UAB will host Georgia Southern on Tuesday, while SMU will host Grand Caynon on Wednesday for non-conference action. Conference play will begin against on Friday as games begin at 7 p.m. ET. The full schedule can be found
here.