Charlotte, N.C. – Defending American Athletic Conference member Charlotte netted a goal in each half to blank Furman, 2-0, in non-conference men's soccer action Monday evening at Transamerica Field in Charlotte, N.C.
 
With the win, Charlotte improved to 2-0-1 on the season and claimed its ninth consecutive home victory, which ranks as the fourth longest streak in the nation. Furman suffered its first defeat of the season to fall to 2-1-1.
 
The match looked to be headed to halftime without a goal, but Charlotte took the lead with just 35 seconds to go in the opening half on a goal by Richardson. Casey McCloskey won the ball in the midfield and played a long ball down the right wing to Ben Fisher who picked out Richardson just inside the top of the box. The freshman lined a one-timer into the left-hand corner past a diving Aaron Salinas at the 44:25 mark to break the deadlock.
 
Natsuki Ogata doubled the Charlotte lead in the 64^th minute. The 49ers intercepted a pass in the midfield and fed the ball to Ogata on the left side. He dribbled into the box and laced a left-footed shot into the left corner at the 63:53 mark to up the margin to 2-0.
 
Leo Stritter made one save to secure the shutout in goal for the 49ers while Salinas posted four saves for the Paladins. Charlotte compiled a 16-3 advantage in total shot attempts and a 7-1 edge in shots on goal. The 49ers earned 10 corner kicks to just two for the Paladins.
 
Furman is back at home on Seagraves Field at Stone Soccer Stadium when it hosts ACC foe Virginia Tech as part of a United FU Day doubleheader on Sunday afternoon. The Furman women's team hosts USC Upstate at 2 p.m. with the men entertaining the Hokies at 4 p.m. Admission is free.