Despite the 2-0 loss to the co-league leading Rice Owls, Charlotte women’s soccer was still able to secure a spot in the Conference USA championship. The 49ers are one of the top 8 seeds in the country and will remain as such after this final week of regulation play.
The Rice Owls (10-4-1, 7-2 C-USA) came out aggressive scoring in the 23rd minute off a 10-yard-shot from Marissa Topolski, set up by a pass from Nia Stallings; the result of a turnover by the 49ers. The Niners worked to even the score, but freshman Julia Grainda’s header went wide three minutes after the first goal was scored.