GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA — Charlotte made the trip to Greenville count, securing a 1-0 victory over East Carolina on Thursday night behind a crucial second-half goal from Naroa Domenech. The 49ers, riding a three-game winning streak, weathered a spirited Pirates attack to claim the road win and improve their tournament resume heading down the stretch of the regular season.
Domenech's strike in the 61st minute proved to be the difference-maker in a tightly contested affair. The Charlotte midfielder found the back of the net during a frantic sequence of play, capitalizing on a moment of vulnerability in the East Carolina defense. It was a clinical finish that reflected Charlotte's ability to convert limited opportunities—the 49ers managed just three shots on goal but made the most of their chances when it mattered.
The first half unfolded as a defensive chess match, with both teams probing for weaknesses but neither able to break through. East Carolina's Juliana Viera and Isabella Gutiérrez tested Charlotte's backline with efforts that went high or wide, while the Pirates' defense stood firm against Charlotte's early pressure. Naroa Domenech and Evie Craven generated chances for the visitors, but East Carolina's shape remained intact through 45 minutes of scoreless soccer.
East Carolina emerged from halftime with renewed intensity, pressing higher and creating more dangerous moments. The Pirates forced Charlotte goalkeeper into action multiple times, particularly through efforts from Caitlen-Star Dolan Boodram and Alyssa Tucker. Yet for all their attacking ambition, the home side couldn't find the clinical finishing to match their territorial advantage. Two yellow cards—issued to AJ Mayock and Gia Spinetti—reflected the mounting frustration as the match grew increasingly physical.
Charlotte's defensive organization, anchored by Reese Black and the backline, held firm when it mattered most. The 49ers' goalkeeper made six saves to preserve the shutout, while East Carolina's keeper managed just two. The disparity in saves told the story: Charlotte defended efficiently while East Carolina created chances but couldn't convert them into goals.
The statistics underscored how narrow the margin was between the teams. Both sides attempted 14 shots, though Charlotte's three shots on goal compared favorably to East Carolina's six. The Pirates earned four corner kicks to Charlotte's six, yet neither team could weaponize set pieces effectively. Yellow cards for the home side suggested frustration mounting as the match wore on without a breakthrough.
Domenech's decisive moment came at precisely the right time for Charlotte, whose attacking players—including Grace Keighley, Megan Bradley, and Penelope Rich—had been searching for an opening all evening. The goal sent the 49ers' traveling contingent into celebration and deflated East Carolina's hopes of salvaging a result.
The loss drops East Carolina to 6-7-4 overall, extending their struggles after a midweek victory over UTSA. Charlotte, meanwhile, improved to 10-5-2 and maintained momentum heading into the final stretch of conference play. The 49ers' three consecutive victories have positioned them well for NCAA Tournament consideration, while the Pirates face questions about consistency as they battle for postseason positioning.
Charlotte returns home to face Tulane next, looking to extend their winning streak, while East Carolina hosts SMU in their next conference matchup.