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DAVIDSON The Charlotte 49ers and Davidson might still be squabbling over a date for a men's basketball game next season, but give the schools credit for this: They figured out a way to get a men's soccer game played Friday.
With about 1,327 fans watching on a warm, muggy night at tree-lined Alumni Stadium, Charlotte allowed an early goal but dominated the rest of the way, beating the Wildcats 5-1 in both teams' season opener.
Davidson scored first on a header by Whitey Bolan in the 20th minute, but that only served to awaken the 49ers.
In the 35th minute, Luke Exley, getting an assist from Ryan Swaim, evened the score. Three minutes later, Jason Hawes, a freshman substitute from Bromley, England, who might soon become the glue in Charlotte's midfield, gave the 49ers the lead with a 20-yard shot past Davidson goalkeeper Robby Goldsberry.
“When they scored that second goal, all of a sudden their eyes got big,” said Davidson coach Matt Spear. “That really picked them up.”
The 49ers kept the pressure on in the second half, finishing off Davidson with goals by Andres Cuero, Chris Salvaggione and Matt Weston.
“We can't let the other team light us up early on like that,” said Salvaggione, a transfer from Gardner-Webb whose eight goals led the 49ers last season. “They played great soccer in the first 20 minutes, but we need to get going right away.”
It was the second game of a doubleheader, with College of Charleston beating Marshall 2-0 in the opener. The four teams play again Sunday at Alumni Stadium, with Davidson and Marshall at 1 p.m.; Charlotte and Charleston at 3:15.
Charlotte, which beat the Wildcats by the same score last season, leads the series 18-9-6. Afterward, Davidson players stayed on the field to sign autographs for young fans. 49ers players and coaches mingled with the crowd. It could have been any two schools playing each other, but it was a nice ending.
And it showed why it's important these two institutions play each other every year – in every sport.
