CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – Juniors Taylor O'Brien and Ayla Vaneus each scored goals in UNCW's 2-1 victory at Charlotte in Thursday night's women's soccer season opener at Transamerica Field.

The Seahawks improved to 1-0 ahead of their home opener vs. UNC Greensboro this Sunday. The 49ers begin 2024 at 0-1 and host TCU this weekend.

O'Brien wasted little time with the first goal of the season on a corner set piece at the six-minute mark. The Edmonds, Wash., native netted her third career goal on the service from graduate transfer Lexi Vegoda.

UNCW, who totaled seven shots in the contest, carried a 1-0 advantage into the second half that extended on a Vaneus header assisted by sophomore Rachel Fry in the 72nd minute.

Vaneus's insurance goal would prove vital as Charlotte got on the board via a penalty kick by forward Macey Bader with just over two minutes left in the game. The Seahawk defense withstood a late push by the 49ers to earn the season-opening victory.

UNCW goalkeeper Morgan Hobbs recorded five saves against 15 shots faced in her Seahawk debut.