Charlotte's players from days gone by returned to take part in a contest which had upset written all over it for the first 85 minutes. |
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Late Game Heroics Catapault 49ers to 5-2 Victory In Alumni Game
Sept. 6, 2008
Charlotte, N.C. - After playing 85 minutes of even soccer, the current 49ers were able to tack three goals on the board late to defeat the 49ers of days past by a 5-2 margin at the Charlotte practice field.
Charlotte's alumni squad came to play as they were either tied or held the lead for the majority of the contest, but came up empty late in their bid to woo the soccer gods with an upset victory over their younger counterparts.
Matt Weston, Ryan Swaim, Andres Cuero, Isaac Caughran and Evan James scored for the 49ers with Cuero scoring what would end up being the game winning with five minutes left on the clock.
Joel Wisdow (2001-04) got the 49ers on the board early with Mike Rose (2003-06) scoring the other goal for the former Niners who had the likes of Graham Tatters, current Assistant Coach Kevin O'Brien and Vice Chanellor David Dunn on the roster.
Rose was happy to take part in the alumni game and get back to his old stomping grounds. "It feels good to come back to Charlotte and take to the field one more time," said Rose who scored what looked like it would be the game winner until Charlotte's late game barrage.
Head Coach Jeremy Gunn was also pleased with the game and was very happy with the alumni returning.
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"It's very important to have them come back and to keep them feeling like they're a part of the team, but it's also very important for our young players to be able to play with the alums and to experience the tradition of our program," said Gunn who's the mentor of the 49er squad who is currently sitting at #24 in the country and became ranked this week for the first time in nearly ten years.
Charlotte gets back into the regular season slate next weekend when they travel to UNC-Wilmington to take part in the UNC-W/Courtyard Marriott Classic.
