CHARLOTTE, NC -- Aaron McAllister’s 14 yard touchdown run proved to be the difference, as the Charlotte 49ers picked up their first-ever Conference USA opener, with their first ever win over Old Dominion 28-25 on Thursday.

  • McAllister’s touchdown gave Charlotte a 10 point lead
  • Conference USA Specialist of the Week Jonathan Cruz booted a pair of field goals in the opening 30 minutes
  • Next week, the 49ers go on the road for the first time this season

McAllister’s touchdown gave Charlotte a 10 point lead, which was critical, as the Monarchs scored with just under three minutes to play to narrow the gap to 28-25.

49ers quarterback Chris Reynolds was 23 for 24 passing for 202 yards and a pair of touchdown passes.  Benny LeMay led the 49ers with 93 yards rushing on 25 carries.

Charlotte opened the scoring with Reynolds hit Victor Tucker on an 18 yard pass, only to see Old Dominion even things up on a four-yard run from Kesean Strong.

Conference USA Specialist of the Week Jonathan Cruz booted a pair of field goals in the opening 30 minutes, pushing Charlotte out to a 13-6 advantage, but ODU got the first of touchdown runs from Lala Davis to go into halftime trailing 13-12.

The Monarchs led 18-13 after the second Davis touchdown in the third quarter, but Reynolds would find Mark Quattlembaum on a four yard pass for a score to put Charlotte in front for good at 21-18.

Charlotte did not commit a turnover in the game, while intercepting Monarchs quarterback Steven Williams, Jr. Twice.

Next week, the 49ers go on the road for the first time this season, when they face Massachusetts on September 22.

 

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