St. Louis - Charlotte defeated Saint Louis 2-0 tonight in a Conference USA men's soccer match before 2,453 fans at Robert R. Hermann Stadium. Charlotte junior forward Adam Ruud scored once in each half to push the 49ers to the win. The Billikens carried the play early and out-shot the 49ers 16-8 but were unable to find the back of the net.

The Billikens had the first good scoring chance in the ninth minute when Casey Spiess received a ball through the heart of the Charlotte defense, but 49ers keeper Josh Beachem made a diving save to keep the game scoreless. The Billikens again had an excellent scoring opportunity when Ryan Wileman clanged a header off the right post in the 16th minute.

But the Niners struck first in the 28th minute. Ruud received a ball about 30 yards out and dribbled through the left side of the Billiken defense. He dribbled inside the six-yard box and tucked the ball just past Billiken keeper Martin Hutton. Tim Ward nearly equalized with 12 minutes left in the half when he headed a ball over the Charlotte goal. Will John had a breakaway shot in the final minute of the first half but his attempt was deflected away by Beachem.

Early in the second half, Ryan Wileman both had strong shots on goal but they went right to Beachem who made the save each time. However, the 49ers' Ruud added his second goal of the evening in the 63rd minute. Pete Palomino dribbled into the left corner then flicked a pass to the top of the box. Ruud settled the ball and fired a low shot into the left side of the net for a 2-0 Charlotte lead.

With the victory, Charlotte improves to 4-3-1, 1-3-0 in C-USA. The Billikens dip to 4-4-1 overall, 2-1-1 C-USA. Saint Louis hosts nationally-ranked SMS on Wed., Oct. 6, in a 7 p.m. game at Hermann Stadium.

CHARLOTTE 2, SAINT LOUIS 0
CHA  27:19  Ruud, unassisted (left side from 5-yards)
CHA  62:20  Ruud, from Palomino (low drive from 18-yards)

Shots: SLU - 16, CHA - 8 Corners: SLU - 11, CHA - 3 Saves: SLU - 1 (Hutton 1), CHA - 7 (Beachem 7) Fouls: SLU - 10, CHA - 18 Att: 2,453