Charlotte 49ers open women's soccer practice

The Charlotte 49ers' women's soccer team began practice on Thursday. Here's five things to know about coach John Cullen's club:

-- The 49ers have eight starters back, including junior midfielder/forward Amanda Jones, who will be one of Conference USA's top players. She had seven goals and five assists last season.

-- Goalkeeper Alex Kubrick, who started 12 games last season, had a .76 GAA and had three shutouts. She's back for her senior year.

-- Senior Brooke Mulloy (Charlotte Catholic) was the team's MVP last season and returns in the midfield. The defense is anchored by SarahAnn Waugh.

-- The 49ers open their season with a three-game home stand against against Liberty (Aug. 23), UNC Wilmington (Aug. 25) and Gardner-Webb (Aug. 27).

-- Charlotte, which was 10-8-2 in its final season in the Atlantic 10 in 2012, opens Conference USA play Sept. 27 at Florida International.