BUIES CREEK, N.C.-- Khalil Johnson scored twice in the second half and Campbell rode a disciplined defense to top visiting Charlotte 2-1 Saturday night at the Eakes Athletic Complex.

First-year head coach Steve Armas earned his first win at the helm of the Campbell program. Earlier this week, Charlotte defeated No.-11 Wake Forest 2-0.

"I'm proud of the way that our team was able to come together and pull out a victory against a quality opponent," said Armas. From opening day until now, we've had a lot of growth in the way we play and it clicked today for us. I credit our kids for pushing each other to be successful and I'm extremely proud of their efforts."

Johnson put Campbell on top in the 60th minute when he gained possession of the ball deep in 49er territory near the corner flag. Johnson sent a shot from the corner into the box, but the ball's flight fooled Charlotte keeper Patrick Eavenson and nicked the inside of the far post before going in.

Johnson tallied his second strike in the 75th minute when junior Brian Urioste played a ball behind the Charlotte back four to Johnson, who lofted his shot over a charging Eavenson and into the net to double the Camel advantage.

The 49ers began to push more players forward and Jennings Rex's 86th-minute header from the six-yard box sailed just over the crossbar.

Charlotte cut the lead in half in the 89th minute when Rex broke into the clear after gaining control of the ball and slid his shot past CU keeper Ryan Amons.

The 49ers nearly equalized in the 90th minute when Andres Cuero launched a curling shot from just inside the area, but his effort went just wide of Amons's near post and Campbell secured its result.

Campbell moves to 1-2-2 this year, while Charlotte falls to 3-3.

Johnson, a Kingston, Jamaica native, scored his first two goals of the season.

Campbell claimed the win despite injuries to several players.

"We had some key pieces get hurt tonight, but our guys stepped in and played extremely well," said Armas. "We knew it was going to take a collectively strong effort to win it, and tonight we brought that effort. Our fan support was great, and though it was a little nail-biting at the end, it was a very exciting match."

Charlotte outshot the Camels 11-6 and enjoyed a 5-3 advantage in shots on target. Keeper Ryan Amons made four stops in the Camel nets.

Campbell won just its third match ever against Charlotte, and first since 1990. Charlotte leads the all-time series 13-3-2.

The Camels return to action Wednesday when they travel to square off with UNC Greensboro in a 7 p.m. kick-off. Campbell returns to Buies Creek next Saturday and host Appalachian State as part of Family Weekend activities. The match is slated for 7 p.m.