North Carolina FC U23 got its first win of the season against the reigning PDL champs after a strong second half, beating the Charlotte Eagles 2–1. Charlotte played organized but NCFC was able to crack the code in the second half.

The first half ended tied 1–1, but Charlotte seemed to be the better of the two teams in the first 45 minutes. The Eagles showed yet again how they can dominate in the final third and how organized they are deep down the field. NCFC goalkeeper George Marks made save after save to hold the Eagles to one goal.

With the win, NCFC moves into fifth place in the South Atlantic and the Eagles stays in third.

Tale of two halves

The Charlotte Eagles got on the board first with a goal from Robinson Moshobane, who got a nice shot off a cross in the 16th minute.

Just 19 minutes later, NCFC got their attack together when David Cuperman sent a ball to Shariff Secca, who was able to find the back of the net. (Shariff gets my vote for coolest name in the PDL.)

NCFC dominated the first 15 minutes of the second half. The Ealges seemed to not be ready for the attack of the Baby Whales and continued to let them get off shots. One of those, a 53rd-minute screamer from NCFC’s Caleb Duvernay from roughly 20 yards out, found the back of the net and could've been goal of the week (if the game was streamed).

Charlotte responded for the last 20 minutes of the half but it just wasn't enough. Marks was unstoppable and played lights-out to seal the win.

Zack’s player of the game

NCFC U23 goalkeeper George Marks

Marks was unstoppable in the second half and led the Baby Whales to their first win of the season against one of the tougher teams in the division. Marks recorded six saves this match (I thought he had more). If it wasn't for Marks, the Eagles could've won it 3–2.

Up next

North Carolina FC stays home this week to face crosstown rival Tobacco Road FC Saturday, June 2. The Charlotte Eagles travel back home to host the Carolina Dynamo next Wednesday.

Box score

North Carolina FC U23— 2

Charlotte Ealges — 1

Goals

North Carolina FC U23: Shariff Secca ’34 ; Caleb Duvernay ‘53.

Charlotte Eagles: Robinson Moshobane ‘16.