The SC United Bantams (3–3–0) traveled up to Cary to take on the North Carolina FC U23s (3–2–3) in a non-divisonal game Tuesday night. The Bantams, who were in the South Atlantic Division a year ago, are fighting for the top of the table in the new Deep South Division.

North Carolina FC, who has been on a hot streak of late, were looking for some points to stay at the top of the table in the tough South Atlantic.

Marek Weber’s brace helped the Bantams score three unanswered goals to win 3–2.

The first half was a busy and entertaining one. NCFC started off the scoring early with a goal in the seventh minute from David Cuperman. NCFC followed that with another goal in the 15th minute from Tressor Mbuyu, who caught the Bantams goalkeeper of guard for a easy goal.

The U23s continued to attack and had great passing for the rest of the first half. The center backs played a great half and one major factor of NCFC’s early goals was their ability to control possession and passing in the final third.

The Bantams strike back

The Bantams didn't give up after letting in two goals in the first 15 minutes. Later in the first half, on the Bantams’ first goal, forward Edmundo Robinson played it smart and ran down the right side of the pitch to send in a cross to a crowded box that Marek Weber was able to tap in. After that first goal, the Bantams started to attack more and showed their speed on the counter attack.

One of those counters produced an attack in the box that led to a foul and penalty. Weber, SC United’s leading scorer, took the PK and scored easily past NCFC goalkeeper George Marks right before halftime.

The second half was very back and fourth with both teams playing really strong and fast. The Bantams came out attacking early but weren’t able to get any great shots off. NCFC had several close chances to score but fell short in each of them.

In the 88th minute, the Bantams were able to connect with a screamer from defender Mitchell Myers. Myers shot went low to the far left corner and found the back of the net.

Player of the game

Marek Weber: Weber’s brace helped push the Bantams over NCFC. Weber did not give up after going down two goals and he helped the Bantams score three unanswered.

Up next

North Carolina FC U23 travels up to Newport News on Saturday to take on Lionsbridge FC. The SC United Bantams stay home in Columbia to host the Charlotte Eagles Saturday.

Box score

North Carolina FC U23— 2

SC United Bantams— 3

Goals

North Carolina FC U23: David Cuperman 7'; Tressor Mbuyu 15'.

SC United Bantams: Marek Weber ’23; Marek Weber 45'; Mitchell Myers 88'.