Into First Place: Another Step in the Journey

Some match days seem to have their own story before the first whistle is ever blown.

On Saturday, October 3, NC United FC traveled to Raleigh to face Briar United Castle FC at Pleasant Park. Rain followed portions of the journey, and the match played on the field before ours was contested under rainy conditions. Yet, as our kickoff approached, the rain gave way.

What remained was almost perfect soccer weather: cloudy skies, cool temperatures, and a beautiful setting for another important chapter in our inaugural UPSL Division I season.

And when the final whistle came, NC United was leaving Raleigh with three more points.

Briar United Castle FC 1–2 NC United FC.

From Behind to Three Points

The afternoon did not begin in our favor.

Briar United took a 1–0 lead late in the first half, forcing NC United to respond and showing once again that points in this league have to be earned.

The response came almost immediately.

After Briar scored at approximately 44:24, Maynor Josué Flores found the equalizer at approximately 46:42. Adrian Garthaus played a key role in creating the goal, helping turn a difficult moment into new momentum for the team before halftime.

The match remained level deep into the second half.

Then, at approximately 80:36, Maynor struck again.

With an assist from Imer, Maynor completed his brace and put NC United ahead 2–1.

From there, the responsibility shifted toward protecting what the team had earned.

A Collective Performance

The victory belonged to much more than the goals.

Zachary “Zac” Matik produced key saves when the team needed them, helping preserve the advantage and providing confidence from the back.

At center back, Cristian Martinez and Alex provided composure throughout the 90 minutes. They protected dangerous areas around the goal, remained disciplined under pressure, and repeatedly won their individual battles.

In midfield, Imer and Josué Vidal became the engines of the team. They worked in both directions—defending, attacking, communicating, and helping control the rhythm of the match. Their effort and solidity provided an important foundation for the performance, with Imer also supplying the assist for the 2–1 goal.

Adrian Garthaus was also instrumental in the response after NC United went behind, contributing to the creation of the equalizer late in the first half.

And in the attacking third, Maynor Josué Flores provided the decisive finishing touch, scoring both NC United goals to complete the comeback.

It was another example of what this team continues to learn: matches can be decided by goals, but victories are built collectively.

From a Rainy Road to the Top of the Table

There was something memorable about the setting.

We drove through rain. We arrived to find rain around the matches before ours. Yet for our 90 minutes, the conditions settled into a cool and peaceful afternoon seemingly made for soccer.

Then came the result.

With the 2–1 victory, NC United FC moved into first place in the standings as of this point in the season.

For a team experiencing its first UPSL Division I campaign, that is a moment worth appreciating.

But it is not a destination.

There is much soccer still to be played, much to improve, and many challenges ahead. First place today only gives us another reason to remain humble, continue working, and understand the responsibility that comes with every opportunity we have been given.

All Glory to God

Above the result, the goals, and the position in the table, we remain grateful.

Grateful for the opportunity to compete. Grateful for the players who continue giving themselves for one another. Grateful for our coaches, families, supporters, and everyone helping build this club.

And grateful even for simple moments—like arriving after a rainy journey and being given a beautiful afternoon to play the game we love.

As we celebrate another step forward, we continue to offer the work and the result back to God.

“Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others.”

Developing Players. Building Character. Honoring God.

Fiat Voluntas Tua.