Virginia Beach United Faces South Carolina United Bantams in First Ever Postseason Match
By Nicholas King
Firsts are both magical and memorable milestones. The rush of a new experience – whether it’s a first step, first day of school, first kiss, or the first pet our parents ever bought us – holds incomparable value in our minds and hearts, leading us to cherish those moments forever. The true beauty of firsts lies within their power to highlight transformation. Each first marks a new chapter in an ever-evolving story, whether it be for an individual, a group, an organization, or, in this instance, a team.
Five years ago, Virginia Beach United kicked off its first-ever game with a 2-0 loss to Lionsbridge. This initial defeat was the beginning of a winding narrative for the local club. As the passion and scale of the fanbase have only grown, the significant milestones in United’s story have become increasingly heightened. The first goal, the first win, and the first star have laid the foundations for a club that has seen steady improvements since its founding.
With the 2024 regular season campaign wrapped up, Virginia Beach United’s story has reached its first climax. This season marks the club’s first nine-win finish, its first time with a crowd attendance surpassing 2,000 fans for a singular match, its first double-digit unbeaten streak, and its first appearance on the USL2 power rankings list. Reflecting on the season, it becomes more transparent that Virginia Beach’s achievements this past year surpass any of its previous four seasons. However, one milestone transcends the others: VBU will be competing in the USL2 playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Now, United prepares for its first postseason showdown Tuesday, at home, against the South Atlantic Division runner-up in the South Carolina United Bantams.
Let's Meet the Bantams
The South Carolina United Bantams were founded in 2019 as a member of the South Atlantic Division. Their inaugural season was impressive, finishing with a 9-2-3 record en route to a postseason appearance. Over the next three seasons, the Bantams reached the playoffs two more times, including one appearance following a division title. Although South Carolina has yet to make a deep run in the USL2 playoffs, its talent is undeniable. Several former Bantams now play professionally in America, with former left winger Jonathon Amon playing abroad in Europe and appearing on the U.S. Men’s National Team from 2018-2019.
In 2024, the Bantams have continued their dominance in the South Atlantic Division, clinching the club’s fourth postseason birth in five seasons. In fourteen matches, South Carolina finished with a strong 7-3-4 record. The Bantams were led by their high-powered offense, which ended the season with a division-best thirty-three goals scored, good enough for a top-20 ranking in all of USL2. Twelve of those goals were netted by star striker Jack Stainrod, who also leads the team in points. The Dalton State product is an offensive game-changer who also recorded double-digit goals this past season at the collegiate level. With his leadership, the frontline for the Bantams can compete against almost anyone in the nation.
However, the club's achilles heel this season has been its defense, which has surrendered a franchise-worst twenty-four goals. It’s not that the backline has performed poorly, but rather that it has struggled with consistency. Over its last four matches, South Carolina United earned two shutout victories while suffering a loss in which it allowed six goals and lacing a 2-2 draw against a sub-.500 Charlotte squad. The Bantams are near unbeatable with the defense clicking though, recording a 4-1-1 record in matches where the unit surrendered a goal or less.
Matchup Preview
Tuesday’s match promises to be a captivating showdown, with the spotlight on South Carolina’s offense against Virginia Beach United’s defense. South Carolina boasts one of the nation’s top offenses, while Virginia Beach’s backline has also been stellar, allowing just nine goals in the regular season, tying them for fifth in USL2 league play. However, United has yet to face a star as formidable as Jack Stainrod. The striker will be up against Bomba Hermoso and Josh Condit, two lengthy center-backs who will likely need to use their physicality to limit Stainrod, forcing him to pass to less dangerous wingers. If Virginia Beach succeeds in this, the Bantams could become increasingly discouraged, turning the match into a physically and mentally draining ordeal for South Carolina. Conversely, if Stainrod and the Bantams break through United’s four-man wall, it could be a busy night for Griffin Potter and a long one for Virginia Beach fans.
On the flip side, Virginia Beach’s offense is not to be overlooked. With twenty-nine goals scored across twelve matches, United’s attack finished atop the division in scoring. Its greatest offensive asset is versatility. While it may lack a dominant scorer like Stainrod, Virginia Beach boasts five starters who have each recorded three or more goals this season. This array of options has the potential to create significant problems for the inconsistent Bantams' defense. However, if South Carolina's backline plays at its best, United could struggle to break through onto the scoreboard without a prominent star leading the attack.
Nonetheless, the first matchup between these two squads is set to deliver. Kickoff is scheduled for Tuesday night at 8 at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex. Stream the game on COVA Sports on YouTube.