Reading (2-0 PDL; 1-0 USOC) has had a blazing start to their season, outscoring their opponents by a 13-0 margin.  Their 270 minute shutout streak is going to be put to the test, facing a Harrisburg squad that carries five Philadelphia Union players on their roster, including United alum Leo Fernandes.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Trophy

“We have something to build on, and to go and protect,” said head coach Brendan Burke.  “We’ve been playing for two weeks, and Harrisburg’s been playing for two months.  The pressure is still on Harrisburg at this point.  We just need to go out, have fun with it, and enjoy the experience.”

Harrisburg (5-1-1) enters the game with quite the reputation in U.S. Open Cup play, making it to the quarterfinals of the tournament in four of the past six years.  The City Islanders have beaten an MLS side five times in the Cup, including D.C. United (2007), New England Revolution (2009 & 2012) and New York Red Bulls (2010 & 2012).

Reading and Harrisburg have faced each other before in the U.S. Open Cup, most recently in 2011.  Harrisburg scored two late goals to squeak past Reading into the second round.

The victor of this match will face a third round matchup with the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ on Wednesday, May 29^th at 7:30pm.

Reading’s next home match will be against the MLS side Philadelphia Union on June 7^th, 2013 at 7pm in Exeter High School’s Don Thomas Stadium.  Our annual Kicks Against Cancer Night will also coincide with the friendly, with multiple opportunities to honor and remember loved ones touched by cancer.

2013 Reading United Game Day Tickets and Season Tickets now available at readingunitedac.com

Also available: Game Day Youth Packages, Group Discount Packages, Birthday Parties and Fundraising Ticket Packages.  Contact Denise Strohmayr at denise@readingunitedac.com for all your group needs.

The match against the Rangers was Reading’s third in eight days. Head Coach Brendan Burke used the match to rest some key members of the squad ahead of Tuesday’s second round U.S. Open Cup match versus the Harrisburg City Islanders. Burke made seven changes to United’s starting line-up that played against FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic, including handing goalkeeper Alex Bono his first start of the season.

Reading again started fast, pressing the Rangers’ defense in early minutes of the match. PDL Player of the Week Mario Pinto created United’s first opportunity, racing into the New Jersey penalty area before crossing to a streaking Shane Campbell. Rangers scrambled to clear the early threat, but they continued to struggle with Reading’s high tempo passing game.

Steve Neumann would open his 2013 account when he converted his penaly kick in the first half

A Rangers’ error allowed United to get on the scoreboard in the 15^th minute. While attempting to close down Reading midfielder Dante Marini, one of the New Jersey defenders handled the ball in the area. Referee Ian Bongaardt pointed to the spot and Neumann fired his effort into the upper left corner of the goal to stake Reading to a 1-0 lead.

Rangers did little to threaten United’s back four and failed to record a shot in the first half. They did manage to hold firm defensively over the final 30 minutes of the half to keep the score at 1-0.

With an eye towards Tuesday’s Open Cup match, Burke made four substitutions at the half. Neumann made way for his Georgetown teammate Melvin Snoh. Jonny Dolezal replaced Damion Lowe in central defense while Fatai Alashe made his Reading debut when he came on for Keegan Rosenberry. Pinto would also come off in favor of Penn product Stephen Baker.

New Jersey upped their game in the second half, frequently testing the Reading back four. Following a Jason Plumhoff free kick that forced Rangers’ keeper Rafeal Krauze into a spectacular diving save, New Jersey countered and a low drive to the far post sent Bono diving to his right to tip the ball around the post for a Rangers’ corner in the 56^th minute. The big Syracuse keeper came off his line strongly to claim the corner and end the threat.

United would double their lead in the 73^rd minute. Attacking down the right flank, Darius Madison worked his way into the box and picked out Plumhoff near the penalty spot. The midfielder took a shot, but it was blocked and rebounded back to his feet. Plumhoff spotted Baker on the left side of the penalty area and the Penn forward buried his opportunity to make it 2-0.

Any chance of a Rangers comeback ended in the 80^th minute when Phillip Cunha picked up his second yellow card of the evening and was ejected for a hard challenge on Bill McConnell.

Jason Plumhoff scores United’s third goal with a lovely diving header.

Reading sealed the win in second half stoppage time when Marini worked his way down the left flank before sending an inch perfect cross to an unmarked Plumhoff, who headed the ball home to make it 3-0 to Reading. “I saw Dante winding up and just got myself to the back post. The cross was amazing, I just headed it home,” said Plumhoff.

With the win, Reading sit atop the PDL’s Mid-Atlantic Division with six points and an eye-popping plus eleven goal differential. “The six points are huge,” said Burke following the match. “Early season is when we’ve tripped up in the past. Now, we’ve stepped up and taken care of business and done it in style.”

United will look to continue their winning ways when they play fellow Philadelphia Union affiliate, the Harrisburg City Islanders in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night. Reading will look to avenge a close 2-1 loss to Harrisburg in the 2011 U.S. Open Cup. The match will be played on Reading’s home field, Exeter’s Don Thomas Stadium with kick off scheduled for 7:00pm. Tickets are available online at readingunitedac.com for $5 or at the box office on matchday for $7.

Reading United head into their Premier Development League showdown with the New Jersey LUSO Rangers in tremendous form. United come into the match off of back to back victories by a combined score of 10-0. The Rangers have never beaten Reading in their six previous meeting.

Series History: Reading lead the series with five wins and a draw.

Last Season

Reading 1 – 1 New Jersey Rangers: Reading opened the 2012 season at home in fine fashion when Paul Wyatt scored within the first minute. United could not breakthrough the Rangers defense for a second goal. The New Jersey outfit scored the equalizer in the 87th minute to steal their first ever point from Reading.

Reading 2 – 0 New Jersey Rangers: Reading left it late in New Jersey but goals by Deshorn Brown and Pedro Ribeiro in the final five minutes of the match were enough for United to secure an important road win. Keasel Broome made two saves to earn the win and the clean sheet.

Reading United

Mario Pinto Neto scored a hat-trick vs. Westchester on May 11th.

Last Match: Reading United 8 – 0 Westchester Flames

Reading United put on a clinical performance against the hapless Westchester Flames, defeating the suburban New York team 8-0. Mario Pinto Neto earned Premier Development League Player of the Week honors for his three goal outburst. Ben Sweat and Manolo Sanchez picked up honorable mention nods in the PDL’s Team of the Week. Sanchez tallied two goals and an assist, while Sweat recorded a goal and two assists versus the Flames. Keepers John McCarthy and Alex Bono combined to record a clean sheet to complete the Reading rout.

Reading also faced off against Lehigh Valley United Sonic in the first round of the 100th U.S. Open Cup last Tuesday. Second half goals from Darius Madison and Steve Neumann were enough to see of the 2012 NPSL Champions. United will play the Harrisburg City Islanders in the second round.

New Jersey LUSO Rangers

Last Match: New Jersey LUSO Rangers 0 – 0 FA Euro New York Magic

Neither team could could find a winner as New Jersey opened their home slate against the Magic. Rangers keeper Rafeal Krauze recorded eight saves while New York keeper Alex Naples earned PDL Team of the Week honors for his 13 save performance in the 0-0 draw.

The first half of the match saw Reading hold a decided advantage in the possession. Much like Saturday’s 8-0 demolition of the Westchester Flames, United came out aggressively, playing large portions of the match in FC Lehigh Valley United’s half of the field. Sonic countered by staying well organized, thwarting wave after wave of pressure.

Reading’s first real opportunity of the match came in the 19th minute when midfielder Manolo Sanchez struck a ball from the right wing that hammered off the crossbar and was eventually cleared by the NPSL Champions.

Whether it was the excitement of a cup tie or excellent marking, several Reading players saw there shots sail hopelessly over the goal. United outshot their opponents seven to three in the first half, but only forced Sonic keeper Charlie Sales to make one save.

FC Lehigh Valley United had a golden opportunity to catch Reading on a counter in the 37th minute. Following a Reading corner kick, Sonic cleared and launched a counterattack that saw them have a three on one advantage. Great hustle by United defender Jimmy Ockford and midfielder Keegan Rosenberry broke up the play and ended Sonic’s opportunity.

Darius Madison got United on the board with a 50th minute strike.

With the half winding down, Larry Ndjock fired a shot that rattled the post. In the ensuing scramble to clear the ball, the Reading bench shouted for handball, but referee Eric Weisbrod allowed the final seconds of play to tick off before whistling for halftime.

The second half began with United again exerting pressure in Sonic’s half. The aggressive tactics worked and in the 50th minute, Reading United found the breakthrough goal.

Ndjock began a run down the right side of the field, with Philadelphia Union academy graduate Darius Madison tracking the run in the center channel. Njdock beat his mark and found Madison alone in the Sonic penalty area. With the keeper at his mercy, Madison coolly stroked the ball into the back of the net to hand United a well deserved 1-0 lead.

With the advantage, Reading continued to press forward. Right back Wes Charpie earned a throw in following an aggressive run down the right flank. Charpie picked out captain Steve Neumann on the throw in, who took the ball down the end line as he drove toward goal. From a nearly impossible angle, Neumann looked up and saw the keeper off his line and fired a shot that nestled just inside the side netting to double United’s advantage. “I just saw the goalie off a little bit, the guys were asking me if it was a shot or a cross,” said Neumann. “I’ll take it to my grave that it was a shot,” the Georgetown midfielder said with a smile.

United captain Steve Neumann in U.S. Open Cup action

With the insurance goal, United went looking for a third goal to kill off the match. Creating more opportunities to score, Reading forced Sales into several acrobatic saves to keep the match at 2-0.

As the scoreboard clock showed ten minutes remaining, Sonic desperately went searching for a goal. It was end-to-end stuff in the closing moments as each team attacked and then counterattacked. United keeper John McCarthy did well to save a stinging long range effort from Sonic forward Joe Sales.

The late surge by FC Lehigh Valley United came up empty as McCarthy, who made four saves on the evening, and his defense earned their second consecutive clean sheet to start the 2013 season.

After the match, Head Coach Brendan Burke reflected on the hard fought win. “Couldn’t be more pleased with the way the players listened and how they responded,” Burke shared. “I’m going to enjoy coaching this team this summer,” the head coach said with a grin from ear to ear.

With the 2-0 victory, Reading will host fellow Union affiliate and USL-Pro side Harrisburg City Islanders in the Second Round of the 100th U.S. Open Cup next Tuesday at Exeter’s Don Thomas Stadium. This will mark the second time the clubs have met in the Cup, with Harrisburg scoring twice in the final five minutes to come from behind and beat Reading 2-1 in 2011.

Reading United return to Premier Development League action this Sunday when they host the New Jersey LUSO Rangers at Don Thomas Stadium. Kickoff for that match is scheduled for 6:00pm.

Will Bates (Seattle Sounders) – Did not play in the Sounders 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City. Did not play in the Sounders 4-0 victory over San Jose.

Deshorn Brown (Colorado Rapids) – Came of the bench in 64th minute to help Colorado defeat the Columbus Crew 2-0.

Ian Christianson (New York Red Bulls) – Did not play in matches against Montreal and New England.

Greg Cochrane (LA Galaxy) – Started and played 90 minutes in the Galaxy’s 3-1 loss to Vancouver.

Ryan Finley in action versus Colorado

Ryan Finley (Columbus Crew) –  Came on as an 70th minute substitute in the Crew’s 2-0 loss to the Colorado Rapids.

Ray Gaddis (Philadelphia Union) – Started and played 90 minutes in the Union’s 1-0 victory over Chicago. Gaddis moved to right back, his natural position, and helped the Union lockdown their second clean sheet of the season.

Matt Hedges (FC Dallas) –  Started and played 90 minutes in Dallas’ 1-1 draw with the Portland Timbers. Started and went the full 90 minutes in his club’s 2-1 win over D.C. United.

Corey Hertzog (Vancouver Whitecaps) – In the match day line-up, but did not play in the Whitecaps 3-1 win over their Western Conference rivals, the L.A. Galaxy.

David Horst (Portland Timbers) - Horst is recovering from a fracture in his right leg. No timetable has been set for his return.

C.J. Sapong (Sporting Kansas City) – Started and played 90 minutes in Sporting’s 1-0 loss to Seattle. Came on as an 87th minute substitute to help secure a 1-0 win over Houston.

Andrew Wenger (Montreal Impact) – Started and played 66 minutes in a 2-1 loss to the New York Red Bulls.

Aaron Wheeler (Philadelphia Union) – Did not play in the Union’s 1-0 win over Chicago.

North American Soccer League 

Brian Ackley (Carolina RailHawks) – Came on as a 77th minute substitute and recorded an assist on the Railhawks’ fifth goal in a 5-2 win over San Antonio.

Alex Dixon (Tampa Bay Rowdies) – Tampa Bay was on a bye this week.

Evans Frimpong (Tampa Bay Rowdies) – Tampa Bay was on a bye this week.

Luke Mulholland (Tampa Bay Rowdies) – Tampa Bay was on a bye this week.

Jeremy Vuolo (San Antonio Scorpions) – Did not play in San Antonio’s 5-2 loss to Carolina.

USL Pro

Leo Fernandes (Harrisburg City Islanders) – Made his debut for the Islanders as a 60th minute substitute in a match against Antigua. Scored Harrisburg’s fourth goal on a free kick in the 88th minute.

Ben Newnam (Charlotte Eagles) – The Eagles were on a bye from USL-Pro league action.

Stephen Okai (Charlotte Eagles) – The Eagle were on a bye from USL-Pro league action.

Brian Ownby (Richmond Kickers) - Started and played 45 minutes in the Kickers’ 4-1 win over Antigua. Recorded an assist on Richmond’s second goal of the evening.

Jason Yeisley (Richmond Kickers) – Was in Richmond’s game day roster, but did not play in a 4-1 win over Antigua.

Norwegian First Division (Norway)

Zarek Valentin (Bodo Glimt) – Was unavailable for selection in Bodo’s win on Sunday due to yellow card accumulations.

Allsvenskan (Sweden) 

Brian ‘Cobi’ Span (Djurgardens IF) – Was in Djurgardens game day line-up, but did not play in a 3-2 win over Malmo.

Superettan (Sweden) 

Billy Schuler (in black & gold) goes in for a challenge in Hammarby’s 2-0 win

Billy Schuler (Hammarby) – Started and played 92 minutes in Hammarby’s 2-0 win over IK Brage.

READING, Pa. (March 13, 2013) – Reading United A.C. will appear in their U.S. record 5^th straight Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against a formidable foe in FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic, the defending NPSL national champions.  The game will kickoff at 7PM at the Oley Valley H.S. stadium in Oley, PA, with all tickets $5 each (general admission).  In celebration of the 100^th edition of the U.S. Open Cup and Reading’s setting of a U.S. amateur record 5^th straight appearance, Reading will be offering limited edition 9×14 prints celebrating this historic clash between the two top Pennsylvania amateur sides.  There will only be 100 prints made, with 50 of them being offered free to the first 50 fans (18 or older) in attendance.  Each print will be signed by Reading United graphic artist (Eryin Wandel-Wandel Design).

While the centennial edition of the U.S. Open Cup is steeped in its own history, both Reading United and FC LVU Sonic both have a bit of history of their own and will both look to represent not only their leagues, but also their blue collar hometowns.  Currently teams from all tiers of U.S. Soccer including MLS, NASL, USL Pro, USL PDL, and other amateur leagues (NPSL, USSA, etc.) compete against each other. The tournament is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the U.S. and is currently open to all United States Soccer Federation affiliated teams.  The Open Cup was first held in 1913–14, when it was called the National Challenge Cup.  In 2012 Reading advanced to the second round where they lost a heartbreaking 2-1 decision to USL Pro side Charleston Battery.  The defending Open Cup champions are Sporting Kansas City (MLS), who beat the Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) 1-1 on penalty kicks in the 2012 final. It was Sporting Kansas City’s first title since 2004, when they won it as the Kansas City Wizards.

The legendary Bethlehem Steel Football Club

Bethlehem Steel F.C., one of the most successful soccer teams in the U.S., dominated the Open Cup competition as well. From 1915-1919 Bethlehem Steel either won the Open Cup or reached the final, and in 1926 won their Open Cup record fifth title. In tribute to Bethlehem Steel and its historic success, the Philadelphia Union (Reading’s Player Development Partner) paid homage to the club with their new third kit.  Since the Cup’s inception eighteen (18) Pennsylvania teams have featured in the Cup final.

FC LVU Sonic is an incarnation of the former Pennsylvania Stoners.  From 1979 to 1983, the Stoners were members of the American Soccer League. The team had a five-year league record of 76-49-25, and won the league championship in 1980.  One of the most famous players from the Stoners team is former Muhlenberg College Head Coach (and NSCAA Director of Coaching) Jeff Tipping.

Both Reading and FC LVU Sonic are longstanding members of their respective leagues and both have enjoyed tremendous success in the past few years with Reading having qualified for the PDL playoffs out of the rigorous Mid Atlantic division every year since 2009 and FC LVU Sonic coming off their 2012 NPSL Championship.  Within the past week both teams had a drubbing of their opponents, with FC LVU Sonic beating up on NPSL newcomers Electric City Shock (Scranton, PA) 9-0 on a Friday friendly and Reading dominating the Westchester Flames Saturday night 8-0 thanks to a hat trick from Mario Pinto Neto and a brace from midfielder Manolo Sanchez in front of over 600 people at rain soaked Don Thomas Stadium in their PDL opener.

FC LVU Sonic feature a bevy of former Reading United talent on their roster listing including former All PDL Eastern Conference defender Matt Baker, Tyler Witmer (who scored a pair of memorable goals in Ottawa in 2010 that put Reading through to the PDL Final Four), Pat Letourneau (Reading United Super 20), and Ryan Jones (Reading United Super 20).  They also have nine players returning from the 2012 championship team.

“FC LVU Sonic is a great organization and undoubtedly the cream of the crop out of the NPSL.  Coach Weitzman has a solid group of players with experience at a higher level and I’m sure they will be well prepared to take on one of the premier teams from the PDL in our Reading United side.” stated Reading President Art Auchenbach.  “I’m sure coaches Burke and Quinn will have our boys prepared to expect a much stronger opponent as compared to our opening game Saturday night” he added.

Should Reading United advance Tuesday night they will host a second round game against USL Pro (and fellow Philadelphia Union affiliate club) Harrisburg City Islanders who will feature a loaded line-up that includes a lot of the Philadelphia Union Reserves.  The second round game would be held at 7PM May 21 at Exeter H.S. Don Thomas Stadium.

Reading United offer 2013 Game Day Youth Packages, Group Discount Packages, Birthday Parties and Fundraising Ticket Packages.  Contact Denise Strohmayr at denise@readingunitedac.com for all your group needs.

ABOUT READING UNITED AC

Reading United A.C. is the Greater Reading area’s premier minor league soccer team.  Led by the ownership group of Berks Professional Sports, Inc. the club was founded in 1995 as the Reading Rage.  As the club entered its 15^th season a name, logo, and color change was made to better feature the ties to the local and state community as well as the soccer goals of the team and its partners.  Reading United is a Player Development Partner of the Philadelphia Union MLS team.  For more information about Reading United AC, visit www.readingunitedac.com.

First Half

United were in the ascendancy from the opening kick, pressing the Flames defense just seconds into the match. Philadelphia Union academy product Darius Madison burst into the Flames penalty and fired a shot that went just wide. Sensing that there were goals to be had, United continued with their unrelenting pressure on the Westchester back line.

After creating numerous chances in the first quarter hour of the match, United finally found the opening goal in the 17th minute. Mario Pinto Neto got his head to a ball that was bouncing inside the eighteen yard box and buried it into the back of the net. Not taking their foot of the gas pedal, Reading continued pressing for more goals.

United’s second goal of the evening was highlight reel material. With United attacking down the right side of the field in the 30th minute, right back Wes Charpie flicked a ball toward Larry Njdock. The German forward struck a thunderous left footed volleyed shot that Westchester keeper Brian McPartlaud was helpless to stop to make it 2-0 to United.

Manolo Sanchez tallied a brace late in the first half to put United up 4-0. With standout left back Ben Sweat raiding down the left flank, Sanchez collected a pass from the USF defender and slotted home for his first in the 41st minute. Three minutes later, Sweat again turned provider and Sanchez buried his strike to stake United to a four goal advantage.

The Flames were simply unable to cope with the United’s unrelenting attack and rarely offered a threat going forward in the first half. United keeper John McCarthy was only asked to make one save on a night he was largely untroubled.

Second Half

As a cool fog descended over Don Thomas Stadium, Associate Head Coach Ged Quinn, made no changes to United’s lineup at halftime. Quinn was making his coaching debut for Reading as Head Coach Brendan Burke was with the Philadelphia Union in Chicago. Quinn instructed his United players, “Keep the intensity up. With Brendan, one of the things we’ve learned over the last five years is we don’t want to get into any bad habits. Although we knew the game wasn’t over at halftime, we certainly wanted to keep a clean sheet and bulid momentum.”

Reading heeded their coach’s words, again putting Westchester on the back foot. In the 54th minute, United’s new captain Steve Neumann picked out Madison streaking down the center of the field. The Union academy product coolly finished his chance to increase United’s lead to 5-0.

Pinto Neto got his brace just five minutes later, taking a ball from Njdock to give United a 6-0 lead.

Quinn began to ring the changes in the 60th minute replacing McCarthy in goal with All-Big East Rookie of the Year Alex Bono and swapping Madison for fellow Union Academy graduate Melvin Snoh. Westchester forward Dwayne Reid immediately tested Bono with the Flame’s best chance of the evening and the big goalkeeper did well to keep the them off the scoreboard.

Pinto Neto earned his hat-trick in the 66th minute when he one timed a shot into the back off the net off a Jason Plumhoff corner kick. The young Brazilian attacker played with amazing energy all night and earned Man of the Match honors. On his memorable high tempo, hat-trick scoring evening, Pinto Neto shared, “That’s how I like to play, running all the time, trying to do my best to help the team.”

United capped the scoring in the 82nd minute. Plumhoff again hit a well lofted free kick and found Sweat streaking in at the far post who drove his header into the back of the net.

United captain Steve Neumann happily summed up the evening’s performance stating, “It’s a great way to start the year. We were all really excited to get out here and get the season started and you can tell by the performance out there. Overall, we’re very excited about the result.”

Coach Quinn was satisfied with United’s performance in his coaching debut. “Delighted with it. I think the boys put the work in. There’s still a lot of things to work on, even though we got the 8-0 result. For the boys to come out and start as quickly as they did tonight and get a few goals early, certainly settled the nerves on the field and helped us on the sideline as well.”

Reading will carry a tremendous amount of confidence heading into their U.S. Open Cup match against FC Lehigh Valley Sonic. United will make their amateur team record fifth consecutive appearance in the Open Cup on Tuesday evening at Oley Valley High School with kickoff scheduled for 7:00pm.

Scoring Summary

17′ – Mario Pinto Neto (Manolo Sanchez)

30′ – Larry Ndjock (Wes Charpie)

41′ – Manolo Sanchez (Ben Sweat)

44′ – Manolo Sanchez (Ben Sweat)

54′ – Darius Madison (Steve Neumann)

59′ – Mario Pinto Neto (Larry Ndjock)

66′ – Mario Pinto Neto (Jason Plumhoff)

82′ – Ben Sweat (Jason Plumhoff)

Those expectations are high because Reading United Head Coach Brendan Burke, new Associate Head Coach Ged Quinn, assistant coach/GK Coach BJ Callahan, and Technical Director Troy Snyder have assembled United’s most star studded squad to date. Burke enters his sixth season as United’s Head Coach with a career record of 57-10-13 and the club has not missed the playoffs during his tenure.

Reading Head Coach Brendan Burke offered, “We are all excited for this season to start Saturday night, as we have seen so many talented players come through our program in the past few years and go on to become big names in MLS and this years team should be no different!”

Reading United Captain, Steve Neumann

This season’s squad is head lined by new team captain, Steve Neumann. The NCAA College Cup hat-trick hero returns to Reading for his third season following his breakout college season at Georgetown University. Neumann has been tipped as one of the top prospects for next January’s 2014 MLS SuperDraft. United’s offense will go through the attacking midfielder from New Hope, Pennsylvania.

Reading’s roster will get a big boost from their player development partner, the Philadelphia Union. Five Union Academy graduates will take their next to toward a professional contract this summer in Reading. Speedster Darius Madison, a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania resident currently attending the University of Virginia, will be a handful for every defense in the PDL’s Mid-Atlantic Division. The Georgetown tandem of Keegan Rosenberry and Melvin Snoh will be critical pieces in United’s midfield. Shane Campbell, a freshman from Penn State, and Billy McConnell, who has committed to play for the college soccer National Champions, the Indiana Hoosiers, will be part of a very formidable defense.

PDL rivals will have a difficult time trying to break through United’s very impressive defensive corps. The hulking 6’3” Damion Lowe, a standout center back from Hartford University, will be charged with anchoring Reading’s back line. The under-20 Jamaican National Team member returns to Reading for his second season with the club after representing his country at the CONCACAF Under-20 Championships that were held in Mexico in February. Joining Lowe on the back line will be University of South Florida left back Ben Sweat. The junior from Palm Harbor is one of the top left back prospects in college soccer and has scouts buzzing with his ability to join his team’s attack.

United goalkeeper Alex Bono

United will turn to Syracuse goalkeeper Alex Bono or LaSalle University goalkeeper John McCarthy to keep opponent’s off the scoreboard. McCarthy comes to Reading following a PDL All Eastern Conference season with United’s fierce rivals, Ocean City FC. The star goalkeeper posted a miniscule 0.714 goals against average and recorded ten wins to help Ocean City win the Mid-Atlantic Division in 2012. The Cinnaminson, New Jersey native was recently named as one of the top ten college goalkeepers in the country by Top Drawer Soccer. Syracuse keeper Alex Bono also brings great accolades as he has saw time with the US U18 Mens National Team pool and was the Big East All Rookie Team goalkeeper.  Lehigh net minder Ciaran Nugent rounds out Reading’s very deep goalkeeper pool.

Associate Head Coach Ged Quinn has been with the team for their initial training sessions and offered, “It’s been great to get the guys back out on the field in preparation for this Saturdays game. The competition level is already showing amongst the boys and as the numbers grow at practice over the next few days I’m sure this will only intensify. Returning players Dante and Manolo have looked sharp in the first two trainings and the battle for the starting ‘keeper spot looks like it’s going to be a good one with John McCarthy and Alex Bono both impressing. The new faces are also adjusting to the tempo of the sessions and seem to be raring to go for the game this coming weekend.”

Reading United is excited to return to Exeter Township High School’s Don Thomas Stadium for the 2013 season after a one year spell at Albright’s Shirk Stadium. The picturesque Exeter venue has hosted several of United’s most successful seasons, and the stadium field is well suited to the fast paced, professional style game that Reading United has become known for in the local and national soccer news.

“Obviously this will be a homecoming of sorts for the Reading United family.  We have had many successful seasons and look forward to continuing our success at Exeter.  This year’s team, coaching staff, fans, and venue should prove to be another benchmark for the Premier Development League”, stated Reading President Art Auchenbach.

Reading United kick off their 2013 PDL campaign on May 11th against the much improved Westchester Flames. United will want to pick up as many points as possible in May prior to hitting the very busy and challenging portion of their schedule in June. Home matches with Mid-Atlantic Division challengers, the Jersey Express and Ocean City FC, and a road showdown with the Long Island Rough Riders will be critical to United’s quest to reach the playoffs. The division championship will likely be decided on July 14^th when Reading travel to Ocean City to take on the Nor’Easters at Carey Field.

Major League Soccer

Will Bates (Seattle Sounders) – Did not play in the Sounders 2-2 with the Philadelphia Union.

Deshorn Brown (Colorado Rapids) – Was able to shake off a thigh injury that has sidelined him for two matches. Played 11 minutes as a substitute in Colorado’s 1-0 win over Toronto FC.

Ian Christianson (New York Red Bulls) – Did not play versus Columbus.

Greg Cochrane (LA Galaxy) – Started and played 90 minutes in the Galaxy’s 1-0 loss to Houston Dynamo. Earned Men of the Match accolades from MLSsoccer.com as he “turned in another strong showing, motoring up and down the left and making some great defensive plays.”

Leo Fernandes (Philadelphia Union) – Was loaned to the Union’s USL-Pro affliate club, Harrisburg City Islanders. Started and played 73 minutes in the City Islanders 1-0 road win over the Rochester Rhinos.

Ryan Finley (Columbus Crew) –  Came on as an 87th minute substitute in the Crew’s 1-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls. Scored an 18th minute goal in the Crew’s 2-0 Reserve League win over the Red Bulls Reserves.

Ray Gaddis (Philadelphia Union) – Started and played 90 minutes in the Union’s 2-2 draw versus the Seattle Sounders.

Hertzog celebrates his goal vs. FC Edmonton.

Matt Hedges (FC Dallas) –  FC Dallas was on their bye week.

Corey Hertzog (Vancouver Whitecaps) – Returned to the game day line-up in Vancouver’s Canadian Cup semi-final match. Came on at the start of the second half  and scored on thunderous 35 yard strike to give the Whitecaps the lead. Started and played 74 minutes in the ‘Caps 2-0 loss at Real Salt Lake.

David Horst (Portland Timbers) - Horst is expected to be out of action for up to six months while recovering from a fracture in his right leg.

C.J. Sapong (Sporting Kansas City) – Came on as a 68th minute substitute in Sporting Kansas City’s 4-0 victory over Chivas USA. Scored his first goal of the season in the 87th minute to cap the scoring for Sporting.

Wenger battles for the ball in the Canadian Cup semifinal.

Andrew Wenger (Montreal Impact) – Started and played 90 minutes in the Impact’s 6-0  rout of Toronto FC in the second leg of the Canadian Championship semi-final. Wenger capped the scoring in 94th minute goal, scoring off an assist from Marco Di Viao. Also started and played 73 minutes in the Impact’s 2-2 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes.

Aaron Wheeler (Philadelphia Union) – Was in the Union’s game day line-up for the first time this season but did not play in the Union’s match against the Seattle Sounders.

North American Soccer League 

Brian Ackley (Carolina RailHawks) – Came on as a 73rd minute substitute in the RailHawks 2-2 draw with Minnesota United.

Alex Dixon (Tampa Bay Rowdies) – Did not play versus FC Edmonton.

Evans Frimpong (Tampa Bay Rowdies) – Started and played 62 minutes in the Rowdies’ 1-1 draw with FC Edmonton.

Luke Mulholland (Tampa Bay Rowdies) – Named NASL Player of the Month for April. Was also named to the NASL Team of the Week for his performance against Fort Lauderdale. Started and played 90 minutes in the Rowdies 1-1 draw with FC Edmonton. Drew a penalty for Tampa Bay when he was hauled down in the box in the 16th minute.

Jeremy Vuolo (San Antonio Scorpions) – Did not play in San Antonio’s 2-2 draw with the Atlanta Silverbacks.

USL Pro

Ben Newnam (Charlotte Eagles) – Started and played 90 minutes in the Eagles’ 3-3 draw with Richmond.

Stephen Okai (Charlotte Eagles) – Did not play in the Eagles 3-3 draw with Richmond.

Brian Ownby (Richmond Kickers) - Started and played 80 minutes in Richmond’s 2-0 over Wilmington on Friday. Started and played 69 minutes for Richmond in a 3-3 draw with the Charlotte Eagles on Saturday. Ownby scored Richmond’s opener, beating Charlotte’s goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation to give the Kickers an early lead. Provided an assist on the Kickers second goal of the game.

Jason Yeisley (Richmond Kickers) – Did not play in Richmond’s 2-0 win over Wilmington on Friday. Did not play in Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Charlotte.

Norwegian First Division (Norway)

Zarek Valentin (Bodo Glimt) – Started and played 90 minutes in FK Bodo Glimt’s 3-0 over Follo. Was named as one of the team’s stars of the game and credit with two assists.

Allsvenskan (Sweden) 

Brian ‘Cobi’ Span (Djurgardens IF) – Started and played 66 minutes in Djurgardens 5-1 loss to Atvidabergs FF.

Superettan (Sweden)

Billy Schuler (Hammarby) – Was in the game day line-up, but did not play in Hammarby’s 1-0 win over Assyriska FF.

READING, Pa. (April 30, 2013) – With less than two weeks until Reading United kickoff the 2013 Premier Development League season, the club has added three more very talented players to the roster. Fatai Alashe, Wes Charpie and Ben Sweat will call Reading home during United’s 2013 campaign.

Fatai Alashe is a holding midfielder from Michigan State University. Alashe, a sophomore for the 2012 Big Ten Conference Tournament Champions, started 22 of 23 games for the Spartans. The native of Northville, Michigan recorded a goal and five assists for MSU in 2012, following a 2011 season that saw Alashe earn Big Ten All-Freshman team honors. The midfielder was also a part of the Columbus Crew’s U19 Boys Team that won the United States Youth Soccer National Championship. When United Head Coach Brendan Burke described Alashe’s style of play, he referenced Reading’s most recent captain. “He is hard, fast and reads the game very well.  He should fill the hole left by Stephen Okai very, very well for us.”

Wes Charpie joins United after a successful sophomore season at the University of South Florida. The midfielder appeared in 19 matches for the Bulls, scoring two goals and recording three assists. The native of Tarpon Springs, Florida spent the summer of 2010 training in England with Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers. Charpie was also a part of the Crew’s U19 Boys Team in 2012. Coach Burke envisions the USF midfielder adding width to United’s attack. “Wes Charpie is being brought in from USF where he has been an important part of their team as a wide player and more recently a right back.”

Ben Sweat, a junior from South Florida, joins United after appearing in 18 matches for the Bulls. The left back scored two goals and recorded two assists for USF in 2012. Sweat comes to Reading with PDL experience on his resume, appearing in 13 matches VSI Tampa Bay in 2012. The native of Palm Harbor, Florida also spent time over the summer of 2012 trialing with Swedish Allsvenskan club, Djurgarden. Coach Burke has high hopes for the USF defender. “Sweat is being brought in to replace Greg Cochrane at left back. He has been very successful as an attacking left back at USF over the last few years and is a top prospect at that position.”

Reading United kickoff their 2013 PDL campaign on Saturday, May 11 at 7pm against the Westchester Flames. All United home games will be played at Exeter Township High School’s Don Thomas Stadium in Reiffton, PA. Tickets are available at www.readingunitedac.com.  Reading United offer 2013 Game Day Youth Packages, Group Discount Packages, Birthday Parties and Fundraising Ticket Packages.  Contact Denise Strohmayr at denise@readingunitedac.com for all your group needs.