United Drop Friendly To Harrisburg
5.24.11
READING, Pa. (May 24, 2011) – In a very tight match-up, the Reading United dropped a friendly match, 1-0, to the hands of their fellow Philadelphia Union partner, the Harrisburg City Islanders. Sainey Touray capitalized on a rare mistake in the United defense, blasting the deciding goal past United back-up goalie Steve Hellstern in the 64th minute. Despite Reading’s advantage in shots, Harrisburg’s goalkeeper Phil Tuttle made crucial stops in one-on-one situations to preserve the shutout.
The United had their chances on offense, despite the shutout. In the 16th minute, midfielder Stephen Okai had their best opportunity in the first half, streaking through the City Islander defense to find himself alone against Tuttle. Okai attempted to sneak it past Tuttle on the ground, but a diving stop kept the game scoreless. Two more chances right after the half nearly tipped the game in favor of the United, but midfielder Chris Harmon had his shot knocked aside, and forward Hasani Sinclair’s point blank attempt from an angle was stifled by Tuttle.
Reading keeper Bret Mollon made a pair of saves worth noting that kept the game a one goal margin, including a diving stop in the 86th minute on Harrisburg’s Jose Angulo, after Touray’s cross snuck through the United defense. The United’s final chance to tie the game before the whistle came one minute later, but Tuttle stiffed another Sinclair chance from the right side of the box.
The United now have a few days to rest before traveling to Bermuda for a league match against the Bermuda Hogges on Friday, May 27th. They then return home to finish up their professional friendly schedule on May 31st at Exeter’s Don Thomas Stadium against Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union at 7:30pm. $10 general admission ickets are available until May 26th on readingunitedac.com. Will-call and print-at-home tickets will be available until the gates open at 6:30pm on May 31st at showclix.com/event/readingunitedac. Tickets will also be available at the gate for purchase on gameday.
Harrisburg 1, Reading 0
Goals – Harrisburg: Angulo 64’
Shots – Reading 10, Harrisburg 7
Saves – Reading 4, Harrisburg 6
Corners – Reading 3, Harrisburg 4
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