READING, PA (August 1, 2016) – Throughout the 2016 Premier Development League season, Reading United A.C. gave their supporters plenty of exhilarating moments that fans will talk about for years to come. From high drama in the U.S. Open Cup, to a last gasp win over a long time rival and on through a thrilling march to the Mid-Atlantic Division title, Reading United’s 2016 season will be one to remember.

United’s 2016 campaign got off to a flying start in May. With the new season barely a minute old, Reading’s travelling support scarcely had time to settle into their seats at Lehigh University’s Goodman Field before United forward Khori Bennett knocked home Reading’s first goal of the season. United’s defense held firm to help the club pick up a 1-0 win over local rivals Lehigh Valley.

As the calendar turned to June, fans cheered as Reading United took the field accompanied by pediatric cancer survivor Brayden Zachon in a crucial showdown against the Jersey Express. Wearing special commemorative jerseys that were auctioned off during the game, Reading channeled young Brayden’s fighting spirit to earn a 2-1 win on the field and raised important funds for cancer research and awareness off the pitch.

As the season moved into it’s second half, Reading hosted their long time rivals the Ocean City Nor’easters. The forty-first meeting between the clubs was a thrilling back and forth affair. Ocean City were on the verge of stealing a point from their visit to Reading after Nor’easters forward Chevaughn Walsh tied the game in stoppage time. Reading were having none of it though as Paul Marie latched on to a long ball from William Picoux and scored at the death to give United a dramatic 4-3 win that will live long in the memories of local fans.

Convincing victories at home over the Baltimore Bohemians and Evergreen FC to start July had United within reach of a postseason berth when the team traveled to Newark, New Jersey for a climatic match against the Express. In what Head Coach Stephen Hogan called “a brilliant and dominating performance”, Reading ran rampant over the Express to claim a 4-0 victory and the club’s first division title since 2010.

Reading United entered the 2016 PDL Postseason in fine form, riding high on a four match winning streak in which they had outscored their opposition 16-1.

United faced the Western Mass Pioneers in the opening round of the playoffs in front of their hometown fans. After conceding the game’s first goal, Reading rallied as Frantzdy Pierrot, Rayane Boukemia and Ismael Noumansana netted the goals that sent United on to the Eastern Conference Championships for this first time since to 2013.

Reading again found themselves with their backs to the wall as they trailed a feisty Carolina Dynamo side at halftime in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Showing the never quit attitude that defined the 2016 season, local lad Pierre Reedy scored to level the match and seize momentum for United just 40 seconds into the second half. Minutes later, Gilbert Waso had fans on cloud nine when he scored on a cross from Reedy to punch Reading’s ticket to the Eastern Conference Championship match.

Though the season ended with a disappointing loss to Ocean City in the Conference Championship game, the memories of an exciting summer of soccer will remain. Coach Hogan’s diverse and talented squad restored Reading United’s place among the elite teams in the PDL, all the while entertaining fans with high tempo, attacking soccer and hard nosed defense.