READING, PA (March 1, 2017) – For the ninth consecutive season, Reading United A.C. will participate in the United States Soccer Federation’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. With a berth in the 104th edition of the U.S. Open Cup, United extend their record for most consecutive appearances in the competition by an amateur club. In total, Reading has qualified for the competition eleven times.

The Open Cup is the longest running national soccer competition in the country, having been contested every year since 1914. Clubs from every level of the U.S. Soccer pyramid, from the professional clubs in Major League Soccer to amateur sides in the U.S. Adult Soccer Association. Clubs from Pennsylvania have won the competition a total of 14 times, with the legendary Bethlehem Steel side of the early 20th century claiming a record five titles. FC Dallas are the current champions, having defeated the New England Revolution, 4-2, in the 2016 Open Cup Final.

Reading United President and General Manager Art Auchenbach spoke about the club's return to the Open Cup saying, “Reading United is honored to be one of the 21 PDL teams who have qualified for the US Open Cup.  The US Open Cup is a very special tournament that highlights the very best of adult club soccer, through all levels of the US Soccer pyramid.  We look forward to continuing our amateur record 9th straight appearance and the hopes of being part of another magical US Open Cup run!”

Reading United claimed their place in the 2017 U.S. Open Cup by winning the Premier Development League’s Mid-Atlantic Division title in 2016. Under the leadership of first year head coach Stephen Hogan, Reading won 10 matches during the 2016 regular season and made a dramatic run to the Eastern Conference Finals.

The pairing for the first round of the 2017 U.S. Open Cup will be made by U.S. Soccer on April 12 via a blind draw with play set to begin on May 10.