READING, PA (March 2, 2017) – Bethlehem Steel F.C. today announced the signing of former Reading United defender Charlie Reymann. Reymann, a left back out of the University of Kentucky, becomes the first United alum to sign with Bethlehem directly out of college. Bethlehem Steel is the official United Soccer League affliate of Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union.

The former United defender will be reunited with Reading Head Coach Stephen Hogan, who serves as an assistant on Bethlehem Steel’s coaching staff.

Reymann was a fixture along to back line for Reading United during the 2016 Premier Development League campaign. The Worthington, Ohio native started in twelve matches for United and logged more regular season minutes than any other player on Reading’s 2016 Mid-Atlantic Division title winning squad.

The former Columbus Crew Academy product scored one of United’s best goals of the 2106 season, striking a left footed volley from 22 yards out in Reading’s regular season home win over rivals Ocean City.

Bethlehem Steel’s newest defender credits his time in Reading with being able to achieve his dream of being a professional soccer player. Reymann said, “I played at Reading United last summer and the whole point of me going there was to be seen by people at the pro level. The team last year had a lot of very good players, so every training session and game was an opportunity for me to develop as a player and learn from my teammates. Our coach, Stephen Hogan, made it clear that if we did well then we would be able to train with Bethlehem Steel or even the Philadelphia Union, so that was what motivated us every day. Having the opportunity to train with pros and get seen by professional coaches was a great learning experience for me to see how they conducted themselves and their training habits.” He continued, “If it wasn't for playing for Reading last summer, I doubt I would've had this opportunity to play for the Steel now, so I am very grateful for what Reading was able to do for me last summer.” 

At the University of Kentucky, Reymann anchored one of the best defensive units in Conference USA during his four years in Lexington. The Wildcats’ captain started all 19 matches of the 2016 collegiate season and registered an eye-popping ten assists. Reymann was named Second Team All-Conference USA and was named to the Conference USA All-Academic Team while maintaining a 3.7 GPA as a finance major.