READING, PA (July 4, 2017) - Reading United will look to continue their climb toward the top of the table this Wednesday, July 5th in a home match against local rivals Lehigh Valley United. The match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. at Exeter High School’s Don Thomas Stadium.

Reading (8-2-0) sits in second place in the Mid-Atlantic Division of the Premier Development League, with six points between them and a game in hand on the division leaders, New York Red Bulls U-23. Level with them in points is division rival Ocean City, but Reading bests the New Jersey squad in goal difference. Lehigh Valley comes in at sixth in the Mid-Atlantic Division, but have only played nine games -- the fewest of any team in the division.

Reading United suffered a disappointing away loss against the Ocean City Nor’easters at Carey Stadium on Sunday, July 2nd. A dubious penalty kick was awarded to Ocean City and was converted successfully by Fredlin Mompremier. Reading was unable to equalize despite a flurry of chances late in the game. The match ended as a 1-0 victory for the Nor’easters, ensuring that Reading come into this home match hungry for a win.

Reading and Lehigh Valley last met on May 13th at Don Thomas Stadium, the very first match of the season. Reading won the tie 3-1 with the help of a high-pressure offense which recorded 18 shots, nine of which were on target. The first goal was scored by forward Khori Bennett down the right flank off of a beautiful through ball by midfielder Hugo Delhommelle. Lehigh Valley answered at the start of the second half but Reading came back with two more goals from Frantzdy Pierrot and Aaron Molloy to secure the victory for the home team. Delhommelle ended the match with two assists and, along with the rest of the offense, created a flurry of chances for United.

Players to watch for this match are Reading’s Aaron Molloy and Lehigh Valley’s Benjamin Sauer. Molloy is in the middle of a fantastic run of form, bagging six goals and one assist in eight games for Reading. Molloy, who recently transferred to Penn State University, also provides solid defensive cover for Reading’s back line, bossing the center of the pitch and controlling the tempo whenever needed.

Lehigh Valley goalkeeper Benjamin Sauer has been performing exceptionally well for Lehigh Valley between the sticks, logging 27 saves while only letting three shots into the net in four games. Sauer currently has a save percentage of 90%.

United’s final regular season home match will take place on Saturday, July 8th when they host the Jersey Express at Don Thomas Stadium. Kickoff on Fan Appreciation Night is set for 7:30pm with tickets available online. Tickets for the all regular season matches are available at www.readingunitedac.com. Contact our ticket sales team at sales@readingunitedac.com for all your group needs.