READING, PA (April 24, 2019) – Reading United will add three new players for the 2019 season, all coming from NAIA schools. Cumberland University’s Julian Lucumi Villegas, University of Mobile’s Alec McKinley, and University of Rio Grande’s James Williamson are the newest additions to the Reading United roster, pending league approval.

Lucumi Villegas is coming off his senior season at Cumberland, where he scored five goals in 16 appearances for the Phoenix in 2018. Prior to joining Cumberland, the left back spent stints at Belmont University (NCAA DI) and Mercer County Community College (NJCAA). The Columbian-born defender is familiar with Reading United, playing against the team twice in 2016 as a part of Lehigh Valley United. He spent the summer of 2018 playing with Duluth FC in the NPSL.

“Julian is a dynamic fullback that can also play as a winger, which will help to give us different options,” stated Reading head coach Alan McCann. “He will be an interesting prospect for a lot of clubs at the next level, so this summer will be a great shop window for him to showcase his abilities.”

McKinley comes to Reading with Portland Timbers Academy experience under his belt, playing 23 games in two years for the Timbers. A freshman for Mobile this upcoming season, the Floridian midfielder spent his 2018 summer playing for Boca Raton FC in the NPSL, seeing time in five games.

“With Alec, this summer will be a great chance to show how effective he can be in that #6 role,” added McCann. “He is a talented young player that we will look to push to see just how far he can go in that role.”

Williamson joins Reading following NAIA Second Team All-American and NAIA Men’s All-South Region Team selections in 2018. The Costa-Rican defender scored four goals with six assists for the powerhouse RedStorm this past season. He also comes in with experience at the League Two level, spending last summer with Dayton Dutch Lions.

McCann had high praise for the potential addition to the backfield, saying, “James is a highly rated fullback that has been fantastic with Rio Grande. This summer is going to be a great indicator as to how far he can be pushed for the next level.”

Reading United’s 24th season kicks off with a U.S. Open Cup First Round matchup against NPSL-side Philadelphia Lone Star on May 8th at 7:00pm, hosted by Alvernia University. The first USL League Two home match-up will be over two weeks later, as the Blue and Gold take the field against F.A. Euro on May 25th at Wilson High School. Season tickets are on sale at readingunitedac.com/tickets.