READING, PA (May 2, 2019) – For the 2019 season, Reading United will be adding four more NCAA Division II players, including Maximilian Galizzi, Goncalo Garcia, Oakley Hanger, and George Knight, pending league approval. Hanger and Knight add some talented defensive presence from Lander University, while Galizzi (Christian Brothers) and Garcia (Lenoir-Rhyne) will be showcased on the offensive side of the ball.

A sophomore forward out of Christian Brothers University, Galizzi, will be added to United’s offensive line. During his 2018 collegiate season, he netted five goals and five assists to earn him Second Team All-GSC honors. The Argentinian forward comes in with previous NPSL and U.S. Open Cup experience, playing for NPSL’s Midland-Odessa Sockers FC during their 2018 season.

Reading head coach Alan McCann had glowing reviews for all four players, including Galizzi. “Maxi will be a handful for defenders in the division. His hold up play and connection with the line underneath him will help us tactically this season and help Maxi be recruited to the next level.”

Garcia is coming off his junior year at Lenoir-Rhyne. The Portuguese forward accumulated five goals and three assists in 16 games for the Bears. He had previously played for Ohio Valley University, where he saw time in 19 games during their 2017 campaign, scoring twice with three assists.

“Goncalo brings a lot of excitement into the team going forward,” said McCann. “He has the ability to unlock any defensive unit with his dynamic movement and football intelligence.”

Hanger joined Lander this past season, where he appeared in 19 matches, recording one assist and 34 shots. The English wingback transferred in from Saginaw Valley State, where he spent his first two collegiate seasons, playing in 37 games (32 starts) with three goals and four assists to his credit. Prior to crossing the pond to play college soccer, Hanger spent time with English-side Dorchester Town.

“Oakley as a right back adds to us on the defensive side and in going forward,” added McCann. “High levels of consistency in those positions are a big part of moving onto the next level. With (assistant coach Charlie Reymann) in as a coach, these players have a great source of knowledge to learn from.”

Knight comes in with USL League Two experience under his belt, after spending last summer with rival Ocean City Nor’easters and seeing time in three games. The England native has spent three years with the Bearcats, playing in 58 matches (49 starts) collecting 10 goals and six assists during his time in South Carolina.

“George comes in with previous experience of the division, having played for Ocean City,” finished McCann. “This experience and understanding of how difficult this division is, is key. He gives us options on the right side, as he is versatile and can adapt very easily.”

Reading United will begin their 24th season with a U.S. Open Cup First Round match where they will play NPSL-side Philadelphia Lone Star on May 8th at 7:00pm at Alvernia University. United’s first USL League Two home match will be on May 25th ad they take on F.A. Euro at Wilson High School. Season tickets are on sale at readingunitedac.com/tickets.