LOUISVILLE, KY (May 15, 2019) – Reading United’s run in the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has come to an end. Louisville City FC knocked United out of this year’s competition, scoring a 3-0 victory in the second round of the Open Cup at Lynn Stadium on the campus of the University of Louisville. Reading, the defending USL League Two Eastern Conference champions, played well but couldn’t quite match the level of the two-time defending USL Cup Champions, who tallied two goals inside the game’s opening twenty minutes.

After an initial round of sparing between the sides, the pros of Louisville City seized control of the match. Niall McCabe served up a low cross from the right channel that picked out the onrushing Abdou Thiam. The big forward flicked a left-footed shot past United goalkeeper Tor Erik Larsen in the 12th minute to push the hosts out to a 1-0 lead.

The USL Cup Champions doubled their advantage in the 19th minute. George Davis IV used some nifty footwork to slip past the Reading defense before tucking his shot past Larsen at the near post.

Following the half time break, United looked livelier and threatened the Louisville defense. The visitors’ best opportunity to get on the scoreboard came in 59th minute when United forward Goncalo Garcia found himself in space behind the Louisville defense but he only managed to push his shot just beyond Chris Hubbard’s far post.

Louisville City FC sealed a trip to the Third Round of the 2019 Open Cup in the 88th minute. Following a foul by Reading’s Aaron Molloy just outside the United penalty area, Sunny Jane hit a perfect free kick over the Reading United defensive wall and past Larsen to extend the hosts lead to 3-0.

With the win, Louisville City will face fellow USL Championship side Birmingham Legion FC in the Open Cup’s third round. The match will be the third meeting between the clubs in 2019.

Reading United will return to league play on Wednesday, May 22nd when they travel to Northern New Jersey to face Mid-Atlantic Division foe, the New York Red Bulls U23s. United will open their 2019 home slate at Wilson High School’s John Gurski Stadium on Saturday, May 25th when they host FA Euro.