READING, PA (June 15, 2019) – Reading United scored their seventh win of the 2019 USL League Two campaign on Saturday night at Wilson High School’s Gurski Stadium by earning a decisive 2-0 win over their archrivals, the Ocean City Nor’easters. Simon Becher and Felipe Hideki scored two first half goals while goalkeeper Jahmali Waite led the Reading defense to their sixth shutout of the 2019 season. The win kept United in firm control of the Mid-Atlantic Division, extending their lead to nine points over second placed Lehigh Valley United.

Becher opened the scoring for Reading in the game’s 16th minute. Taking a timely pass from midfielder Deniz Dogan, Becher pivoted and fired on goal, only to see his blistering effort parried by Nor’easters goalkeeper Jan Hoffelner. United’s leading scorer was quick on his feet and sent the rebound into the back of the net to stake Reading to a 1-0 lead.

Reading would double their advantage just before halftime. Oakley Hanger charged down the right flank and into the Ocean City penalty area, then ripped a shot past Hoffelner that smashed into the left post. The rebound found Hideki unmarked five yards from goal and the United attacking midfielder steered the ball home to make it 2-0 to Reading.

Ocean City came out of the halftime break more spirited in the attacking third, putting their rivals to the test. It was a test that the Reading United defense, led by goalkeeper Jahmali Waite and team captain Lamine Conte passed with flying colors.

Waite made four saves to keep his fifth clean sheet of the season, but none were more spectacular than his stop in the 51st minute. Ocean City forward Kwesi Allen blazed past Hanger on his way to goal. Allen was denied a goal on his well-worked effort as Waite made a sprawling save to poke the ball wide of the net.

Waite was clutch for United in net throughout the second half. On a series of Ocean City corner kicks in the 62nd minute, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native made back-to-back stops to preserve the shutout.

“That’s why you have a good goalkeeper in net. They produce those moments of magic. He’s one of the key reasons why we won today,” said Head Coach Alan McCann following the game.

McCann complimented his side after the match, saying, “The first half was very good, and there were moments in the second half that were good. I’m definitely happy with the result. It’s always good beating Ocean City.”

The win helped United extend their lead in the all-time series against Ocean City to 22-20-7. The teams will meet for the 50th time on Sunday, July 7th when Reading travel down to the beach to face Ocean City at Carey Field.

Reading will return home to Gurski Stadium on Wednesday, June 26th when host the Long Island Rough Riders in a crucial match that will have major implications in the Mid-Atlantic Division title race. Tickets for the match can be purchased online at www.readingunitedac.com/tickets.

SCORING SUMMARY

RUAC:  Simon Becher 16'
RUAC:  Felipe Hideki 40'

READING UNITED LINE-UP
GK: Jahmali Waite; DEF - Oakley Hanger, Lamine Conte, Timo Hummrich, Gian Scalise; MID - Alban Rousselet (Seth Kuhn 71'), Deniz Dogan, Felipe Hideki (Andre Baires 88'), Goncalo Garcia (Daniel Bloyou 84'), Theo Quartey (Gilbert Waso 72'); FWD - Simon Becher (Will Baynham 68')