Reading United jumped to 5th in the Mid Atlantic Division standings after their second win of the season away to NOVA FC on Saturday night. Casey Moore’s side secured a 2-1 victory down in Virginia thanks to a last minute winner from Andrea DiSomma. Reading’s second win of the season lifted the club above Lehigh Valley United and Real Central New Jersey in the USL League 2 standings, usurping the latter on goal differential. We were outshot by our Virginia counterparts but 7 saves from Quantrell Jones in goal kept us alive before DiSomma notched the go-ahead goal to regain some traction in the division standings. 

On our second win of the campaign, there was plenty to dissect, and here are the top 3 takeaways:

Resilience Builds Character

Reading United have had a difficult season to say the least, but recent results for coach Moore’s side have been more promising than at any other point during the campaign. A fresh-faced squad in conjunction with a new coaching staff and new tactics made it difficult for the side to adjust and live up to the lofty standards the previous seasons have set out for the team. Operating in new systems now with regular squad rotations has seen Reading score more (late) goals and become a much more competitive side against class opposition in the league. After being outshot 16-9, it was a much more inviting attacking performance from Reading who showed real character to develop genuine chances despite not being in control for portions of the game. Against the division leaders in West Chester United again on Wednesday night, resilience will be key after consecutive 0-2 losses to the local side, despite showing an improved first half display against the Predators last time out.

Be Wary of the High Press / Know Your Opponent

Saturday night’s match against NOVA FC was an easier matchup for the Reading defenders who were given more time to build from the back and start their own attacks, but West Chester doesn’t offer the same leniency. Reading’s previous two fixtures against the Predator’s saw the division-leaders initiate a high press, which saw WCUSC control most of the game and made it difficult for United to build out from the back and escape the pressure. Reading have had more comfort and time on the ball in recent fixtures against NOVA FC and Real Central NJ and will need to quickly shift to a quicker and more decisive mindset against a ‘full-throttle’ WCUSC team. Whether Reading beat the press by playing quick through the wide areas or through a long ball to someone like Ike Hollinger up top, Reading need to shift gears and know the details of each team’s playing style before each match now.

Ending the Away Stretch on a Good Note

Reading United have been one of the more well-traveled teams this season, with just 2 home games out of their 9 total matches this season. Luckily for United, that means they can enjoy a 4-match home stretch to end the season, and can hopefully climb back up the USL League 2 table, sitting just 6 points off the 3rd spot in the Mid-Atlantic Division. With a win and draw coming in their last two matches away from home, Reading have the chance to close out their last away match of the season on a good note on Wednesday night, before a much more comfortable schedule for all of July. Confidence is key for any side struggling for results and Andrea DiSomma’s late goal against NOVA might just be enough to grab a result from West Chester United