Reading United have their second and final meeting against Real Central NJ this Saturday, hoping to improve upon the 2-2 stalemate last time out.

Context Behind the Match: Reading United (2-6-2) share a near identical record with Real Central NJ (2-5-2), with the latter having a game in hand over RU. At 8 points a piece, Reading United and RCNJ are fighting for the 5th position in the USL League 2 Mid-Atlantic Division, with Lehigh Valley United just 1 point behind them in the last spot. Real Central NJ currently occupy the 5th position due to their game still to play, but currently trail Reading United by 1 on goal differential heading into Saturday night’s matchup. A win would see one side take control of the 5th spot and potentially trail just 3 points from NOVA FC in the 4th position, depending on results.

Previous Meeting: It’s a quick rematch for the two sides who just recently battled out to a thrilling 2-2 draw at Mercer County Community College. Reading went ahead in the 33rd minute thanks to a Ramando Partido goal before Ibrahima Diop fired home at the stroke of halftime to level it at 1-1. Just one minute into the second half, Partido set up Jacob Gosselin who sent Reading United ahead 2-1 with his first goal of the season. In-form RCNJ striker Wesley Leggett left it late to spoil the party for Reading United, notching home the equalizing goal in the 81st minute to end the match in an exciting 2-2 draw. 

Current Form: Similar to Reading United, Real Central NJ have endured a rough season, especially at the back, having conceded the second most goals in the Mid-Atlantic division (20). A four match losing streak was finally put to an end last week after RCNJ secured the thrilling 2-2 draw with Reading before sealing their first win since May 25th against Philadelphia Lone Star in a 2-1 victory. For the second time this season, the New Jersey club has earned points in consecutive matches, a feat Reading United has also managed twice. Real Central NJ’s trip to Don Thomas Stadium is the first of what will be many away trips for the club, with 4 of their 5 remaining matches coming away from home.

Players to Watch: The main man to keep an eye on is RCNJ forward Wesley Leggett, who has scored in each of his last three games, and has 5 goal contributions in his last 5 matches for the club (4 goals, 1 assist). The red-hot striker got himself on the scoresheet last time out against Reading United and will look to do the same on Saturday night. Another man to watch out for is fellow forward, Ibrahima Diop, who scored RCNJ’s first equalizing goal last week in their 2-2 draw with Reading United. Diop is another forward in good form for the Jersey side, having tallied 2 goals and an assist in his last 2 appearances with the club.