United Bolsters Roster with Signing of Gardner-Webb Foursome
Giampaolo Nardi, Louison Cavalier, Jaylen Orr & Gael Zackrisson join United’s 2024 squad

READING, Pennsylvania (May 8, 2024) - Reading United A.C. today announced the signing of four dynamic talents from North Carolina’s Gardner-Webb University. The signings of defender Louison Cavalier, forward Jaylen Orr, and midfielders Gael Zackrisson and Giampaolo Nardi are poised to join Head Coach Casey Moore’s 2024 USL League 2 roster, fortifying an already talented and well balanced roster looking to push for the top spot in the always competitive Mid-Atlantic Division.

Cavalier, a native of Baziege, France and former member of the Ligue 1 side Montpellier’s U17  and U19 Academy teams, brings veteran leadership to the 2024 Reading United roster.

Orr, a rising junior from Gastonia, North Carolina, brings his pace and goal scoring ability to Reading attack for the upcoming season. At Gardner-Webb, Orr bagged four goals in 16 matches for the Runnin’ Bulldogs. 

Zackrisson, a rising sophomore for Gardner-Webb, will play a role in Moore’s talented midfield. The native of Stockholm, Sweden played in 17 matches for the Runnin’ Bulldogs, helping his team reach the Big South Conference Championship Game in 2023.

Nardi returns to maneuver the midfield for Reading United.  The crafty Nardi brings his 11 game experience from the 2023 season back to the squad for 2024.  Nardi was a Big South All-Academic team and made 14 appearances and 12 starts for a total of 884 minutes for Gardner Webb.

Having Giampaolo back is a big boost for us.  He is an excellent leader that makes us stronger on and off the field.  He is a top player that brings strong character and a professional mentality everyday.  He has a tireless work ethic and sharp off the ball movements, which make him tough to track offensively and very important in our defensive pressing moments.  He is a really important piece for us and how we want to play in all phases of the game.  

Moore spoke about the club’s most recent additions to the 2024 roster, saying, “We are excited to welcome Louison, Jaylen, and Gael to the club and of course we are thrilled to have Giampaolo’s experience back this summer. All four of them bring different elements to our team. Louison will add versatility and stability to the backline, Gael will add control and simplicity to the midfield with Giampaolo’s workrate and Jaylen will add dynamic playmaking ability with a strong end product.”  

The club continues its preparations for the 2024 upcoming season, which kicks off on the road versus local rival Lehigh Valley United on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Reading United open the 2024 home schedule on Wednesday, May 29th with a match against Philly Lone Star. Kickoff at Alvernia University Stadium is scheduled for 7:00pm. Single game and season tickets for the 2024 campaign can be purchased online at www.readingunitedac.com/tickets.