READING, Pennsylvania (May 9, 2024) - Reading United AC announced today their goalkeeper line-up ahead of the upcoming 2024 USL League Two season set to kick-off later this month. Jason Smith, the reigning USL League 2 Goalkeeper of the Year and a rising senior at Syracuse University, headlines a group that also includes University of Indianapolis’ Kieran Brown, Siena’s Bennet Glinder and Florida Atlantic’s Francisco Ranieri.

Smith heads to Reading United after establishing himself as one of the league’s elite shot stoppers with the Park City Red Wolves of the USL League 2 Mountain Division. The Fresno, California native back stopped the Red Wolves to the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, earning All-Western Conference honors in 2022 and followed that up by earning a coveted spot on the 2023 USL League Two Team of the Year and being named 2023 USL League 2 Goalkeeper of the Year. The Syracuse shot stopper made eight starts for the Orange following a transfer from Utah Valley University where he played two seasons and garnered All-WAC and All-Academic teams honors.

Brown joins Reading after an excellent season for the University of Indianapolis. The 6’3” Australian shot stopper started all 21 games for the Greyhounds, posting 12 shutouts while allowing just 12 goals in an impressive 2023 season. Brown was named to the United Soccer Coaches’ All-Midwest Region Third Team for his efforts. Prior to joining the Greyhounds, Brown had an outstanding career at Division II side Fort Hays State University, where he set school records for saves, wins and shutouts.

Glinder, a native of Bremen, Germany, comes to Reading after posting a solid freshman season at Siena College. The 6 '3” backstop for the Saints played in 15 matches, posting four clean sheets and earning All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Second Team honors. Before his move to the U.S. to play for Siena, Glinder played for Bundesliga club SV Werder Bremen’s youth teams.

A Florida Atlantic sophomore, Ranieri heads to Reading United looking to continue his development following his first season with the American Athletic Conference school. The Argentine goalkeeper has played with MLS Next Pro side Inter Miami CF II. While with the Heron’s reserve team, Ranieri met his idol and fellow Argentine Lionel Messi, who autographed the young goalkeeper’s arm in a moment that went viral. Ranieri then had the legendary player’s autograph tattooed on his left forearm.

”We are so excited to add these goalkeepers to the club.  All four of them are elite and the internal competition will be amazing.  Jason, Fran and Kieran all bring a wealth of experience to the club.  Bennet is younger, but we saw from this past fall that he is already a top goalkeeper prospect. We have high  confidence in their shot stopping abilities, distribution, command of their box, communication and overall leadership qualities. I believe all of these keepers have an ability to earn professional contracts and we couldn't be more excited to have them with Reading United this summer,” said United Head Coach Casey Moore when asked about his formidable goalkeeper line-up.

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.