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Reading United book place in 2018 U.S. Open Cup

By Sean Doyle, 03/14/18, 1:45PM EDT

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READING, PA (March 14, 2018) - For the tenth consecutive season, Reading United A.C. will participate in the United States Soccer Federation’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. With a berth in the 105th edition of the U.S. Open Cup, United extend their record for most consecutive appearances in the competition by an amateur club. In total, Reading has qualified for the competition twelve times.

Reading United claimed their place in the 2018 U.S. Open Cup by securing one of the best records in the Premier Development League in 2017. Reading won 12 matches in 2017 and qualified for the playoffs under second year head coach Stephen Hogan.

The Open Cup is the longest running national soccer competition in the country, having been contested every year since 1914. Clubs from every level of the U.S. Soccer pyramid, from the professional clubs in Major League Soccer to amateur sides in the U.S. Adult Soccer Association compete in the annual single elimination tournament. Clubs from Pennsylvania have won the competition a total of 14 times, with the legendary Bethlehem Steel side of the early 20th century claiming a record five titles. Last season, Sporting Kansas City defeated the New York Red Bulls, 2-1, to claim their fourth Open Cup title.

In last season’s Open Cup, Reading United edged the Clarkstown SC Eagles, 1-0, thanks to a first half goal by Frantzdy Pierrot. The victory was United’s sixth straight win in the opening round of the competition. Reading United followed up the win over Clarkstown by stunning the soccer world by defeating the New York Cosmos, 3-2, in front of of a jubilant hometown crowd in the second round of the Open Cup. After falling behind early in the first half, United rallied to victory over the 2016 North American Soccer League champions with goals from Pierrot, Paul Marie and Marco Micaletto. Reading were ousted from the 2017 Open Cup by their in-state rivals, the Harrisburg City Islanders, in the third round.

United are 8-11 all-time in Open Cup play, with all eight wins coming since 2012.

Reading United Head Coach Alan McCann knows the Open Cup is chance for the young prospects on the roster to showcase their talents. “It's good experience for our players who get a chance to test themselves and play against professional teams the further they go in the tournament,” he said. “The last two seasons playing in the Open Cup have given invaluable experience to our players that have gone on to the pro ranks.”

The pairing for the first round of the 2018 U.S. Open Cup will be made by U.S. Soccer on April 4th via a blind draw with play set to begin on May 9th.


Reading United fend off a furious New York Cosmos attack to perserve a historic victory in the 2017 U.S. Open Cup. (Photo Credit: Dave Musante/Penn Images)