READING, PA (May 15, 2018) – Reading United take the next step in their quest for the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday evening when they host the Richmond Kickers at Alvernia University Stadium. The match, hosted by Alvernia University, is set for a 7:00pm kickoff.

Wednesday’s match will be the second ever meeting between the two clubs. In Reading’s first ever appearance in the nation’s oldest soccer competition, Richmond ran out 7-2 winners in the second round of the 2001 U.S. Open Cup.

United head into the match in excellent form having won their first two competitive matches of the season last week. Reading survived a closely contested first round U.S. Open Cup match against Christos FC, defeating the Maryland based club 5-4 in a penalty kick shootout after finishing 1-1 after extra time. It was Reading United’s seventh consecutive opening round win, an impressive streak that stretches back to 2012.

Reading United followed up their Open Cup victory by earning their first win of the 2018 Premier Development League season, defeating Lehigh Valley United, 2-0. Reading scored two second half goals through Gilbert Waso and Aaron Molloy to down their local rivals.

Head Coach Alan McCann knows his squad is up for the match against Richmond, saying, “The mentality heading into the game is positive. The whole team are excited to get back on to the pitch and test themselves against a professional opponent and look to showcase their abilities.” Asked how the coaching staff is preparing for the challenge posed by the Kickers, McCann said, “Professional sides punish you when you don't convert chances and do the simple things effectively so ensuring that both of them are our focus is key.”

Richmond make the trip to Reading on the back of a 1-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies that saw them rise to tenth place in the United Soccer League Eastern Conference standings. Forward Dane Kelly, the 2017 USL MVP and the leading goalscorer in USL history, scored a goal in the 38th minute while on loan D.C. United goalkeeper Travis Worra recorded his first clean sheet of the season.

The winner of the Reading-Richmond match will host the winner of the FC Motown-Penn FC match in the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, May 23rd. United open their 2018 home schedule on Saturday, May 26th, hosting FA Euro at Wilson High School’s Gurski Stadium in a 7:00pm kickoff.