United set to host Harrisburg in Open Cup 3rd Round
Reading United AC look to continue their magical run in the 2017 U.S. Open Cup this week with a third-round match at home against the Harrisburg City Islanders. The match will be held on Wednesday, May 31 at Exeter High School’s Don Thomas Stadium with kickoff set for 7:30 pm.
Reading are coming off of a stunning victory against the New York Cosmos last week, delivering an upset to the visitors from Brooklyn with a final score of 3-2. Goals from Paul Marie, Marco Micaletto and Frantzdy Pierrot and a heroic defensive performance sealed the win over the two-time defending NASL champions.
Reading are good form in league play, as they are fresh off of a 2-0 win over F.A. Euro this past Saturday with goals scored by Mo Conde and captain Hugo Delhommelle. Delhommelle also recorded an assist — his fourth of the season — launching a well-placed ball toward Conde from the corner flag. Reading’s defensive line was also solid this weekend, with new goalkeeper Alex Bouillennec not needing to record a single save.
Harrisburg will be tough competition for Reading, coming off a well-fought draw against Ocean City in which the City Islanders came out on top after penalty kicks. Harrisburg are currently sitting in 13th place in the USL Eastern Conference standings with two wins, four losses and four draws. This is the fourth time that Reading has met Harrisburg in Open Cup play, with Harrisburg scoring a 3-0 win in the last meeting between the clubs in 2015.
Players to watch for both sides are Reading captain and midfielder Hugo Delhommelle and Harrisburg forward Aaron Wheeler. Delhommelle has two goals and four assists in all competitions this season, and was named one of the Top 20 prospects in the PDL for this year.
Wheeler leads his side with two goals and 13 shots. The Reading United alum is an imposing force and is particularly dangerous in the air. Wheeler was the 2009 PDL Most Valuable Player after netting a club-record 17 goals.
The match will also be part of the 2017 Philadelphia Union Festival with player appearances by Union stars Andre Blake, Fabian Herbers and Josh Yaro. The U on Tour will be on hand with interactive soccer themed games for fans young and old.
