USL2 Match Recap: vs Delaware FC 2-1 Loss
Late Free Kick Dooms Reading United AC in 2-1 Loss to Delaware FC
Reading Still Searching for First Home Win of the Season
READING, PA (25 June 2025) – A storm delay, a scrappy midfield battle, and a pair of second-half goals spelled disappointment for Reading United AC, who fell 2-1 to Delaware FC on Wednesday night at Alvernia University. The loss continues Reading’s search for their first home win of the season.
Kickoff was delayed by more than 30 minutes due to thunderstorms in the area, and when play finally began, both teams spent the early minutes finding their rhythm. Sloppy touches and midfield turnovers defined much of the first 20 minutes, though Reading created a few early chances.
In the 20th minute, Bryan Akongo fired a powerful shot from distance that forced a diving save. Just minutes later, Tim Timchenko tested Delaware’s keeper again with a well-struck free kick from 20 yards out.
The breakthrough came in the 43rd minute with a moment of brilliance. Timchenko floated a ball over the top, and Akongo brought it down expertly before smashing home a half-volley into the net. The goal sent RUAC into the half up 1-0.
Delaware made four substitutions at the half and immediately responded. A midfield turnover in the 53rd minute sparked a 2v2 counterattack. Although RUAC goalkeeper Karl Vernet made the initial save, Delaware’s Arturo McConnochie was first to the rebound and buried the equalizer.
Reading nearly answered back with a flurry of three corners around the 60th minute, the most dangerous served by Timchenko, but all were cleared by Delaware’s defense. Delaware’s winner came in the 68th minute via a stunning free kick. Bryce Flowers curled a shot from just outside the box into the near-post top corner to give the visitors a 2-1 lead they would not surrender.
“We’re controlling a good amount of games and creating chances but not putting them away,” said Head Coach Casey Moore. “When we’re on top of a game, we have to find ways to punish a team. And when bad moments happen, you have to find ways to weather a storm and not concede.”
With the result, Delaware FC wins the franchises’ first ever game and moves to 1-3-4 on their inaugural season. Reading United AC falls to 1-5-3 and next faces LVU Rush June 28th at 7:00 PM at Alvernia University.
