USL2 Match Recap: vs LVU Rush 3-2 Win Akongo Hat Trick
Reading United AC Comes Back from Second Half Deficit for 3-2 Win Over LVU Rush
Bryan Akongo Scores Hat Trick; Reading Claims Third Place in the Mid-Atlantic Division
READING, PA (12 July 2025) – Reading United AC closed out their 2025 USL League Two season in electrifying fashion, rallying from a 2-0 deficit to defeat LVU Rush 3-2 on Fan Appreciation Night. Forward Bryan Akongo delivered a heroic second-half hat trick to seal a dramatic comeback and cap off Reading’s third win of the season over LVU Rush.
The opening 30 minutes saw both teams exchange half-chances and showcase strong goalkeeping. RUAC’s Connor Cresswell was called into action early, punching away a 7th-minute corner and denying a close-range effort in the 33rd minute. Despite several promising opportunities including a near miss from Abdourahman Faye and a dangerous cross from Joao Cavaletti, it was LVU Rush who struck first. In the 35th minute, Nigel Griffith capitalized on a turnover deep in RUAC territory to put the visitors up 1-0.
LVU added to their lead in the 54th minute when Cresswell made another brilliant save, only to see the rebound buried by Hasan Strandzhev to make it 2-0. But RUAC refused to end their season quietly.
In the 58th minute, Akongo got RUAC on the board, finishing off a crisp assist from Jalen Moore. Just ten minutes later, Alex Tarway intercepted a pass at midfield and fed Akongo, who coolly slotted home the equalizer. The momentum had fully shifted.
RUAC continued to apply pressure, with Zach Forehand narrowly missing two breakaway chances. But in the 86th minute, Akongo found his magic once more, completing the hat trick and sending the Reading United faithful into a frenzy with the game-winner.
“We felt like it was only a matter of time until we scored and that really pushed on to find the equalizer and eventually the game winner,” said Head Coach Casey Moore. “Obviously a big performance from Bryan (Akongo) to finish his chances and push us on to a win.”
With the win, Reading United AC claims third place in the Mid Atlantic division while also sweeping the season series with LVU Rush. Reading finishes the season with a record of 4-5-3, riding a 3 game winning streak into the offseason.
