USL2 Game Recap: Reading United AC 2 – 2 Real Central NJ

READING, Pa. — Reading United AC showed its resilience Tuesday night at Alvernia University, rallying from a pair of deficits to earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Real Central NJ in USL League Two action.

The visitors struck first in the 11th minute when Andrew Kitch found the back of the net to give Real Central NJ an early 1-0 advantage.

Reading responded six minutes later through Nicholas Papadopoulos. Following a scramble in the penalty area, the striker pounced on a loose ball and buried his chance to level the match at 1-1 in the 17th minute.

The hosts continued to push forward throughout the opening half. Charlie Williams created several dangerous moments down the left flank, while Papadopoulos nearly added a second goal when his header off a corner kick rattled the crossbar in the 20th minute.

Real Central NJ regained the lead in the 36th minute when Charlie Kitch capitalized on a bouncing ball inside the six-yard box to make it 2-1. Reading thought it had found an equalizer just before halftime when Isaac Stanley delivered a dangerous cross that was finished by Ryan Honeywell, but the goal was disallowed for a foul.

The breakthrough finally came moments after the restart.

Just two minutes into the second half, Stanley took matters into his own hands, finding the back of the net in the 47th minute to tie the match at 2-2.

Reading nearly grabbed the lead a minute later when Papadopoulos rose highest to meet a cross, but his header was turned away by the Real Central goalkeeper.

The second half featured several strong defensive efforts from Reading, highlighted by a pair of timely tackles from Christ Aaron Kadja that halted dangerous Real Central attacks.

As the match entered its final stages, both sides searched for a winner. Nainoa Norton forced a spectacular save from distance in the 86th minute, while Michiharu Takanashi nearly broke through on a breakaway two minutes later only to be denied by the Real Central goalkeeper.

Despite four minutes of stoppage time and late opportunities for both teams, neither side could find a decisive goal.

The draw moves Reading United to 2-4-1 on the season with Real Central NJ sitting at 4-2-1.

Reading United AC returns to action this Saturday as it travels to face longtime rival, the Ocean City Nor’easters. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM.