Reading Tied Up By Lone Star, 2-2

A late reply from Philadelphia leaves the teams with a single point in Reading’s home opener

READING, PA (May 21, 2022) – After taking a 2-1 lead in the 84th minute, Reading United had all three points taken away by an 85th minute reply from Philadelphia Lone Star in a 2-2 deadlock on Saturday evening at Alvernia University. With the tie, Reading remains undefeated through its first three games of the USL League Two season.

After a largely uneventful first half that seemed destined for a 0-0 tie at the break, Philadelphia took advantage of a foul in stoppage time that gave them a free kick 28 yards from net. The attempt glanced off the Reading wall, wrong-footing Eoin Gawronski and landing in the net for a 1-0 Lone Star advantage.

Things picked up in the second half, as halftime substitution Marten Imping made an immediate impact. After some nifty passing in front of the net, Reading earned a corner kick. The looping corner from Maxime Correia was nodded down by Ryan Becher, and Imping pounced on the chance to knot the game at one.

Imping struck again in the 84th minute, scoring what was nearly the game-winner off a through-ball from Isak Sedin that was headed on frame for a 2-1 lead. Less than a minute later, Philadelphia quickly responded on a near post attempt that was initially saved by Gawronski, but deflected in off the keeper for the 2-2 final.

Reading was paced by Marten Imping, who fired off six shots. Talla Yafe, Maxime Correia, and Alex Hajj all took three as Reading led 19-8 in shots, including a 12-4 advantage in the second half.

Eoin Gawronski made two saves in the tie.

United get back at it on Friday, May 27 against Real Central New Jersey, who also may enter undefeated after starting with a win and tie in league play. Kickoff at Mercer County Community College starts at 7:00 p.m. Reading then returns home for a pair on June 1 and June 4 against Lehigh Valley United and Ocean City Nor’easters. Individual game tickets are just $7 plus fees in advance, and available for purchase on readingunitedac.com.