Reading United A.C. Starts Season With Electrifying Win Against Hershey FC
Reading United AC Women’s First Team delivered a complete performance on Friday night in their season opener, securing a decisive 5-0 victory over Hershey FC at Alvernia University Stadium. A clinical first half, highlighted by three well-executed goals and relentless pressure, effectively ended the match before the break.
Reading opened the scoring just 13 seconds into the contest when Rebecca Kotula calmly headed home a cross from Anna Buckwalter, giving the home side an immediate advantage. Buckwalter racked up two early assists, displaying Reading’s creative ability from the jump. The early goal set the tone, as Reading consistently applied pressure through quick passing, high pressing, and dangerous set pieces.
“The credit really goes to our veterans that returned, they had everyone feeling welcome and ready to go,” said Head Coach Tom Gosslin. “Rebecca took that responsibility in the first 40 seconds and said let’s just get up one to nothing. I think the girls just grew from there.”
The lead was doubled midway through the first half when a Reading counterattack broke Haley Gschrey through the defensive line, where she calmly finished a one-on-one with the Hershey goalkeeper in the 29th. Olivia Thompson added a third just a minute later, converting a cutback cross from the byline to cap off a dominant opening 45 minutes.
Hershey FC struggled to respond, as Reading’s stifling defense bottled up any meaningful opportunities for the visiting side. The midfield played a central role in Reading’s control of the match, locking down the visitors while creating dozens of offensive opportunities. With their pressing and aggressive desire to connect the play going forward, their chance creation was relentless.
The second half continued with the same dominance from Reading United, where Ashley Lavrich netted a goal in the 63rd minute of play. She then picked up an assist, where Haley Gschrey finished off a cross for her second goal of the night, in the 88th minute.
Reading starts the season 1-0, and will face Keystone FC at Alvernia University this Tuesday, May 27th, at 7:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased online for $10 and $15 at the gate.
