Reading United downed by Nor’easters, 1-0

Ocean City, NJ (July 2, 2017) – Playing in their third and final regular season game against each other, Ocean City Nor’easters were able to ride a 30th minute penalty kick from Fredlin Mompremier to a 1-0 victory. Reading had previously won both meetings between the long-time rivals, by 1-0 and 2-0 scorelines. The loss was Reading’s first in league play since May 20th, a 3-2 defeat to the Eastern Conference leading New York Red Bulls U23. Reading now stands equal in points with Ocean City for second place in the Mid-Atlantic Division, but holds two games in hand on the Nor’easters with four games remaining.

Only six starters from last Thursday’s 2-0 victory against Ocean City found themselves on the pitch for the third encounter, and it showed in the first 15 minutes of the match. Disjointed play led to waves of Ocean City attacks in the opening minutes, which Reading was ultimately able to weather. However, the Nor’easters would break through after a late whistle in the box led to a penalty kick chance for the home side. Fredlin Mompremier beat Reading ‘keeper Alex Bouillennec, tucking the ball inside the left post for a 1-0 advantage.

Ocean City would keep the pressure pouring on after gaining the lead, but Bouillennec stood on his head for a couple of reflex saves to deny Francisco Neto in the 32nd minute and Mompremier again in the 40th. Reading’s best chance came on an Ivan Abramovic blast in the 34th from the right side of the box which beat former United goalkeeper Todd Morton, but his attempt clanged off the right post and rolled out.

Reading would regroup in the second half, but struggled put the finishing touches on their efforts in the final third. United pressured early in the second half, with a dangerous free kick by Abramovic from 30 yards out in the 52nd, and a rip from Rob Campbell in the 55th which Morton dove to collect.

A strong push in the final five minutes by Reading nearly equalized, as they attempted to poke holes in the Nor’easter defense. After a no-call on a potential hand ball in the box by Ocean City, United launched their best attacks of the evening. Their best effort was a 90th minute header by JJ Williams from inside the box was nodded directly at Morton. A last ditch corner kick effort was headed on frame in the waning moments, but was saved off the line by Morton to preserve the victory for Ocean City.

“It’s extraordinarily difficult to beat a team three times. It’s even more difficult to do so on the road. But, we need to move past this and respond on Wednesday night. It’s all about how you respond,” said Head Coach Stephen Hogan.

United return home on Wednesday, July 5th at 7:30pm at Exeter’s Don Thomas Stadium. Reading will face Lehigh Valley United and officially play host to Lehigh Valley’s away game. Tickets are available at 9h9.f8e.myftpupload.com/ or on game day at the Don Thomas Stadium ticket office. Reading United offer 2017 Game Day Youth Packages, Group Discount Packages, Birthday Parties and Fundraising Ticket Packages.  Contact our ticket sales team at sales@readingunitedac.com for all your group needs.

Scoring Summary

OCN 30’ Fredlin Mompremier (PK)

Reading United Roster: Alex Bouillennec, CJ Smolyn (Tapfuma Dimairo 68’), Nathan Brown, Neico Regent, Rob Campbell, Jakov Basic (JJ Williams 82’), Kevin Carvalho, Ivan Abramovic, Spencer Burkhardt (Jilly Waso 73’), Evan Finnegan, Khori Bennett

Unused Subs: Jimmy Coyle, Serge Gamwayna, Joey Dezart