Reading United vs. OC Preview
Reading Travels 6/4 to OC for a First Place Showdown
First Place in Sight for Reading
On Saturday, Reading United A.C. will travel to the Jersey Shore to face their longtime rivals, the Ocean City Nor’easters, in a clash for first place in the Premier Development League’s Mid-Atlantic Division at Carey Stadium. It will be the 40th meeting between two of the PDL’s most successful clubs.
Ocean City currently sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Division with a total of nine points from their first four matches of the 2016 campaign. The Nor’easters claimed the top spot with a come from behind 2-1 win on the road against Lehigh Valley United. Chevaughn Walsh and Miguel Jamie have each scored four goals to lead Ocean City’s potent attack.
United head into the fray looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls U23 squad. Reading held a 2-0 lead entering the 80th minute of play, but New York’s pressure paid dividends as the visitors scored twice in the game’s final seven minutes to earn the draw. Reading’s Paul Marie scored his third goal of the season while Brett Campbell scored for the second consecutive match.
United are unbeaten in their last four matches against Ocean City. Last season, Campbell scored twice to help Reading earn a 2-0 home victory over the Nor’easters. In the return match, defender Martin Nygaard scored the game winning goal to help United score a 3-2 win on the road in Ocean City.
Reading will look to continue their recent form against Ocean City by relying on their potent attack led by the likes of Marie, Campbell and Brad Fountain. United’s defense, which has allowed just two goals in 490 minutes of play this season, will be called upon to blunt the Nor’easters formidable attack.
Three Keys to Success:
1) Attack Early: Ocean City has only allowed five goals so far this season, but four of them have come in the first half. United will have a lot of success if they press Ocean City early.
2) Find Campbell’s Feet: Campbell has been a great forward for Reading the past two seasons. In 2016, almost every time they have played Campbell up top it has generated a chance. Campbell has two goals and one assist in three games.
3) Finish The Game Strong: Last week against the New York Red Bulls U23, Reading allowed two late goals. The United defense must be aware late in this game against Ocean City. The Nor’easters have scored ten goals this season, but seven of them have come in the second half.
