Road match in New York to test unbeaten Reading United
Inconsistent Red Bulls still present a challenge for Mid-Atlantic Division leaders
READING, PA (June 14, 2016) – On Wednesday night, Reading United will travel to New Jersey looking to solidify their lead atop the Premier Development League’s Mid-Atlantic Division against the New York Red Bulls U23. This will be the second of three meetings between the clubs.
Two weeks ago, the two teams played to a draw at Don Thomas Stadium. United’s Paul Marie and Brett Campbell each scored in the first half as Reading looked to be headed for a comfortable win.
United held their two goal advantage until the 83rd minute. Sevag Kherlopian cut Reading’s lead to one, scoring a wide open header. Five minutes later, Arun Basuljevic took advantage of a mix up in the Reading defense and put the ball past Steffen Kraus to secure the point for the Red Bulls.
Reading United currently sit in first place in the competitive Mid-Atlantic Division with 13 points from the first five matches of the season. United are one of only three unbeaten clubs in the league. New York Red Bulls U23 sits in fifth place with only nine points from six matches.
United claim their fourth victory of the season with a 3-2 road win over the Baltimore Bohemians 3-2. Paul Marie scored two goals in the match and now has a team-leading five goals this season. The French midfielder is currently fourth in the Premier Development League in goals scored this campaign.
Reading midfielder Zach Zandi has been in fine form. The Philadelphia Union Academy product scored twice in Reading’s 2-0 victory at Ocean City and will be called upon to control play in midfield against New York.
The Red Bulls have had an open and down campaign since claiming the Eastern Conference Championship last summer. In their last matchup, the Red Bulls U23s suffered a devastating 4-2 loss to Jersey Express. New York conceded three second half goals to their North Jersey rivals to slump to their second loss of the season.
Despite their inconsistent start, the Red Bulls are a dangerous side. With top PDL prospects Basuljevic and Christopher Lema surrounded by a core group of players from New York’s renowned academy teams, United will need to mindful of the lessons learned from their last meeting with the Red Bulls.
Reading will hose the Jersey Express in their next home match to be played on Saturday, June 18th at 7:00pm. The match will be part of Reading’s annual Kicks Against Cancer Match.
