United host Red Bulls in first place showdown

READING, PA (May 31, 2018) – Reading United A.C. (3-0-0) will look to stay unbeaten and capture first place in the Premier Development League’s Mid-Atlantic Division when they host the New York Red Bulls U23s (4-1-0) at Wilson High School’s Gurski Stadium on Youth Soccer Night on Saturday, June 2nd.  This will be the first of two meetings between the perennial contenders this season. Kickoff for the match is slated for 7:00 p.m.

Reading United has been in excellent form to begin their 2018 campaign. They have not conceded a goal in 270 minutes of play with goalkeepers Bennet Strutz and Will Smith having posted three shutouts behind United’s stout defense. Reading poses a threat from anywhere on the field as five different United players have scored a goal this season.

Coach Alan McCann had this to say about the upcoming match. “It’s going to be another battle as like previous years. This squad will look to use their experiences in the Open Cup and in PDL play so far to give them confidence going into one of the best games in the country.”

Reading United A.C. currently sits in second place of the Mid-Atlantic Division, while New York Red Bulls U23 hold first place with twelve points.  In the most recent edition of the PDL Eastern Conference Power Rankings, the New York Red Bulls are fifth while, Reading United is ranked first.

New York heads to Reading with a three point lead in the division race. The Red Bulls are coming off a two-win week where they soundly defeated the Ocean City Nor’easters, 4-0 and FA Euro by a 3-0 final score.

Last year, the two rivals split the series with each team winning their respective home match. Reading United A.C. defeated the Red Bulls U23’s, 2-1, when Aaron Molloy scored a spectacular game-winning goal late in the second half.

Players to watch in this match are United’s Strutz and New York’s Brian Saramago. Strutz has been in fine form all season, posting two clean sheets and totaling seven saves. This will be a true to test for the young German goalkeeper against the high flying Red Bulls. Saramago enters the game leading his team in goals with four. He tallied in the Red Bulls mid-week victory against FA Euro.

Alongside Saramago, the Red Bulls contain two players in the PDL Top 50 Prospect List. Janos Loebe (No.7) a midfielder from Fordham University is a key player in the midfield and University of Maryland standout Dayne St. Clair (No.14) is the top goalkeeper on the list.

Reading United’s next home game will be on Tuesday June 12th when they welcome Lehigh Valley United to Wilson’s John Gurski Stadium.