USL2 Game Recap: PA Classics 2 – 3 Reading United AC

READING, Pa — Reading United AC erased a two-goal first-half deficit to defeat PA Classics, 3-2, on Sunday night at Spooky Nook Sports Complex in a match that was called at halftime due to severe thunderstorms. Because the match could not continue, the halftime score stood as the official result, giving Reading United all three points in the final regular-season meeting between the two clubs.

PA Classics struck first in the 14th minute when Jack Brown finished from the top of the penalty area off a pass from Nate Hovan. The visitors doubled their advantage in the 25th minute as Eljo Agolli slid home a finish from 15 yards after being set up by Jack Hovan to make it 2-0.

Reading United responded almost immediately.

In the 29th minute, Isaac Stanley delivered a free kick from the right flank that found Jake Thomas, whose header cut the deficit to one. Just a minute later, Zeke Zambrano served a cross into the box where Adrian Kang Hagman rose to head home the equalizer, leveling the match at 2-2.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Michiharu Takanashi created what turned out to be the game winner with a skillful run down the left wing before cutting the ball back toward the top of the box. Santiago Apolaro met the pass with a first-time half-volley that found the back of the net, completing Reading United’s comeback and giving the home side a 3-2 lead.

Severe thunderstorms moved into the area during halftime, and the match was officially called before the second half could begin. With Reading United leading when play was halted, the 3-2 score became final.

The victory also secured the inaugural Keystone Derby trophy for Reading United. Across four meetings between the clubs’ USL2 and WPSL sides, Reading United posted a 2-1-1 record and claimed the series on points, 7-4.

The win improves Reading United’s record to 5-5-2 heading into the final week of the regular-season while also giving the club bragging rights as the first-ever Keystone Derby champion. PA Classics falls to 3-7-3. 

Reading United next takes on Philadelphia Lone Star FC on Wednesday July 8th at Alvernia University. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM.