With the announcement of two high-profile exhibition matches, Reading United provided another example of its expanding national reputation.

Reading is set to play the United States Under-17 National Team on May 22, followed by the New York Cosmo’s Under-23 team two months later. The Harrisburg City Islanders and Philadelphia Union are already scheduled to visit Exeter’s Don Thomas Stadium in the coming weeks.

U-17s

The meeting with Reading United is scheduled for Sunday, May 22, with a time and place yet to be determined. The event will once again showcase some of the finest up and coming talent this country has to offer.

The U17 National Team is currently in preparation for this summer’s 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The team’s draw, which was released Tuesday, pairs the U.S. with New Zealand, Uzbekistan, and the Czech Republic in Group D. Mexico will host the tournament this summer with Group Stages being played in June and the final in early July.

NY Cosmos

The New York Cosmos are seeking to enter the MLS as the league’s 20th franchise. Originally part of the now defunct NASL, the Cosmos gained worldwide popularity in the 1970s while fielding stars such as Pelé, Carlos Alberto and Franz Beckenbauer. Reading will host the Cosmos Under-23 team on Friday, July 22. Should the Cosmos enter MLS, this match could mark the beginning of the rivalry between the Philadelphia Union and the New York Cosmos.

Upcoming Schedule

Reading returns to action this Wednesday, May 18, against the Westchester Flames in a US Open Cup Qualifier. Kickoff at City Park Stadium in Westchester, New York, is set for 7:30pm. Reading currently sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Division after capturing maximum points with wins in the team’s first two games. Westchester occupies fourth place with a 3-0 win over the New Jersey Rangers and a 3-0 loss to the Jersey Express.

On Friday, Reading hosts Ocean City Nor’easters at Oley Valley High School in another US Open Cup qualifier. Kickoff is at 7:30pm. Fifty percent of the proceeds from pre-sold tickets and 10 percent of walk-up ticket sales will be donated to the Mark McKently Scholarship Fund. Mark was a soccer player at Oley Valley High School who tragically lost his life in a recent car accident.