Reading United’s win over Ocean City Nor’easters on Friday night put them in the US Open Cup. In the four games the team had played up to that point, Reading has outscored their opponents 15 goals to 3.

Westchester Flames

Reading United remained in the top spot in the the Mid-Atlantic Division with a dominating 4-1 victory over the Westchester Flames Wednesday night at City Park Stadium. Inclement weather could not stop the United from taking care of business as usual, registering sixteen shots while limiting the Flames to only five.

The story of the night was the contribution of University of Virginia players Brian Ownby, Will Bates and Brian “Cobi” Span, as they played a part in three of the four goals scored. Reading defender Matt Hedges also tallied a goal. The Flames converted a penalty kick courtesy of Jake Keegan, while United midfielder Christian Barreiro failed to convert from the spot in the first half.

Scoring Summary:

RDG – Matt Hedges (Christian Barreiro) 32’

RDG – Will Bates  (Shane Malcolm) 41’

RDG – Will Bates (Brian Span) 46’

RDG – Brian Span (Brian Ownby) 54’

WCH – Jake Keegan 83’

Starters:

Brian Holt, David Rodriguez, Ged Quinn, Shane Malcolm, Matt Hedges, Christian Barreiro, Stephen Okai, Brian Span, Will Bates, Brian Ownby, Lasse Sohrweide

Ocean City Nor’easters

As a Philadelphia Union season ticket holder, the fluid offense on display in Reading’s 4-1 victory Friday night at Oley Valley High School was a welcome change. On a partly rainy night dedicated to Mark McKently, a local player fatally killed in a car accident in February, Reading disposed of the visiting Ocean City Nor’easters with relative ease.

The first half was up and down for United, as both teams had the better run of play for stretches during the first 45 minutes. With Ocean City looking to catch Reading on the counter, defender Brian Forgue and goalkeeper Brian Holt both halted breakaway opportunities for the Nor’easters. After the break Reading came out firing on all cylinders, putting the game out of reach by scoring three goals before the 65^th minute.

The chemistry of University of Virginia duo Brian Ownby and Will Bates was evident once again, as the understanding of each other’s position and movements further demonstrated what makes the Cavalier teammates partnership so lethal.

Bates struck first for United two minutes after the break when his bending shot from the top of the 18 rippled the side-netting. Defender Shane Malcolm then picked up the ball just inside Ocean City’s half and danced through several defenders before sending a beautifully placed cross to an onrushing Ownby who volleyed the ball into the back of the net. Bates later displayed his full range of finishing capabilities when he redirected a Christian Barreiro corner kick with a powerful header.

Ocean City would get one back when Jack Bailey put away the rebound after keeper Holt saved the initial shot. Reading capped the night off when Stephen Okai took a brilliant first touch and finessed the ball by Ocean City’s keeper. The victory moves Reading to 4-0 on the season and marks the third straight season the club has qualified for the US Open Cup with an undefeated record.

Scoring Summary:

RDG – Will Bates (Brian Ownby)

RDG – Brian Ownby (Shane Malcolm)

RDG – Will Bates (Christian Barreiro)

RDG – Stephen Okai (Steven Neumann)

OCN – Jack Bailey

Starters:

Brian Holt, David Rodriguez, Brian Forgue, Shane Malcolm, Matt Baker, Christian Barreiro, Stephen Okai, Chris Harmon, Brian Span, Will Bates, Brian Ownby

Upcoming Schedule

Reading returned to action Sunday at Chester Park where they faced the US U-17 team, defeating them 3–0. Union fans will have a chance to see both affiliate clubs in action on Tuesday, as the Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL Pro league travel to Don Thomas Stadium to take on Reading United. The game is scheduled for 7:00pm and tickets for the game can be purchased now at www.readingunitedac.com.