Photo: Courtesy of Ocean City Nor’easters

The Ocean City Nor’easters, first place in the PDL’s Mid-Atlantic Division and affiliated with English Premier League club Reading FC, face third place in the Mid-Atlantic Division and Philadelphia Union affiliate Reading United AC Friday at 7pm. Following a 2-1 loss to Reading United at home on June 8, Ocean City is now on an eight-game unbeaten streak having outscored their opponents 23-7. Richard Tassano, whose son plays for Ocean City, brings us up to date with the Nor’easters most recent matches

Last Friday night, before a home crowd of 792, the Ocean City Nor’easters won another hard fought game with a 2-1 win over the New Jersey Rangers. Zoncher Dennis scored both Nor’easters’ goals, giving him a team-leading 9 goals in 13 games.

The Nor’easters have had to overcome several injuries in the past couple of games as their back line has suffered the loss of right back Johnny Dolezal and center back Tapiwa Machingauta. Patrick O’Neil and Jason Wells have filled in showing the Nor’easters have some defensive depth.

On Sunday night before a nice crowd, the Ocean City Nor’easters won again, defeating the Westchester Flames, 5-1. The game saw the Nor’easters out-shoot the Flames 25 to 6. Again, Zoncher Dennis scored two goals putting him second overall in the PDL, both in points (24) and goals (13). The Nor’easters enjoyed the majority of play with good outings from Terry Gibbs and Frank Tweneboe. Nick Bibbs provided the anchor on defense until substituted out in the 59th minute. With the win, Ocean City clinched a spot in the PDL playoffs.

The Nor’easters now have to set themselves up for a run in the playoffs. A victory in one of the next two games will guarantee an outright win of the Mid Atlantic Division. Coach Tim Oswald has some decisions to get his team ready for, in getting through the next two games, he needs to keep up the team’s momentum and give some of his key players rest to regain and maintain their fitness levels. The Nor’easters are now 12-2-0, a real step forward from last year’s seventh place finish in the Mid Atlantic Division. Having converting eight ties into wins this year has been the difference.

The Nor’easters are back in action on Friday July 13 away to Reading United where Ocean City will try to clinch the Division title. The last regular season game is at home to Brooklyn Knights on Sunday, July 15 at Carey Stadium. Right now, it looks as though this team is moving in the right direction.