Reading United opens its 2021 home slate Friday evening at Exeter High School’s Don Thomas Stadium against an old opponent with a new name: Northern Virginia (NOVA) FC. Kickoff is at 7:00pm with the gates opening at 6:00pm.
Reading United has struggled in the early going with a virtually brand new team paired with a new coaching staff. Zero returning players have factored into the two losses, but with reinforcements on the way, Reading looks to turn their season around beginning Friday night. A 5-1 loss to Lehigh Valley United last Saturday and a 2-0 loss to West Chester on Wednesday leaves Reading with a hole to climb out of entering their third game of the season.
NOVA FC only has one game under its belt this season – a 3-2 win over Philadelphia Lone Star FC back on May 8th. Three different players scored for Northern Virginia in the victory.
Reading had Northern Virginia’s number two years ago, beating the club 3-0 and 2-0 in the two matchups. United won handily at home with the three-goal margin, with Simon Becher punching one in the 12th minute, with Rok Taneski and Jeremy Rafanello following in the 43rd and 84th minutes, respectively. The road trip was a bit more nail biting, as a scoreless draw before Tsiki Ntshabeleng broke the deadlock in the 64th on an assist from Seth Kuhn and Becher added the insurance goal 14 minutes later.
It is Youth Night at the stadium, with every youth soccer player wearing their jersey getting through the gates for free. Multiple non-profit partners in Berks County will be on hand to promote their services for the youth players including: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County, Easter Seals of Eastern Pennsylvania, Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, Boy Scouts of America, Berks Teens Matter, and VOICE Up Berks.
Due to COVID restrictions at Exeter High School, concessions will not be available for purchase. Bottled water will be available for purchase at the merchandise stand.
Per Exeter School District, masks will be required for entry and movement around the stadium, but are able to be removed when seated.
Tickets for the game can be purchased at readingunitedac.com/tickets. Tickets are only $5 online + fees, but will be $10 at the gate. Season tickets are still available for purchase for only $25 and cover all seven home games. Tickets are available for purchase at readingunitedac.com/tickets.
