Reading United AC vs. New York Cosmos

 

 

Wednesday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m. ET | Shirk Stadium at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania   

 

 

·       Follow @NYCosmos and #RUACvNYC on Twitter for updates

 

 

The New York Cosmos will take on PDL side, Reading United AC, in the Second Round of the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday, May 17 at 7:00 pm. The Open Cup is the oldest ongoing cup tournament in US soccer history.

 

New York has played in the 2014, 2015 and 2016 USOC tournaments, making the Round of 16 on all three occasions. The Cosmos are joining the tournament in great form. They have an undefeated road record in the NASL, and are coming off their first home win, a 4-3 victory over Puerto Rico FC. Midfielders, Andrés Flores, Juan Guerra, and Walter Restrepo, as well as defender, Ryan Richter, all scored their first goals for the Cosmos in the 2017 Spring Season. Midfielder, Emmanuel Ledesma, provided two assists, earning Emirates Man of the Match honors.

 

Reading United entered the 2017 USOC in the First Round, securing a 1-0 victory over NPSL side, Clarkstown SC Eagles. Reading United set a new Open Cup record, recording their sixth consecutive First Round win. The team made the Third Round of the Open Cup in 2013 and 2014, their best performance since first entering the tournament in 2001. On both occasions, they were eliminated by New York-based teams – the Red Bulls and Rochester Rhinos, respectively. The last time they won against a team from New York was 2012, when they defeated the Greek American Atlas 2-1 in the First Round.

 

Reading United had a convincing victory in their season opener this past weekend, a 3-1 stunner over visiting Lehigh Valley United.

 

The winner of the matchup between Reading United and the Cosmos will advance to the Third Round of the USOC to face PDL side, Ocean City Nor'easters, or USL team, Harrisburg City Islanders.

 

 

Wednesday's game will be the first ever matchup between Reading United and the New York Cosmos.

 

 

 

Since entering the tournament in 2014, the Cosmos have never lost before the Round of 16, and have never lost to a team that doesn't play in MLS.

 

 

Midfielder, Danny Szetela, is the only Cosmos player to have featured in all of the team's USOC games. His 88th minute goal against New York City FC in last year's tournament gave the Cosmos entry into the Round of 16.

 

 

Cosmos goalkeeper, Brian Holt, began his professional career at Reading United. Two former Cosmos players have also featured for United – defender, Jimmy Ockford, and midfielder, Leo Fernandes.

 

 

Midfielder, Emmanuel Ledesma, is tied for third in the NASL in assists (2). Both of his assists came in the Cosmos' first home victory at MCU Park, setting up goals for midfielders, Andrés Flores and Juan Guerra in a 4-3 win over Puerto Rico FC. His performance earned him Emirates Man of the Match honors.