Reading United News Release -- www.readingunitedac.com
Friday, April 5, 2013
READING, Pa. – Two members of Reading United’s 2012 roster are returning for another season with the Philadelphia Union’s player development partner. Midfielder Dante Marini and defender Damion Lowe will pull on a Reading jersey again this summer and look to help the club secure its sixth consecutive appearance in the Premier Development League Playoffs.
Marini returns to Reading after scoring United’s most memorable goal of the 2012 campaign. In a divisional playoff showdown versus the Jersey Express, Marini scored a dramatic 119th minute game winning goal to send Reading to the Eastern Conference Championships. Marini appeared in seven PDL matches for Reading, while also gaining significant minutes with United’s Super 20 team. The Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania native had a standout junior season for Northeastern University, starting 20 matches for the Huskies while registering a goal and five assists. Marini earned All-Colonial Athletic Association Second Team honors for the 2012 season.
When Lowe returns to Reading this summer, he’ll bring some very valuable international experience with him. Lowe played in two matches for Reading United’s PDL team in 2012, but also gained valuable time with the club’s Super 20 team. A 6-foot-3 freshman defender from the University of Hartford, Lowe represented Jamaica in the 2013 CONCACAF Under-20 Championships that took place in Mexico this February. The Kingston, Jamaica native played in all three of Jamaica’s group stage matches and scored a goal in the Reggae Boyz’ 4-1 win over Puerto Rico. 2012 saw the big defender play 16 matches for the Hartford Hawks, scoring three goals and one assist.
Reading United Head Coach and Philadelphia Union Assistant Coach Brendan Burke is happy to welcome back Lowe and Marini. “We are excited to have guys who have experienced our program and who have had an impact for us already involved again this season as they will help lead the younger players.”
“We’re very excited to have these two players back in Reading this summer," Reading United President Art Auchenbach added. "Last season they both quickly made the jump from our U20 team to earn valuable playing time for the PDL squad. We are confident that their PDL, collegiate, and international experiences will help them make a stronger Reading United squad for the 2013 campaign.”
Reading United kick off their 2013 PDL campaign on May 11 at 7 p.m. against the Westchester Flames. Tickets are available at www.readingunitedac.com. Reading United offer 2013 Game Day Youth Packages, Group Discount Packages, Birthday Parties and Fundraising Ticket Packages. Contact Denise Strohmayr at denise@readingunitedac.com for all your group needs.