Reading United AC News Release -- www.readingunitedac.com
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
READING, Pa. – Just when everyone at Don Thomas Stadium chalked up another friendly win for the Philadelphia Union, Chris Harmon had other plans. His shot cut through the balmy late-May air past a helpless Zac MacMath into the top left corner of the goal, earning Reading United AC a 1-1 draw in a game that Philadelphia had led since late in the first half. The Union’s Gabriel Farfan had put Philadelphia on top in the 45th minute after “playing chicken” with United goalie Brian Holt and winning with a header into the open net.
The game could’ve been broken open on numerous occasions, if not for a few spectacular saves on both sides. Holt made the majority of his in the first half, when the Union’s six-goal effort against Toronto over the weekend was still fresh in both teams’ minds. The Creighton keeper started his night early, making saves in the 11th minute against Sebastien Le Toux from in close, then eight minutes later on a shot from just outside the box by Farfan.
Philadelphia took advantage of a counter-attack after MacMath showed why he was the Union’s first round draft pick this past spring, Following a close range attempt by Ownby, the Union moved back across the field, feeding Justin Mapp on the far sideline. A cross from Mapp forced a scramble by both Holt and Farfan, with Farfan heading the ball into the open net as Holt came up short.
MacMath again showed off his impressive skills in the 66th minute, as Will Bates caught a break behind the Union defense. Going one-on-one with MacMath, the former Maryland keeper withstood a thunderous shot to keep the match in Philadelphia’s favor.
After losing shutouts in the waning moments of games during their first two road games, the United finally were able to return the favor, as Harmon took a feed from Georgetown’s Steve Neumann, and buried it from long range.
This game not only showcased the blossoming relationship between Reading and Philadelphia, but many fans of both teams walked away with memories that will last a lifetime. Philadelphia’s Le Toux spent a great deal of the second half signing autographs for young fans at the fence. Goalkeeper Fayrd Mondragon, who did not dress for the Union, kicked a soccer ball with young fans on the field during halftime. These memoirs are the ones that truly matter, and the ones that accomplish the United’s ultimate goal: creating life-long soccer fans through access to local heroes of the game.
This night was filled with not only current heroes of the MLS, but the future ones as well in Reading. Despite the tie on the scoreboard, everyone came away winners this night as the current crop of United players got to show what they were capable of against professional opposition.