Reading United AC News Release -- www.readingunitedac.com
Monday, September 12, 2011
READING, Pa. – Topdrawersoccer.com recently named 10 Reading United alumni to their annual “Men’s National Top 100” rankings, a list that includes the highest ranked college soccer players in the nation. Topping the list at No.3 for the United was 2011 alumni Will Bates, pictured left, a senior forward at Virginia who netted 15 points (6 goals, 3 assists) in only 6 games for Reading this past season. He currently leads Virginia with 11 points (4 goals, 3 assists) in their first 5 games, including a 6 point effort (2 goals, 2 assists) against Richmond.
Following Bates in the rankings at No.6 was 2010 alumni Eric Schoenle, a defender for West Virginia. North Carolina defender Matt Hedges (No.8), Tar Heel teammate forward Billy Schuler (No.11) and Duke’s Andrew Wenger (No.12) rounded out Reading’s dominance in the top dozen. West Virginia defender Raymon Gaddis (No.24), Virginia forwards Brian Ownby (No.41) and Brian Span (No.48), Georgetown midfielder Steve Neumann (No.68), and Delaware midfielder Evans Frimpong (No.91) rounded out the list for United alumni.
“It’s a great honor to have the talent that the Reading United has showcased for the past few seasons recognized for their collegiate achievements. Reading has truly become a place to see the future of soccer at the amateur level, and we look to continue to bring in this kind of talent in the future,” said Assistant General Manager Ryan Lineaweaver.
Other familiar names from the USL Premier Development League’s Mid Atlantic Division included Central Jersey’s Ryan Finley (No.15) and Antoine Hoppenot (No.20), and Jersey Express goalkeeper Ryan Meara (No.60).
“The bar keeps getting raised in regards to talent in this division. This competition to consistently bring in top-tier talent only helps the players grow over the summer season, and it has certainly shown in the past few MLS SuperDrafts.”