Union to play Reading United A.C. in June

Chester, Pa. –Philadelphia Union will travel to Reading to take on their affiliate partner, Reading United A.C., in an exhibition match on Saturday, June 9 at Albright College’s Shirk Stadium. The match, which kicks off at 7:00 p.m., will be the third time that these two clubs have played each other since they became partners in 2009.  The teams played to a 1-1 draw in last season’s match up on May 31, 2011. 

"Philadelphia Union are deeply committed to our player development partnerships with Reading United A.C. and the Harrisburg City Islanders,” said Philadelphia Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. “These games give us an opportunity to get together in each respective market, bring some exciting soccer to town and see how the stars of the future match up against Major League Soccer professionals. We are honored to have such great partners."

Reduced price pre-order tickets for the game are $12 and general admission will be available online at www.readingunitedac.com/store/tickets.html through May 31, 2012.  Tickets purchased after May 31 will sell for $15.  

“Philadelphia Union has provided a clearly defined path for the progression of soccer players in our region,” said Reading United President Art Auchenbach.  “Starting with YSC youth training, USSF Academy teams and finally the Reading United Super 20’s and PDL squads as the final stop before entering the professional ranks, the Union have set the bar in the United States for a truly groundbreaking soccer hierarchy for our fans and players.  We are excited that our local fans can enjoy the opportunity to see the highest level of professional soccer in the United States, here in Reading.”

In late 2009, Reading and Philadelphia inked a player development agreement that makes Reading the exclusive PDL Player Development Partner of the Philadelphia Union.  The Union has also benefitted, using the relationship to gather an inside scouting report on their 2012 MLS SuperDraft third round draft choice and Reading United alumni, defender Ray Gaddis.  The guidance of United Head Coach Brendan Burke at the PDL level also impressed the Union, and the team named him the inaugural Head Coach of the Union Reserve team.