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Reading United's 2013 USL-PDL season was in short, successful. They took on the New York Red Bulls in the US Open Cup third round, finished third in the Mid-Atlantic Division, and advanced to the PDL Easter Conference Championship weekend to take on the Ottawa Fury.
On Friday, Reading released their 2014 schedule. It features 14 league matches against a slew of competitive Mid-Atlantic divisional foes. If 2013 was any indication, Reading' 2014 season should continue their recent winning ways.
A New Era
After turning Reading from pretenders to serious contenders and producing top MLS talent, former head coach Brendan Burke ended as Reading's most successful coach and left behind a lasting legacy. On December 29, Burke stepped down, so that he could focus fully on his Philadelphia Union role. However, last week Burke departed from the Union organization as he looks to pursue other coaching opportunities.
Enter in new Reading head coach David Castellanos. The University of Connecticut transfer helped out the squad in winning the 2000 National Championship by picking up an assist against Creighton University.
Currently, Castellanos coaches for both Division III side PSU-Abington and FC Delco's U-12, U-13, and U-15 academy teams.
Castellanos' soccer knowledge and past accolades brings just what Reading wants from their coaches to this year's team. Reading's 2014 season success should not suffer with Castellano under the hem, but the potential is their for another record setting year while producing the future MLS stars.
A Quick Glance At The Schedule
Reading will play at least 14 games this season against all Mid-Atlantic Division rivals. Some opponents will be harder than others, but no matchup should be taken for granted.
United starts their 2014 USL-PDL season with two games on the road against the Jersey Express and JJ LUSO Parma. Those games occur on Wednesday, May 7th at 8:00 pm and Sunday, May 18th, respectively.
Reading's home opener takes place on Saturday, May 24th at 7:00 pm against the Baltimore Bohs. In June, Reading plays three of their five games at home. Among them the most anticipated game will be against Ocean City Nor'easters. In each meeting between the two squads, emotions and nerves run high.
After hosting the Nor'easters. Reading travels to Ocean City for a 7:00 pm matchup almost a month later. The match takes place on Friday, July 11th.
United will conclude their 2014 regular season at home on Saturday, July 19th against NJ LUSO Parma. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
While the USL-PDL schedule has been announced, Reading potentially could play in the 2014 US Open Cup and the USL-PDL playoffs as well.
The full schedule is listed below.
Wednesday, May 7th 8:00pm Reading United @ Jersey Express
Sunday, May 18th 6:00pm Reading United @ NJ LUSO Parma
Saturday, May 24th 7:00pm Reading United vs. Baltimore Bohs
Saturday, May 31st 7:00pm Reading United vs. FA Euro
Wednesday, June 11th 7:30pm Reading United @ Long Island
Friday, June 20th 7:00pm Reading United vs. Ocean City FC
Sunday, June 22nd 6:00pm Reading United vs. Long Island
Wednesday, June 25th 7:30pm Reading United @ FA Euro
Sunday, June 29th 6:00pm Reading United vs. Jersey Express
Wednesday, July 2nd 5:30pm Reading United at Baltimore Bohs
Saturday, July 5th 7:00pm Reading United vs. Northern Virginia
Friday, July 11th 7:00pm Reading United @ Ocean City FC
Tuesday, July 15th 7:30pm Reading United @ Northern Virginia
Saturday, July 19th 7:00pm Reading United vs NJ LUSO Parma