Reading United roster released

Seven Philadelphia Union Academy grads will join several college soccer standouts this summer on the Reading United in Premier Development League play.

Joseph DeZart (Wake Forest), Jerren Nixon (Virginia) and Robert Campbell (Clemson) will join previously announced roster additions Zach Zandi (Villanova), Kevin Carvalho (Northeastern), Mo Conde (University of Mobile) and Will Campbell (North Carolina) on the squad. Update: Raheem Taylor-Parkes (University of Virginia) has been added to the roster, bringing the number to eight.

Three players with local ties - former Continental FC captain CJ Smolyn (Saint Francis PA), Elizabethtown forward Gilbert Waso and Penn State midfielder Pierre Reedy (Kutztown, Pa.) - are also on the roster. Waso and Reedy, who spent time with the New York Red Bulls Academy prior to college, were both with the club last year.

Some well-known newcomers from the college ranks include Virginia star midfielder Pablo Aguilar, German goalkeeper Benjamin Lundt (Akron) and English midfielder Mo Adams (Syracuse).

North Carolina forward Jelani Pieters returns to the club for a second season along with previously announced roster additions Paul Marie (FIU), Frantzdy Pierrot (Coastal Carolina), Hugh Delhommelle (Syracuse), Ben Beaury (Le Moyne), Khori Bennett (Northeastern and Aaron Molloy (Keiser).

The 36-player roster is posted on the PDL website.

Reading United begins play in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against Clarkstown SC Eagles on Wednesday, May 10, and opens their PDL campaign at home against Lehigh Valley United on Saturday, May 13.