Reading United beat Ocean City a third time to claim division title

Reading United stayed unbeaten and wrapped up the Mid-Atlantic Division title while also completing a three-game sweep of their rivals in Ocean City on Saturday night with a 4-2 win over the Nor’easters.

The two rivals traded goals in the first eight minutes of the game with Felipe Hideki opening the scoring with his fifth of the season off an assist from Aaron Molloy for the visitors, but Fredlin Mompremier responded with his second of the season to tie it four minutes later.

Reading scored twice more in the first half with Khori Bennett picking up the first of his two goals on the night in the 14th minute and Daniel Krutzen adding his second of the season six minutes later. Ocean City cut the margin to one just before halftime with Deri Corfe’s fifth of the season off an assist from Alex Rose.

But Bennett restored the two-goal advantage with his team-leading sixth of the season in the 64th minute off an assist from Philadelphia Union Academy grad Rob Campbell.

Bennet Strutz made a pair of saves to deny Ocean City while Nor’easters goalkeeper Todd Morton made four for the home team. Five Union Academy grads featured in the match for Reading, including Dawson McCartney, Matt Greer, Kalil ElMedkhar, Will Campbell and Rob Campbell.

Reading has a chance to finish the regular season unbeaten with their final match at home against Lehigh Valley United on Saturday night. They’re one of only three teams in the league unbeaten at 11-0-2. Des Moines Menace (12-0-1) and South Georgia Tormenta FC (10-0-2) are also flirting with unbeaten seasons.

Ocean City (7-5-0) has two games remaining but won’t be able to catch New York Red Bulls U23 for second place. Lehigh Valley United (1-10-1) will hope to end their season at Reading United on Saturday with their second win of the season.