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For the first time in team history, Reading United AC will participate in the national amateur competition known as the Hank Steinbrecher Cup in Wisconsin on May 31 and June 1.
Started in 2013 by the United States Amateur Soccer Association, the Steinbrecher Cup pits the top U.S. amateur finishers from the previous season in the Premier Development League (now USL League Two)and the National Premier Soccer League with the defending champion and the National Amateur Cup winner.
Reading United lost in extra time of PDL final last August at home to Canadian team Calgary Foothills FC.
”It is an honor for us to be given the opportunity to compete against the top amateur teams in the country,” Reading Head Coach Alan McCann said in a news release. “Adding to the clubs tradition of success by playing in the tough games is the environment we enjoy the most, so we are really looking forward to it.”
National Amateur Cup champions Bavarian SC, which beat West Chester United in the final the same night Reading United lost in the PDL final, will host the two-day competition in Wisconsin. FC Motown will represent the NPSL since defending champions Miami FC 2 had professional players in the squad.
The fourth team will be defending Steinbrecher Cup Flint City Bucks, the USL League Two club formerly known as the Michigan Bucks.
The draw for the Cup will take place this Friday with current Chicago Fire and U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Djordje Mihailovic doing the honors.
“Good competition and player exposure is a huge part of our program,” Reading United President Troy Snyder said in a news release. “The Steinbrecher Cup will be another opportunity for our coaching staff and players to showcase their talents against the top amateur teams in the country.”