Philadelphia Union will travel to Reading, Pa. to face their PDL affiliate partner, Reading United A.C., in an exhibition match Friday, June 7 at Don Thomas Stadium. The match, a 7:00 p.m. kickoff, will mark the fourth time the clubs have played each other since they became partners in 2009.
“We are looking forward to continuing our fantastic relationship with Reading United as our player development partnership strengthens,” said Union Team Manager John Hackworth. “Reading has helped develop talented guys like Ray (Gaddis), Aaron (Wheeler) and Leo (Fernandes), who we are fortunate to have on our roster. This match provides an excellent opportunity for Reading United’s future stars to play against our team of MLS professionals.”
Reduced priced pre-ordered tickets will be available until May 31 at www.readingunitedac.com/store/tickets.html. Tickets purchased after May 31 will sell for $15.
"Obviously we are very proud of our partnership and it’s great for our fans and players to have this opportunity to interact, fans to meet their favorite players, and for Reading players to test their mettle against the top professional players in North America,” stated Reading President Art Auchenbach.
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 have also benefitted, as a trio of Union players are Reading United alum: forward Aaron Wheeler (2009), defender Ray Gaddis (2010-2011) and midfielder Leo Fernandes (2012). Additionally, Union assistant coaches Brendan Burke and Jim Curtin also have Reading ties, as Burke is currently the head coach of Reading United and Curtin was previously the Reading Super 20 Men’s coach.
