When Major League Soccer teams make their draft picks in Thursday’s amateur draft, several players with local ties are sure to go off the board. You may not have three former Reading United players go off the board in the first round, as happened last year when that burgeoning soccer factory churned out C.J. Sapong, Zarek Valentin and Corey Hertzog, but the Philly area will definitely be represented.

With that in mind, here’s a look at some of those who are in play for the draft. (Sure enough, most have played for Reading United.)

Andrew Wenger, defender, Duke

The Hermann Trophy winner and 1st team All-American is projected as a top-five pick, with most predicting him to go in the top three. Wenger hails from Lilitz, Pa., which is out near Lancaster, and has played for nearby Reading United in the USL PDL. He has played forward, midfield and defense for Duke, and he’s played well at each. Many are projecting him as a defensive midfielder or center back, but honestly, we won’t know where he plays until we know what team he’s on.

Matt Hedges, defender, North Carolina

At 6-4, Hedges is a near-prototypical center back, and some project the Reading United product as a top 10 pick. His aerial game helped produce six goals as a senior. Hedges spent his first three years at Butler in his hometown after being largely overlooked coming out of high school. He transferred to North Carolina for his senior year and earned 1st team All-American honors for the national champs in 2011.  After he played 10 games for Reading United in 2011, Philadelphia Union should be quite familiar with him, and the Union’s lack of depth at center back and ties to Reading make Hedges a popular projected draft pick for the Union.

Evans Frimpong (Courtesy of University of Delaware)

Evans Frimpong, midfielder, Delaware

Frimpong scored 12 goals and handed out 5 assists to become the Colonial Athletic Association’s player of the year in 2011. The 2nd team All-American hails from Accra, Ghana, and, much like Hedges, he came out of nowhere, impressing at an NAIA school in Texas before transferring to Delaware, where he was the first Blue Hen in 27 years to be named an All-American. He appeared in four games for Reading United in 2011 as well. Some mock drafts have him as a borderline draft prospect, but he’s at the MLS Combine and getting a legitimate chance to show scouts there what he can do.

Christian Barreiro, midfielder, Penn

Another Reading United product, this two-time first-team All-Ivy Leaguer led Reading United in 2011 with 7 assists and added 4 goals, playing more minutes than any other Reading outfield player. He followed it up by leading Penn in goals (7) and assists (7) his senior year. As a youth player, he passed on youth squad offers from English club Middlesbrough and Scottish giants Celtic. Barreiro was also academic all-conference, which is saying something when your conference is the Ivy League. At just 5-7, he likely projects as a midfielder at the next level, but he’ll have to impress at the MLS Combine to show a team he’s worth drafting. Unfortunately, the Ivy League doesn’t have the rep of the ACC when it comes to college soccer.

Brian Ownby, forward, Virginia

Ownby has been a top player for four years at Virginia, but injuries have slowed him down along the way. His local ties are, once again, Reading United, for whom he scored 4 goals and handed out 3 assists in just 4 games in 2011. He scored five times for Virginia in 19 games and netted 20 times over four years.

Brian Holt, goalkeeper, Creighton

Holt set an NCAA record with a miniscule 0.207 goals against average in 2011, and he was one of just six USL PDL players to play every minute for his team in 2011. Still, the Reading United alum wasn’t invited to the MLS Combine and probably won’t get a sniff in the draft due to his height, or lack thereof: At just 5-8, he’s considered far too small to play goalkeeper professionally. Nonetheless, don’t be surprised if someone like Harrisburg takes a flyer on him. Whatever his size, he can play the game.

Antoine Hoppenot, forward, Princeton

Hoppenot was Ivy League Player of the Year and second-team All-American in 2010, but his goal tally dropped from 9 and 10 the previous two years to just 4 in 2011. Still, he made all-conference and earned an invitation to the MLS Combine. At 5-8, he may project as a midfielder if he makes it to the pros, but most mock drafts don’t include him. This week is a chance to impress.

Eric Schoenle (Courtesy of The Daily Athenium)

Eric Schoenle, defender, West Virginia

The Yardley, Pa. native was a third-team All-American in 2011, and this fall, he was a popular projected first round MLS pick because of his excellent technical ability. Then apparently someone soured on his string bean physique (listed at 6-2, 147), and he began to drop off the radar. He isn’t at the MLS Combine now, and he doesn’t appear on most mock draft lists. If he goes undrafted, don’t be surprised if the Union become a possible landing spot, with his ties to the region and his time spent playing for Reading United in 2010. He played for Reading in their friendly against the Union that year, but unfortunately, he landed on the score sheet with an own goal. Still, he didn’t make All-American for nothing, and professional sports are full of players who may not have the measurables on paper but perform on the field when it matters.

Billy Schuler, forward, North Carolina

The Allentown, N.J., native and Hermann Trophy finalist has already signed with Norwegian club Hammarby, where he’ll play for American coach Gregg Berhalter, but an MLS club could still draft him to obtain his domestic rights if he ever heads stateside. Don’t expect it, but don’t be surprised if it happens either. Like many others on this list, he’s also played for Reading United, which means the Union should be a bit familiar with him.

United lose first of year 2-0 to the Long Island Rough Riders

Wearing pink jerseys in support of cancer awareness, Reading dropped it first game of the season 2-0 to Long Island. Reading had several chances early on but could not convert and was penalized when the Rough Rider’s Keith Detelj placed a powerful header in the corner of the net.  Long Island would grab a second in the 79th when Dom Sarle converted a penalty kick. Reading’s attack looked anemic on the night and much of that can be contributed to the absences of Brian Span, Brian Ownby and Will Bates, who were on a ten-day trial in Europe.

Reading drop U.S. Open Cup match versus affiliate USL Pro club Harrisburg

Reading United unfortunately was matched against the Harrisburg City Islanders in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup last Tuesday. The United dominated much of the first half and were able to go into halftime with a 1-0 lead courtesy of a David Rodriguez header. Throughout much of the night the contest was a physical battle, with Reading midfielder Stephen Okai earning a red card in the 53rd minute. Playing with ten men, Reading could not hold off the Islanders as former Philadelphia Union player JT Noone scored the equalizer in the 86th before Harrisburg’s Sainey Touray put in the game winner in stoppage time.

Reading defeat the Westchester Flames 2-0

The United got back on track at Don Thomas Stadium after two losses, defeating the Flames 2-0. German-born Lasse Sohrweide played a crucial role, contributing a goal and an assist while Brian Holt earned the shutout on the night. Warminster native Sean Peckham opened the scoring in the 29th, heading in a Sohrweide cross for the Lafayette product’s first of the year.

Jersey Express fall at home to Reading

Reading continued its winning ways this past Thursday by defeating the third place Jersey Express 3-1 at New Jersey Institute of Technology.  Christian Barreiro started the scoring in the beginning of the first half and the United added insurance goals from Lasse Sohrweide and Sean Peckham to close out the game. Libo Pila of the Express scored a late goal to avoid the shutout, with Reading keeper Brian Holt added five saves on the night.

Reading take down Brooklyn Knights 3-0 for third straight win

The United returned home Sunday night to take on the visiting Brooklyn Knights, who currently occupy last place in the Mid-Atlantic division. Reading’s attack was aided by the return of University of Virginia teammates Will Bates, Brian Ownby and Brian “Cobi” Span, as all three were back in the side after a two-week trial in Europe. Bates assisted on the first and second goals scored by Lasse Sohrweide and Sean Peckham, respectively. Ownby concluded the scoring on the night, courtesy of a Cobi Span assist, when he placed his shot into the back of the net to secure the win for Reading. With the victory, Reading moved to 10-1 on the season and remains on pace with the Long Island Rough Riders to secure a playoff spot. Reading will welcome the Bermuda Hogges to Don Thomas Stadium on July 8th. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00pm.

Rising senior Brian Ownby has contributed 3 goals and 3 assists in only three games for Reading this season. The former USMNT U-18 player was all also named to the all ACC First Team this past season. A native of Glen Allen, Virginia, Ownby has scored 15 goals to go along with 8 assists during his three years at the University of Virginia.

Will Bates has started 38 games at the University of Virginia going into his junior year while being named the National Freshman of the Year by Soccer America in 2009. Bates, a native of Chester, Virginia, has scored 20 goals and contributed 5 assists in two years at the University of Virginia. In Reading action, Bates has added 6 goals and 1 assist in only 5 games, making him tied for seventh in the PDL in points per game.

Reading United returns to action tonight at Exeter’s Don Thomas Stadium. United will face division rival the Long Island Rough Riders, who currently occupy second place in the division behind Reading. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm. Reading will be wearing pink jerseys in support of cancer awareness night, and the jersey’s can be purchased during the game through a silent auction. Former Reading players Taylor Seitzinger and Archie Moylan are also being honored and proceeds from the game will be donated to charity.

Reading United scored four second half goals in route to a 5-1 victory over the visiting Central Jersey Spartans. United midfielder Lasse Sohrweide contributed a goal and two assists in an efficient thirty minute shift to help maintain Reading’s position atop the Mid-Atlantic table. Reading’s dominance of conference opponents is a spectacle to behold, with Friday’s night win bringing United’s season goal differential to an astounding seventeen.

United’s talent and embarrassment of riches on the bench were on full display as the absence of regular attacking threats Brian “Cobi” Span and Brian Ownby could not stop Reading from pouring in the goals.

Reading started off the scoring in the 26th minute when speedster Shane Malcolm cut inside and found a wide open Matt Baker. Baker positioned the ball on his left foot and buried a shot from distance that rivaled Justin Mapp’s second goal against Toronto last weekend.

Central Jersey caught Reading on several through-balls throughout the first half and Ryan Finley was able to capitalize just before half when given acres of space to finish on Reading keeper Brian Holt.

The second half opened up for Reading after Central Jersey midfielder Brayan Martinez, who was impressive in the first half, was shown a red card for head-butting United midfielder Christian Barreiro.

Midfield stalwart Stephen “The Magician” Okai played a brilliant lob to Barreiro and was able to convert the rebound to put United up 2-1. The Spartans kicked off after Okai’s goal and moments later Martinez was ejected, opening the flood gates for United’s fearsome attack.

Lasse Sohrweide’s entrance injected pace and a deadly left foot that saw the German place a perfectly weighted cross right on Will Bates’ head to put the game out of reach at 3-1.  Sohrweide would then add a goal in 83rd and serve another pinpoint cross that Matt Sanner would finish on the half-volley to end the scoring. Reading United fields one of the strongest PDL teams in the country and clearly owns enough talent to field multiple competitive sides.

Scoring Summary:

RDG – Matt Baker (Shane Malcolm) 26’
CJS   – Ryan Finley 44’
RDG – Stephen Okai  55’
RDG – Will Bates (Lasse Sohrweide) 74’
RDG – Lasse Sohrweide (Josh Rice) 83’
RDG – Matt Sanner (Lasse Sohrweide) 88’

Starters: Brian Holt, David Rodriguez, Ged Quinn, Shane Malcolm, Matt Hedges, Christian Barreiro, Stephen Okai, Matt Baker, Will Bates, Hasani Sinclair, Steve Neumann

Subs: Josh Rice (Sinclair) 59’, Lasse Sohrweide (Neumann) 62’, Chris Harmon (Baker) 71’, Matt Sanner (Bates) 80’, Tyler Witmer (Barreiro) 83’

Player to Watch

Reading United is six games into the season and it’s already clear that several players possess the talent to play professionally. In addition to the game recap, I’ll be highlight one of Reading’s players that I believe has a good chance of moving on to the next level. This week’s player is Stephen “The Magician” Okai.

The Mobile University midfielder was named an NAIA First-Team All-American this past season. Originally from Accra, Ghana, it’s no coincidence that upon the first time seeing the holding midfielder in action I was instantly drawing comparisons to fellow countryman Michael Essien of Chelsea. Obviously I’m not saying Okai is going to be playing in the English Premier League next season, buts it’s hard to deny the similarities.

Okai possesses the strength, vision, and pace necessary to be successful as a holding mid professionally. He rarely gifts away possession and has shown a penchant for scoring, adding two goals this season in only six games. In addition, Okai has an above average engine which enables him to be an effective box-to-box midfielder and win the majority of 50-50 balls in his area. “The Magician” has the tools necessary to compete as a pro and the Union would be wise to monitor his development.

Game Notes

For much of the first half, Reading was able to contain a Union attack that poured in the goals against Toronto. The Union had the better chances throughout the first half, but were unable to capitalize until Gabe Farfan’s header in the 45th minute. A quick counter saw Justin Mapp cross the ball to a wide-open Farfan, who calmly headed the ball over Reading keeper Brian Holt.

Both teams had chances blocked by the opposing team’s goalkeeper as Brian Holt and Zac MacMath produced solid performances on the night. Reading was able to equalize in stoppage time on a long-range effort by Chris Harmon that left Union keeper MacMath frozen as the ball struck the side-netting. Steve Neumann centered the ball to an onrushing Harmon, who without hesitation sent a one-time bending shot past a helpless MacMath. The matched ended shortly after with a final score of 1–1.

Union lineup

The Union started the game with virtually the same lineup that defeated Toronto 6–2 Saturday afternoon at BMO Field, setting a franchise record for goals scored in a game. The only change was in goal, where rookie first-round pick Zac MacMath took the place of Union captain Faryd Mondragon. The starters, save Kyle Nakazawa and MacMath, were relieved at the half for an entirely different lineup most likely due to the Saturday night’s game at Colorado. The second half lineup consisted of a mix of first-team, reserve, academy and Reading United players. Reading United regulars Matt Baker and David Rodriguez, who both featured for the Union reserves this past weekend, once again donned the Blue & Gold of the Union.

First half: MacMath, Williams, Valdes, Califf, Harvery, G. Farfan, Nakazawa, Carroll, Mapp, Mwanga, Le Toux

Second half: MacMath, Matt Baker (Reading), Gonzalez, David Rodriguez (Reading), Richter, Pfeffer, Torres, Jimmy McLaughlin (Academy), Nakazawa, Agorsor, McInerney

Reading United lineup

Reading United fielded much of their first-choice lineup to start the friendly. Halftime saw University of North Carolina newcomer Anton Sealey be replaced by Brian Forgue, with a multitude of substitutions following throughout the half.

Starters: Brian Holt, Anton Sealey, Ged Quinn, Shane Malcolm, Matt Hedges, Christian Barreiro, Stephen Okai, Brian Span, Will Bates, Brian Ownby, Hasani Sinclair

In a matchup that featured both Union affiliated clubs, it was a goal by Harrisburg’s Sainey Touray in the 64th minute that proved to be the difference. While both teams had numerous opportunities to score, neither could capitalize thanks to some quality goalkeeping.

Reading will wrap up its friendly schedule next Tuesday when it welcomes the Philadelphia Union. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm at Don Thomas Stadium.

General admission tickets are $10. Tickets can be purchased online at readingunitedac.com until May 26th, after which tickets can be purchased at showclix.com/event/readingunitedac.

Tickets also can be purchased at the gate the day of the game.

Reading returns to league action this Friday with a road game against the Bermuda Hogges. Reading is 4-0 in league play thus far and is currently tied for first place in the Mid Atlantic Division with the Long Island Rough Riders.

Bermuda has yet to play a league game this year.

Westchester Flames

Reading United remained in the top spot in the the Mid-Atlantic Division with a dominating 4-1 victory over the Westchester Flames Wednesday night at City Park Stadium. Inclement weather could not stop the United from taking care of business as usual, registering sixteen shots while limiting the Flames to only five.

The story of the night was the contribution of University of Virginia players Brian Ownby, Will Bates and Brian “Cobi” Span, as they played a part in three of the four goals scored. Reading defender Matt Hedges also tallied a goal. The Flames converted a penalty kick courtesy of Jake Keegan, while United midfielder Christian Barreiro failed to convert from the spot in the first half.

Scoring Summary:

RDG – Matt Hedges (Christian Barreiro) 32’

RDG – Will Bates  (Shane Malcolm) 41’

RDG – Will Bates (Brian Span) 46’

RDG – Brian Span (Brian Ownby) 54’

WCH – Jake Keegan 83’

Starters:

Brian Holt, David Rodriguez, Ged Quinn, Shane Malcolm, Matt Hedges, Christian Barreiro, Stephen Okai, Brian Span, Will Bates, Brian Ownby, Lasse Sohrweide

Ocean City Nor’easters

As a Philadelphia Union season ticket holder, the fluid offense on display in Reading’s 4-1 victory Friday night at Oley Valley High School was a welcome change. On a partly rainy night dedicated to Mark McKently, a local player fatally killed in a car accident in February, Reading disposed of the visiting Ocean City Nor’easters with relative ease.

The first half was up and down for United, as both teams had the better run of play for stretches during the first 45 minutes. With Ocean City looking to catch Reading on the counter, defender Brian Forgue and goalkeeper Brian Holt both halted breakaway opportunities for the Nor’easters. After the break Reading came out firing on all cylinders, putting the game out of reach by scoring three goals before the 65^th minute.

The chemistry of University of Virginia duo Brian Ownby and Will Bates was evident once again, as the understanding of each other’s position and movements further demonstrated what makes the Cavalier teammates partnership so lethal.

Bates struck first for United two minutes after the break when his bending shot from the top of the 18 rippled the side-netting. Defender Shane Malcolm then picked up the ball just inside Ocean City’s half and danced through several defenders before sending a beautifully placed cross to an onrushing Ownby who volleyed the ball into the back of the net. Bates later displayed his full range of finishing capabilities when he redirected a Christian Barreiro corner kick with a powerful header.

Ocean City would get one back when Jack Bailey put away the rebound after keeper Holt saved the initial shot. Reading capped the night off when Stephen Okai took a brilliant first touch and finessed the ball by Ocean City’s keeper. The victory moves Reading to 4-0 on the season and marks the third straight season the club has qualified for the US Open Cup with an undefeated record.

Scoring Summary:

RDG – Will Bates (Brian Ownby)

RDG – Brian Ownby (Shane Malcolm)

RDG – Will Bates (Christian Barreiro)

RDG – Stephen Okai (Steven Neumann)

OCN – Jack Bailey

Starters:

Brian Holt, David Rodriguez, Brian Forgue, Shane Malcolm, Matt Baker, Christian Barreiro, Stephen Okai, Chris Harmon, Brian Span, Will Bates, Brian Ownby

Upcoming Schedule

Reading returned to action Sunday at Chester Park where they faced the US U-17 team, defeating them 3–0. Union fans will have a chance to see both affiliate clubs in action on Tuesday, as the Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL Pro league travel to Don Thomas Stadium to take on Reading United. The game is scheduled for 7:00pm and tickets for the game can be purchased now at www.readingunitedac.com.

Reading is set to play the United States Under-17 National Team on May 22, followed by the New York Cosmo’s Under-23 team two months later. The Harrisburg City Islanders and Philadelphia Union are already scheduled to visit Exeter’s Don Thomas Stadium in the coming weeks.

U-17s

The meeting with Reading United is scheduled for Sunday, May 22, with a time and place yet to be determined. The event will once again showcase some of the finest up and coming talent this country has to offer.

The U17 National Team is currently in preparation for this summer’s 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The team’s draw, which was released Tuesday, pairs the U.S. with New Zealand, Uzbekistan, and the Czech Republic in Group D. Mexico will host the tournament this summer with Group Stages being played in June and the final in early July.

NY Cosmos

The New York Cosmos are seeking to enter the MLS as the league’s 20th franchise. Originally part of the now defunct NASL, the Cosmos gained worldwide popularity in the 1970s while fielding stars such as Pelé, Carlos Alberto and Franz Beckenbauer. Reading will host the Cosmos Under-23 team on Friday, July 22. Should the Cosmos enter MLS, this match could mark the beginning of the rivalry between the Philadelphia Union and the New York Cosmos.

Upcoming Schedule

Reading returns to action this Wednesday, May 18, against the Westchester Flames in a US Open Cup Qualifier. Kickoff at City Park Stadium in Westchester, New York, is set for 7:30pm. Reading currently sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Division after capturing maximum points with wins in the team’s first two games. Westchester occupies fourth place with a 3-0 win over the New Jersey Rangers and a 3-0 loss to the Jersey Express.

On Friday, Reading hosts Ocean City Nor’easters at Oley Valley High School in another US Open Cup qualifier. Kickoff is at 7:30pm. Fifty percent of the proceeds from pre-sold tickets and 10 percent of walk-up ticket sales will be donated to the Mark McKently Scholarship Fund. Mark was a soccer player at Oley Valley High School who tragically lost his life in a recent car accident.

The partnership between the Philadelphia Union and Reading United AC, the PDL affiliate of the Union, is one that Union fans would do well to keep an eye on, as several of the players from last year’s roster are currently plying their trade in the MLS. Included in that list is current Union rookie Levi Houapeu. Reading United’s head coach, Brendan Burke, also serves as the Union Reserve Team coach and can frequently be spotted during pre-game warm-ups as well as on the bench at PPL Park.

For the past several seasons, Reading United AC has been one of the most successful PDL teams in the nation.   Recognition must be given to the outstanding job the coaching staff, management and the front office have done in recruiting some of the nation’s finest young talent. Reading has been able to attract collegiate players from most of the elite conferences throughout the country. Both domestic and international players have come to Reading bringing collegiate and youth national team experience. Last year, several Reading players were drafted in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft with various others occupying roster positions within the USL divisions.

The 2011 Reading United roster does not disappoint as it looks set to keep Reading near the top of the PDL standings. With the return of several key players, in addition to an abundance of new talent, it is safe to assume that United will have several players whose names will be called in this year’s MLS SuperDraft.

Despite having a limited squad, United opened the season with a 3-1 win over the Brooklyn Knights. Princeton sophomore Matt Sanner earned a hat trick and was named to the PDL Team of the Week for his performance.

Reading continued its winning ways Sunday night, defeating the New Jersey Rangers 4-0 in the home opener at Exeter’s Don Thomas Stadium. Four different players contributed goals for Reading, with Penn State’s Hasani Sinclair recording three assists.

If these opening games are any indication of how Reading United’s season will unfold, there is plenty for Philly Union fans to be excited about.

Rightly so. After all, five of them were among the first eight picks in the draft.

That coach Caleb Porter and his staff have gotten it right when it comes to player development is only underscored when you recall that five of this year’s Generation adidas class of nine also played at Akron.

But if you turn your eyes closer to home you will notice another organization that is doing things the right way.

Reading United.

Under the leadership of coach Brendan Burke, the Union’s Premier Development League affiliate saw four of its alumni selected in the SuperDraft.

Zarek Valentin, the Akron defender and Generation adidas member, was the fourth pick, going to Chivas USA.

CJ Sapong, the James Madison University forward, was the tenth pick of the draft, going to Sporting Kansas City.

Penn State forward and Generation adidas member Corey Hertzog went to the New York Red Bulls as the 13th pick of the draft.

Finally, forward Levi Houapeu from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, was selected by the Union, the 43rd pick of the draft.

With a relatively short college season in the fall, players need a place to hone their skills in the spring and summer. Reading, regular season champions in 2009, is an attractive club at which to do so. Since Burke was named head coach in 2008  the club has compiled a 26–4–4 regular season record. And the success of Reading alumni in the 2011 SuperDraft can only make it an even more attractive destination.

All of which bodes well for Union supporters.

The Union tried to protect Corey Hertzog before the draft as a Homegrown Player but the affiliate relationship between Reading and the first year Union was simply too short for such status to be approved by MLS. As the affiliation lengthens with time, the Union will find greater success in protecting local talent. This will benefit performance on the field and further the relationship between the Union and its supporters.

After all, there’s nothing better than seeing the local guy kick ass on the pitch.

So, whatever it is that they’re putting in the water in Akron, they’re doing much the same in Reading. And Reading, like Philadelphia, lies on the Schuylkill.