Reading Rage Match Report - www.readingrage.com
by James Hampson

Thursday, May 21, 2009

READING, PA - Wednesday night at Exeter’s Don Thomas Stadium, the Reading Rage kicked off their Youth Soccer Night as the defending PDL Eastern Conference Champions defeated the Hampton Roads Piranhas 3-2. The win was huge in terms of the Rage’s hunt for a US Open Cup Qualification position, setting up yet another important play-in match tomorrow, May 22 against the Mid Atlantic Division leading Carolina Dynamo.

On Wednesday, the Rage were able to finish strong after they surrendered an early lead, storming back late in the second half to take the lead for good. Adam Gazda took a beautiful cross field pass from midfielder (Assist man) Felix Obilo and fired home their third and eventual winning goal in the 72nd minute. Reading continued their strong defense and got an excellent effort by goalkeeper Jeremy Vuolo to earn their first victory of the season.

The Rage started quickly with near scores by Jon Ports, Aaron Wheeler and Adam Gazda in the first 20 minutes of play. Aaron Wheeler (assist by Dawyne Smith) finally broke through in the 23rd minute of play for his second goal of the season giving the Rage a 1-0 lead.

Reading’s defense played a near perfect half until Felix Obilo tackled Piranhas forward Kyle Hartley allowing a penalty kick. Hartley ripped a ground-shot to the left of Reading goal keeper Jeremy Vuolo, narrowly scoring the tying (1-1) goal for Hampton Roads.

The Piranhas carried the momentum over to the beginning of the second half, taking a 2-1 lead in the 47th minute on a goal by Roberto Sgueglia (assist by Tyler Cyrus).

Reading stormed back in the 66th minute with a beautiful goal by Ged Quinn (assist by Aaron Wheeler). Quinn took the feed and headed home a goal in front of an empty net tying the game 2-2.

A larger than expected crowd (442) filled Don Thomas Stadium for The Rage’s annual Youth Soccer Night. All youth players in attendance who wore their jersey not only received a discount on their ticket, but also helped earn their school district a chance to win a free skills clinic with Troy Snyder (Fleetwood H.S. and Penn State University All-American), a pregame recognition ceremony with Toro, the Rage’s mascot, and a chance to be honorary ball runners at an upcoming game.

Governor Mifflin, the school district with the highest attendance at the game earned the aforementioned prizes for their efforts.

The team returns home to play the Dynamo on Saturday, June 13th, for Cancer Awareness Night.