Reading Rage News Release - www.bsarage.com

Friday, May 22, 2009

GREENSBORO, NC -- In a league contest that was also critical in US Open Cup Qualifying, the Reading Rage put themselves firmly into the driver's seat for the Mid Atlantic group with a 5-2 victory on the road versus the Carolina Dynamo.

The Dynamo’s history, and recent prowess within the PDL ranks had most of the Mid Atlantic Division a bit scared when they (along with Cary Clarets) were introduced as the newest members of the already strong division. Carolina was the 2006 PDL Regular Season champions and this year they are expected to continue that success.

Needless to say the Reading Rage, relative newcomers to success on the pitch, were a bit shocked when they found out at the league meetings that not only would they have to play Cary/Carolina in one weekend, but also have the road trip represent two of their four US Open Cup qualifiers.

Thanks to a new crop of talent sprinkled with some team veterans, the Rage players were able to endure a long drive, and not show any fear when they took to the field for the 7:30PM kickoff at Carolina’s Bryan Park.

The first half of the game showed the blend of the new with the old as the Rage entered the locker rooms with a 2-0 lead. The first goal was a brilliant Jason Yeisley (Penn State University) header off a Dawyne Smith (Bethel College) assist, with an astonishing Adam Gazda (Lehigh University) 30 yard blast to add to the tally.

The Rage came out in the second half showing no mercy as Jon Ports (York College) planted a highlight reel diving header off of a Jason Yeisley cross.

With about ten minutes left in the game, and the Rage starting to make a couple tactical substitutions, the Dynamo scored two back to back goals from Sheanon Williams and Thomas Campbell to cut the lead to 3-2.

As the Dynamo were pressing for the equalizer, Rage veteran Pat Stanco (Albright College Head Coach) deposited the fourth goal off a Mario Vila Boa (Bethel College) assist. In the last few minutes of the game Jason Yeisley assisted again on a Mario Vila Boa goal to finish the job 5-2.

With the win, the Rage improves their chances for advancing in the US Open Cup Tournament. If Reading wins their Sunday game against Cary Clarets, they will clinch a spot in the Open Cup for the first time since they were formerly a professional club (USL-2) back in 2003.