The Ocean City Nor’easters (3-0) welcome longtime rivals Reading United AC (1-3) to Carey Stadium Wednesday night in front of 245 fans. This is the 51st meeting between these teams dating back to 1997. The Nor’easters were known as the South Jersey Barons, while Reading United AC was the Reading Rage. Reading is 22-21-7 against Ocean City.
Early in the first half, Reading United AC had several chances to score, but Ocean City’s defense came through. Reading had another chance in the 24th minute when Seth Kuhn’s shot was stopped by goalkeeper Jahmali Waite.
In the 37th minute, the Nor’easters attacked Reading United’s defense but went nowhere. The game was scoreless at halftime.
In the second half, Reading United AC had a couple of chances three minutes in, with Lyam Mackinnon’s shot blocked in the 50th minute.
Four minutes later, Ocean City forward Gilbert Waso passed to MD Myers, but Reading United AC goalkeeper Carson Williams blocked his shot.
In the 80th minute, Ocean City midfielder Jackson Temple’s shot hit the goalpost. Temple had another chance in the 86th minute, but Williams saved it. Three minutes were added to extra time, and neither team were able to score. The game ended in a scoreless draw for the first time since 2004. Each team got one point in the standings.
This game was all about defense. While both teams did get some chances, no one could find a way to score.
The Nor’easters head to Leesburg, VA, on Saturday, June 5th, from the Evergreen Sportsplex against Northern Virginia FC at 7 pm.
