by Reading United AC
Bhogal, Cavalar, Hershey, and McLaughlin were added to Reading United AC’s roster.
Reading United AC announced on Sunday, April 14, the return of four players to Head Coach Casey Moore’s roster ahead of the 2024 USL League Two season. United’s roster now includes veterans Ammit Bhogal, Carlo Cavalar, Sam Hershey, and Eamon McLaughlin, bringing veteran experience and leadership as the club looks to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
A former captain for the Governor Mifflin High School boys soccer team, Bhogal is back on his hometown club’s roster for a fourth season. The United veteran plays his college soccer at Mount St. Mary’s, where he started all 15 games for the Mounts, netting two goals from his attacking fullback position. Bhogal earned MACC All-Academic honors in 2023.
Coach Moore is looking forward to having Bhogal back amongst his defensive unit, stating, “Ammit is a super versatile defender that has played every position along the backline. He has a very good passing ability and positional sense along the backline to help us in both aggressive pressing moments and defensive cover situations.”
Binghamton University’s Carlo Cavalar rejoins Reading’s squad, looking to build on his breakthrough 2023 season. The midfielder played in 18 games, starting 17, for the Bearcats in 2023, helping the team reach the America East semifinal for the second season in a row.
Moore praised Cavalar’s playing style, saying, “Carlo is returning this year and will play a big role in solidifying the midfield. He’s quick-thinking and aggressive in transition. He is good at controlling the tempo and making late runs into the box to put himself into a position to score goals.”
Reading United’s leading goal scorer in 2023 league play, Sam Hershey, returns for his third season with the club. A rising senior at American University, Hershey netted eight goals for United in 2023. The forward earned All-Patriot League First Team honors with the Eagles, bagging six goals and two assists across 16 matches. Hershey, a Lancaster native, was an All-American with McCaskey High School following his standout senior year.
“Looking forward to coming back to Reading United. We’re returning a bunch of players and adding new talent as well. Hoping to reach the USL2 Playoffs this year and push for the top spot in the division,” said Hershey ahead of the announcement.
Coach Moore praised his return high-flying forward, stating, “Sam was our leading goal scorer last year and a real beast up top. His hold-up game is at an elite level, and he has built himself into a lethal finisher. He also does the dirty work with his ability and work rate to pressure the opposing backs to force mistakes.”
Irishman Eamon McLaughlin returns to United for his second season with the club. The Lee University alum had an exceptional 2023 collegiate season, starting all 16 matches for the Flames en route to tallying seven goals and earning All Gulf South Conference First Team honors. McLaughlin has big goals in mind as he looks forward to returning to Coach Moore’s roster, saying, “I’m excited to play with the returning players again and also the new players we brought in. I’m ready to win the league this year.”
Moore lauded McLaughlin for his tenacity and versatility, commenting, “Eamon had a strong season last year holding down the right back position. His competitive mentality helps him thrive in those individual battles on the outside, and his midfield experience at college helps us use him in a variety of ways to build out of the back and attack down the flank.”
Reading United begins their 2024 home slate on Wednesday, May 29, at Alvernia University Stadium when they face Philadelphia Lone Star. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff. Season Tickets for the 2024 USL League 2 season, as well as single-game tickets, are available at readingunitedac.com/tickets.
Reading United begins their 2024 home slate on Wednesday, May 29, at Alvernia University Stadium when they face Philadelphia Lone Star. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff. Season Tickets for the 2024 USL League 2 season, as well as single-game tickets, are available at readingunitedac.com/tickets.
Reading United AC is the Greater Reading area’s only pre-professional soccer club. Led by the ownership group of Berks Professional Sports, Inc., the club was founded in 1995 as the Reading Rage. Reading United’s commitment to player development has produced over 50 players currently on the rosters of professional clubs throughout the United States, Europe, and Latin America. In 2023, a women’s team was started to allow local women’s players the same opportunities and pathways that have been so successful for the men’s team. For more information about Reading United AC, visit www.readingunitedac.com.
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