PLAYOFFS: SUSA FC, READING UNITED A.C.

Written By: Ryan Wood

SUSA FC AND READING UNITED A.C. RETURN TO POSTSEASON LOOKING FOR REDEMPTION

Teams that possess one go-to striker capable of scoring multiple goals on cue typically have the upperhand against their opponents. Well, what if they had several players who can and have scored - seemingly at will - throughout the season? Then, you’d be looking at SUSA and Reading United A.C., the two clubs that go head-to-head Saturday night (7:30 PM ET) at SUSA Orlin and Cohen Sports Complex in the WPSL East Region semifinals.

Between SUSA FC and Reading United A.C., they had a combined 12 players who tallied two goals or more during the season, 20 different players with at least one goal, and seven players who scored at least three goals this summer.

“I think from the beginning, this team [Reading United A.C.] found a chemistry and unselfish heart to share the burden of scoring,” Thomas Gosselin, Reading United A.C. head coach, said. “Our top scorers all have assists and goals and they all put the team over themselves and stats. They play with great energy up top and in the midfield, and they have all blended beautifully this summer.”

SUSA FC Head Coach JR Balzarini shared a similar sentiment.

“We are fortunate to have some very talented players who know how the club wants to try and play, which is unselfish and team soccer,” Balzarani said. “The scoring sheets this summer show that we achieved that in most games, and that is fun to be a part of.”

Mid-Atlantic Conference Champions, Reading United A.C. was led by top scorer Ashley Lavrich (Monmouth), who netted eight goals. Lavrich was followed by captain Becca Kotula (East Stroudsburg), who had five goals, Loren Gehret (Monmouth) with three goals, and Molly Kuhn (Drew University), who added a pair.

Metropolitan Conference Champions, and East Region Playoff hosts, SUSA FC was led by four players that scored three goals each - Hailey Hnis (SUNY Albany), Lauryn Schmidt (Marist), Mikayla Lambert (Flagler), and Ashley Kozlowski (Bucknell). 

For as much as there is to talk about the offensive side of the ball for each team, both were certainly no slouches on the other end of the field. Reading United A.C. conceded 15 goals in 11 games.

“Defensively, we have platooned many combinations due to injury, availability, necessity, but our stalwarts have been Cadi Hoke (Monmouth) and Morgan Weaver (Boston University),” Gosselin said. “These two have done an impressive job of leading the back line and both are great leaders on the field. Our keeper, Autumn Monty (Biola University), has been outstanding. She has worked so hard all summer and immediately blended with the squad and has been tremendous and consistent all year.”

SUSA FC put up some stingy numbers itself by yielding just seven goals in eight games.

“Similar to the attacking side, we demand that all players defend from the front, and then through the lines of the team, everybody attacks, everybody has to defend,” Balzarini said. “It’s part of our club DNA, so the familiarity of that has helped us have those clean sheets (4).”

Despite being the favorite on paper as the higher-ranked team in the East Region, SUSA FC knows numbers like that matter very little come this time of the season.

“The staff and players will take it as any other game, one where we need to play quick, play hard, and play forward. If we do that, we will be in every game,” Balzarini said. “Being the ‘favorite’ in my opinion is tough to say because every summer, each conference is so different and the strength of each conference varies.”

Balzarini said the club is looking forward to the match and had a feeling heading into this season, much like every other, that something special was ahead.

“I think the players play for us in the summer because our club is special. Whether we make playoffs or not, they enjoy being with each other, they enjoy the staff, and enjoy the preparation we provide them for their collegiate season,” Balzarini said. “We have never really focused on conference championships or playoffs, etc. We focus on how we want to play, improving their ability to play it a certain way, and if the results go our way, great, if not, so be it. The process for us is important, and if the results don't line up, we go back to work the next day.”

Reading United A.C. is also eyeing up Saturday night as a potential instant classic looms on the horizon.

“This weekend, we approach it the same way we have each game: we take care of us,” Gosselin said. “Soccer has a way of revealing character, and win or lose, we attack each game the same way. I’m sure SUSA is going to be a very tough opponent, and they are at home, so they have a huge advantage, but we are proud to have a shot.”