Reading United AC's Inaugural Season Ends with 3-1 Loss to Rhode Island Rogues in WPSL East Regional Semifinal

Reading United AC's inaugural season came to an end with a 3-1 defeat against the Rhode Island Rogues in the Women's Premier Soccer League East Regional semifinal held in Bardonia, N.Y. The team, which had an impressive record of 8 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, clinched the WPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference title just the previous week. However, their journey was cut short as they fell behind early against the Rhode Island side, which boasted a record of 7 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses.

The Rhode Island Rogues swiftly took control of the game, finding the back of the net twice within the first 13 minutes. In the fifth minute, Paige Forster capitalized on a corner kick, assisted by Jordan Restivo, to give the Rogues a 1-0 advantage. Katelyn Viera increased their lead to 2-0 in the 13th minute.

Reading United fought back and managed their first shot on target in the 18th minute, courtesy of Abby Doyle, a graduate from Wyomissing. This spurred them on, creating pressure on the Rhode Island defense. Natalee Vicari, a graduate from Wilson, narrowly missed the target in the 26th minute and had another attempt saved in the 30th minute. Gabriella Kurtas, a graduate from Berks Catholic, also saw her shot saved in the 32nd minute.

Just before halftime, Reading United found a lifeline when Rebecca Kotula, a Wyomissing graduate, converted a penalty kick in the 42nd minute, narrowing the deficit to 2-1.

However, Rhode Island secured a 3-1 victory in the 95th minute when Hannah McNulty successfully converted another penalty kick. Adding to Reading United's woes, Emma Elwell, a graduate from Boyertown, received a red card, leaving the team with only 10 players for the remainder of the match.

In the regional final scheduled for Sunday at 5 p.m., the Rhode Island Rogues will face off against Clarkstown Soccer Club, who emerged as 4-0 victors over Susa FC in the other semifinal held on Saturday.

Annual Blobfest in Phoenixville Celebrates Iconic Sci-Fi Film with Memorable Theater Escape Reenactment

Blobfest, an annual event held in Phoenixville, celebrates the iconic scene from the 1958 film "The Blob." Horror fans gather to reenact the memorable theater escape scene depicted in the movie.

The event commemorates the town's role in the sci-fi classic and features a stage show where attendees run out of the theater, just like in the film. Blobfest attracts a large crowd and offers an enjoyable experience for horror enthusiasts.

Apple Secures Exclusive Streaming Rights for Major League Soccer (MLS) and Unveils Lionel Messi's Debut with Inter Miami

Apple has secured exclusive streaming rights for Major League Soccer (MLS) through MLS Season Pass, which will run until 2023. Apple's involvement with MLS includes helping the league recruit renowned football player Lionel Messi, who will be joining Inter Miami. Fans can watch all MLS games through the MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app, available on various devices and platforms.

The unveiling of Messi at Inter Miami will be broadcast on the Apple TV app during a special event called 'The Unveil.' 

Apple is also contributing to the marketing efforts for Messi's arrival and will produce a four-part docuseries on his career for Apple TV+.

The expectation is that Messi's presence will attract more viewers to MLS, benefiting both the league and Apple, especially with the upcoming FIFA World Cup hosted by the US in 2026.

CONES & CRAWLERS

At Coventry Parlor at Laurel Locks Today July 16th 5-8 PM

Come enjoy a nice summer night eating ice cream and talking about Jeeps! This is a Jeep meet up for the community! All are welcome to come and meet new friends with old Jeeps or new Jeeps!

Cones & Crawlers Event

Hosted by HARDLINE 4X4

Sunday, July 16, 2023 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Coventry Parlor at Laurel Locks, 653 Laurelwood Road, Pottstown PA 19465

Upcoming Local Events

• Cones & Crawlers Event - July 16th - 5-8 PM

• Build Community Partnerships for More Exposure - July 18th - 4-5pm eastern, via zoom

• The Alley Arts & Craft July Event - July 30th, 12PM-5PMGot an upcoming event you want us to share?

Click Here to Let us Know About Your Upcoming Event

PHILLIES

Philadelphia Phillies Stage Comeback to Defeat San Diego Padres 6-4 in Game 1 of Doubleheader

The Philadelphia Phillies staged a comeback to secure a 6-4 victory over the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of a doubleheader.

Kyle Schwarber hit a game-tying home run in the seventh inning and delivered the go-ahead run with a single in the eighth. Bryce Harper also contributed a pinch-hit RBI infield single to help the Phillies snap a three-game losing streak.

Oh, and check out this play from Rojas…nice catch and throw to 1st Base for the out!!!

Manny Machado had given the Padres a lead with his 300th career home run in the eighth, but the Phillies rallied to claim the win. Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker faced Padres pitcher Ryan Weathers in the nightcap of the doubleheader.

Philadelphia Phillies Sweep Doubleheader, Defeat San Diego Padres 6-4 and 9-4

Bryce Harper ended his longest homerless streak in the major leagues during the second game of the doubleheader, helping the Philadelphia Phillies secure victories of 6-4 and 9-4 against the San Diego Padres.

In the fourth inning, Harper connected on a curveball from left-hander Ryan Weathers, hitting a home run that tied the score at 1-1. The ball was caught barehanded in the Philadelphia bullpen by closer Craig Kimbrel, who received a lighthearted warning from Harper not to attempt a barehanded grab again.

This was Harper's fourth home run of the season, and his first since May 25. Following San Diego taking a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning, Kyle Schwarber put the Phillies ahead with a crucial three-run homer.

The Phillies' victories were an important boost against a strong opponent, with Harper expressing satisfaction with the team's performance and looking forward to the upcoming games.

In the first game, Manny Machado hit his 300th career home run, a solo shot in the eighth inning that temporarily gave the Padres a 4-3 lead. However, Harper's pinch-hit RBI infield single in the eighth inning tied the game, allowing the Phillies to break their three-game losing streak.

Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker performed well in the second game, allowing only two runs in five innings to secure the win.

Lionel Messi Officially Joins Inter Miami in Major League Soccer

Lionel Messi's highly anticipated move to Major League Soccer (MLS) and Inter Miami has been finalized. After weeks of speculation and negotiations, Messi's contract with Inter Miami became official on Saturday. The team will formally introduce him on Sunday at their stadium in Fort Lauderdale, with his first home match potentially taking place on Friday against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.

The contract details were also confirmed, with Messi signing a 2 1/2-season deal worth an annual salary of $50 million to $60 million. The total contract value, in terms of cash alone, is estimated to be between $125 million and $150 million.

Inter Miami expressed their excitement on Twitter, posting "BIENVENIDO 10" (Welcome, number 10) in reference to Messi's jersey number.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber welcomed Messi's decision, stating, "We have no doubt that Lionel will show the world that MLS can be a League of Choice for the best players in the game."

While it may seem like an unconventional move, with Messi joining a team currently at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference, the signing represents a significant milestone for Inter Miami. The club, in its fourth season, has never won a championship and plays in a temporary home with limited seating capacity.

Messi arrived in South Florida earlier in the week, undergoing physicals and completing paperwork before finalizing the deal on Saturday. The Argentine superstar, a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, joined Inter Miami after his two-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new chapter in his career, Messi said, "This is a fantastic opportunity, and together we will continue to build this beautiful project. The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set, and I'm very eager to start helping here in my new home."

The destination of Messi's next move had been the subject of much speculation, with potential options including Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia or a return to his former club Barcelona. However, Miami emerged as the victor, turning David Beckham's initial idea into a reality.

Messi's incredible career includes leading Argentina to victory in the 2020 Copa America and achieving numerous titles and records with Barcelona. He is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, with over 800 goals for club and country.

Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, expressed his delight, stating, "Today that dream came true. Players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in the USA and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much."

FLYERS

Philadelphia Flyers Place Defenseman Tony DeAngelo on Unconditional Waivers After One Season

The Philadelphia Flyers have placed defenseman Tony DeAngelo on unconditional waivers after one season with the team. DeAngelo was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes last year and signed a two-year contract.

Despite his strong performance, he was a healthy scratch for the final five games under coach John Tortorella. The Flyers attempted to send him back to Carolina, but the NHL rejected the move.

DeAngelo contributed 42 points and ranked second in assists on the Flyers. He has played for multiple teams throughout his seven-year career, accumulating 199 career points.

UNION

Philadelphia Union Secure 2-1 Victory over New York City FC

Jose Martinez and Chris Donovan found the net as the Philadelphia Union clinched a 2-1 win against New York City FC in a Saturday night match. The Union, with their second consecutive victory, now hold a five-game winning streak against NYCFC, including postseason encounters.

Martinez opened the scoring in the 23rd minute following a defensive error by NYCFC near their own net. Santiago Rodriguez lost possession to Daniel Gazdag, who swiftly found Quinn Sullivan advancing through midfield. Sullivan drove the ball down the left side and delivered a cross to Martinez. Skillfully evading defender Tayvon Gray, Martinez confidently struck the ball with his right foot into the bottom left corner, registering his second career MLS goal.

Donovan sealed the victory for the Union in the 81st minute. Showing excellent control near the box, he eluded Gray along the left side and took advantage of New York goalkeeper Luis Barraza's advance. Donovan calmly slotted the ball into the open net, marking his first career MLS goal.

NYCFC managed to pull a goal back five minutes later through Andres Jasson, who converted his own rebound after his initial attempt was blocked. Jasson's blocked effort came shortly after hitting the left post.

Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake, back from representing Jamaica in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and returning to MLS action after missing five matches, made two saves. He showcased his quality with a diving save against Gabriel Pereira in stoppage time, helping the Union secure the victory. The Union now hold an impressive record of 17 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws in their last 20 home matches.

Despite making one save, NYCFC saw their nine-match unbeaten streak come to an end. They have struggled in recent MLS matches, with a record of 1 win, 6 losses, and 8 draws in their past 15 games.

We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Pottstown Region and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Pottstown Local Scoop with them! It’s simple! 👇👇👇