It was a beautiful Saturday night in Reading, Pennsylvania, as the club hosted a night to remember in its first National Semifinal appearance since 2010. Welcoming The Villages SC - who made their first National Semifinal appearance in team history - there was plenty of action, but little in terms of results through regulation. Several impressive saves from both goalkeepers kept each team scoreless through 90 minutes, leading to extra time with The Villages SC down a man after a late red card. Despite some pressing from the under-manned The Villages squad, Reading United forward Kieran Roberts played the hero in the 114th minute, finding the back of the net beyond Timothy McGlynn and sending the hundreds of fans in attendance into rapture. As a result, Reading United advances to - and hosts - the first PDL Championship in team history.
Goals
114' - REA - Roberts (Reedy)
Man of the Match - Kieran Roberts, Reading United AC
A just reward for the hero of the night, Roberts saved the day just minutes before what seemed like inevitable penalties. Also worthy of respect was a strong performance in net from Bennet Strutz.
It was likewise a beautiful night in Alberta, Canada, as Calgary Foothills FC hosted Chicago FC United in front of more than 1,200 home fans. The second semifinal of the night held several similarities to the first, with opportunities at both ends left wanting and some stellar goalkeeping, as well as a red card against visiting Chicago FC United. Ultimately, however, this match would be decided in regulation, as Western Conference Championship hero Ali Musse came up big once again for the Foothills. His 58th minute strike - assisted by fellow star forward Moses Danto - proved the difference between the two sides as Calgary secured advancement to its second PDL Championship in three years.
Goals
58' - CGY - Musse (Danto)
Man of the Match - Ali Musse, Calgary Foothills FC
For the second week in a row, Musse came up huge for the Foothills, scoring the lone goal and winner to send his club to the Championship next weekend.