F.C. Revolution

FC Reading Revolution collected its first point of the season with a 2-2 draw at Erie.  The Revs, playing their third game in four days, started the game with Wilson high school sophomore Josh Pacella in goal.  Pacella just turned 17 years old, and recently completed his spring club season with the U17 FC Revolution Caliente squad.

"I've seen a lot of young players over the years, but seldom does a player have the confidence that Josh has," said head coach Mike Moyer.  "At 0-4, we decided to give Josh the start, and he played like a seasoned veteran.  He made some incredible saves, and directed the defense the entire 90 minutes."

Twin Valley high school senior, Josh Labik and Governor Mifflin high school senior Gibrilla Conde also played significant roles during the match.  Conde netted the 2nd goal off an assist from former U18 Revolution youth star Derek Long, and current U18 youth player Labik teamed with Max Ferdinand and Eric Pepper to battle the Admirals center midfield scheme. 

Ferdinand calmly converted a penalty kick for the game's first goal right before the half.  Unfortunately, Josh Pacella was called for a foul less than a minute later which resulted in a penalty kick conversion for Erie, so the game went into the half tied at 1-1.

Pacella's brother Tony, who plays collegiately at Elizabethtown College, had the most important role of the day.  "Erie's forward Jeremy Deighton was a handful.  We knew about him and his abilities, but Tony took care of him by beating him to almost every ball," said Moyer.  "Deighton is a dangerous player.  His strength is incredible, and he wins most air balls, but Tony really frustrated him, and I'm sure he'll be motivated for the rematch at our place."

The Revs took the lead in the second half when Gibrilla Conde scored his first goal of the season.

Erie tied the game in the 69th minute when Stephen Duggan scored a rocket past Pacella off a perfect cross from Afrim Latifi.

Fatigue settled in during the last 15 minutes as the Revs held on to collect the point.  "The boys were completely exhausted, but the will, spirit, and determination prevailed.  While we thought we deserved the win, we will certainly take the first point of the year.  To get it now, after this stretch of games, is sweet," Moyer continued.  "Road trips are difficult, but the positive thing is that there is a certain level of team bonding that occurs on these trips, and the boys really fought for each other.  I know it sounds like an old sports cliche, but that's exactly what happened."

With five games remaining on the schedule, the team is prepared for a run of wins.  "We'll take one, first," joked Moyer.  "We saw the toughest team (Buffalo City FC) twice, so we know the competition, and we can't wait to play these teams again.  The team has come a long way in a short period of time, and we are very excited about our home game this Saturday vs. the Pocono Snow."

REV NOTES:

• 6'4" Forward Pete Rowley is listed as probable for Saturday night's game...welcome back PETE!
• At 0-4-1, the REVS are looking for their first win.
• The NPSL Revs continue to play young players that came through the youth system, including:  Josh Pacella, Josh Labik, Gibrilla Conde, Eric Pepper, Mark Yost, Erik Weber, Chris Chestnut, Tom Talarico, Aaron Roland, and Derek Long.
• Eric Puls named Man of the Match vs. Buffalo City FC
• Rich Kessler (GK) - Hon. Mention
• GK Josh Pacella named Man of the Match vs. Erie Admirals
• Tony Pacella (D) - Hon. Mention
• Attacking CMF Max Ferdinand leads the team with 2 goals
• The Revs will wear red shirts, black shorts, and white socks for the first time this Saturday - (nothing else has worked)
• FREE DAY CAMP DRAWINGS - Players must be in attendance for half time drawings!
• STEEL MAN AWARDS (played every minute in all 3 matches) - Tony Pacella, Mark Yost, and Matt Procopio
• Pocono Snow has 11 former PA Stoners players.
• POCONO SNOW WEB SITE
• INJURY REPORT: 

1. Rick Duroseau - Probable (foot)
2. Pete Rowley - Probable (hamstring)
3. Mike Choiniere - Probable (quad)
4. Gibrella Conde - Probable (head)