Dynamo Advance on PK’s – Advance to Eastern Conference Finals – Host Ottawa Tonight, Sun. July 22nd

Greensboro, NC: The Carolina Dynamo defeated Reading United AC tonight 8-7 on penalty kicks. The game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of soccer was played, including OT.

The Dynamo got on the board first off a Hakan Ilhan (UNCG) goal in the 32nd minute, assisted by Shane Malcolm (High Point). The Dynamo controlled play throughout, outshooting Reading 16-3. Reading went a man down in the 81st minute after Ian Christianson was ejected from the game. Playing a man down, Reading was able to bring the game level when former Dynamo player, David Rodriguez (UNC) scored in the 88th minute. The game saw overtime go scoreless which brought on penalty kicks.

The Dynamo missed their first two kicks and Reading went up 3-0 having kicked first. Dynamo GK Peyton Ford (UNCG) made two huge saves, sending the game to sudden death penalties. Playing a man short, reading was forced to have their goalie take their 10th and eventual last kick. Ford the Dynamo GK, made the save, then stepped up and scored on his penalty kick, thus sending the Dynamo to the Eastern Conference Finals, by virtue of an 8-7 win.

The Dynamo (South Atlantic Division Champions) will face the Ottawa Fury (NE Division Champions) today, July 22nd for the Eastern Conference Championship and a berth into the National Semi-Finals.

Kick-off is 6:00 PM at Macpherson Stadium. Kids will be admitted for free, and $1 Slices of pizza and $1 beers will be sold.