Reading United A.C. has announced the return of defenders Andrew Johnson and Tim Timchenko ahead of the 2024 USL League Two campaign. The pair were also named as team captains for the upcoming season, providing veteran leadership and experience to bolster Head Coach Casey Moore’s 2024 squad.

Speaking of his returning captains, Coach Moore praised Johnson and Timchenko saying, ”It is a great feeling to have both Tim and Andrew back with the club. They have been rapidly developing as players, people and leaders since representing the club for the past two seasons. Both players helped captain Reading United A.C. in 2023 and we are excited to have their abilities and leadership back on full display. They both have played huge roles for their teams at the collegiate level and we know they will give everything they have for our club.”

Johnson, a rising junior defender from Cornell University, is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The former member of the Philadelphia Union Academy and has played with MLS Next club, FC Delco, where he captained the team to MLS Next Cup quarterfinals. The 6’2” defender started 15 matches for the Cornell men’s soccer team during the 2023 NCAA season.

The Philadelphia native returns for his third season in Reading looking to build on the 2023 season that saw United post an unbeaten record in the five matches that Johnson played.

“I’m super excited to be back at Reading this coming season as it has been my home for the past two summers. We have a very strong group of guys coming in this year, many of whom I’ve played with, so I’m excited to see what we can accomplish,” Johnson said in anticipation of the upcoming season.

Timchenko, a rising senior from Iona University, returns to Reading for his third season with the club. The center back garnered several individual honors for the Gaels in 2023, earning MAAC Defender of the Year and All-MAAC First Team honors in a season he led Iona’s defense to a 0.93 goals against average.

The 6’2” defender is a native of Kyiv, Ukraine models his game on legendary Spanish National Team defenders Sergio Busquets and Sergio Ramos. The newly minted United captain is a product of both the Dynamo Moscow Academy and the New York Red Bulls Academy.

Timchenko is very much looking forward to the new Reading United season, saying, “Buzzing to be back with the returning lads and welcoming the new guys to the team. After a strong season with Iona University, reaching the Conference final and winning some individual awards, I’m looking forward to bringing the same impact and more to Reading this summer.”

Reading United begin their 2024 home slate on Wednesday, May 29th at Alvernia University Stadium when they face Philadelphia Lone Star. The game is scheduled for a 7:00pm kickoff. Season Tickets for the 2024 USL League 2 season as well as single game tickets are available at readingunitedac.com/tickets.