The soccer family lost a great man recently when former Reading United general manager Jerry Wojton passed away after suffering a brain aneurysm on June 3. Reading United, known until this year as the Reading Rage, have been a long-time rival of Ocean City FC dating back to the clubs’ days as D3 Pro teams in the late 90s, early 00s. Wojton was the backbone of the franchise, who helped the team make three U.S. Open Cup appearances and won the PDL regular season championship last year.

Ocean City general manager/head coach Neil Holloway took time to remember Wojton:

"It is extremely sad news, " said Holloway. "I first met Jerry eight years ago when I was a player playing against Reading in the old D3-Pro League. My first-ever USL game was against Reading. We won that game 3-2 and although it was always a fierce rivalry, there was always huge respect between both organizations. It was more of a friendly rivalry and Jerry played a huge role in that.

"Off the field, we have always worked closely with Reading, trying to help each other out, as we both know what passion and commitment it has taken over the years to keep our soccer franchises alive," said Holloway. "Bakc in 2004, Jerry could not make the USL AGM [Annual General Meeting] and the scheduling meeting [where all of the PDL clubs put together their schedules for the upcoming season], so he called me up and my wife Joanne ended up stepping in and made Reading’s schedule. In return, Jerry paid for Joanne to go to the spa.

"Jerry was a larger than life character who will be sorely missed by the soccer community. Our sincere condolences go to Jerry’s family and everyone connected to Reading."
 
To read all about Jerry Wojton’s impact on the Reading United, read a nice tribute to him on USLSoccer.com HERE.