Allentown United built a 2-0 halftime lead on an own goal and a strike from Jose Avila and held on after conceding a goal and a penalty to win the opening match of their NISA Independent Cup campaign over Atlantic City FC on Saturday night at Cedar Crest College.
The NPSL-playoff bound Aces cut the lead in half in the 82nd minute on a goal from Celidor Davidson and had a chance to tie the match on a penalty kick but Yushi Nagao hit woodwork.
Atlantic City faces Steel Pulse FC in their next Independent Cup match on July 18, two days after they host FC Motown for an NPSL Keystone Conference semifinal at Silver Eagle Stadium.