Reno Hosting Rival Sacramento Republic FC
August 11, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Reno 1868 FC News Release
Riding a three-game winning streak, Reno hosts the only club to have beaten them this season, Sacramento Republic FC. The Donner Pass Derby rivals come to Reno with the top spot in Group A on the line, as Reno currently leads by three points.
"The guys are super confident, I can see it in the way we train," said head coach Ian Russell. "We've had a good three weeks of training that's been top class, so we've just got to continue."
Reno and Sacramento first met this season on July 19 in Sacramento, in Reno's first game back since the season restarted. After 90 scoreless minutes, Sacramento converted a penalty to take the win.
Since the defeat Reno hasn't lost, going 3-0 with a +5 goal differential. In the same amount of time, Sacramento has gone 1-1-1, all on the road.
"I think they responded really well, to go on and win three in a row," said Russell. "They didn't hang their heads."
Reno's success during the win streak has come from the club's defense. In the three games, rookie keeper has made 15 saves while allowing just two goals. The defensive four of Sam Gleadle, Tony Alfaro, Thomas Janjigian and Brent Richards have started every game since the restart and been solid in front of De La Cerda.
Last time out, Reno topped Tacoma 2-1 in the club's home opener. Rookie Benji Kikanovic scored his first professional goal, and later drew a penalty that resulted in Corey Hertzog putting the team up for good. In the second half, De La Cerda would stop a penalty to secure the win.
Kickoff is set for 7:15 p.m. PT from Greater Nevada Field. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+, Nevada Sports Net and ESPN Radio 94.5.
Scouting report - Sacramento Republic FC
* Sacramento's nine points have them right behind Reno in Group A, second in the group and above the cut line to make the playoffs.
* All time, Reno leads Sacramento 5-2-1. The last time the two sides met, Reno fell 1-0 on a penalty in stoppage time at Sacramento.
* Sacramento enters the game 1-1-1 on the road this season.
Inside 1868 FC
- Rookie goalkeeper Eric De La Cerda has been sharp through his first three starts, allowing just two goals combined and stopping a penalty against Tacoma to earn Team of the Week honors for week seven. The 19 year old is the youngest in club history to record a shutout, and the eighth- youngest in league history.
* Reno is coming off of three straight wins after falling to Sacramento in July.
- With a goal against Tacoma, Corey Hertzog moved into a tie for third all- time in career USL goals with 63. In second with 72 is recently-retired Jorge Herrera, and leading the USL Championship is Charlotte's Dane Kelly with 80.
- Reno has just allowed four goals through the first five games, the fewest in club history through five games. The four goals allowed are tied for third-least in the USL.
Need to know
* Reno hosts the only team to beat them this season, with the boys in blue coming off three straight wins.
* Reno leads Group A, and hosts Sacramento Republic FC who currently sits in second.
* The boys in blue are 5-2-1 all-time against Sacramento, despite falling 1-0 in July.
- Defender and captain Brent Richards owns club records for starts (93) and games played (99), closing in on becoming the first player in club history to appear in 100 games.
Preview
Wednesday, August 12 - v Sacramento Republic FC
7:15 p.m. PT kickoff @ Greater Nevada Field
Broadcast: ESPN+ (national), Nevada Sports Net (local)
Radio: ESPN Radio 94.5
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