RENO, Nev. -- After recording one of the top defensive performances in Reno 1868 FC history Saturday, goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski earned a spot on the USL's Team of the Week.
Marcinkowski emphatically introduced himself to the league after fighting off multiple attacks by rival Las Vegas Lights FC in Reno's 1-1 draw Saturday night.
Marcinkowski recorded four saves and shut out Las Vegas after the 28th minute despite playing a man down. His most impressive save came in the 95th minute when he punched Las Vegas' potential match-winning header above the crossbar to help secure the draw.
Marcinkowski and Reno 1868 FC return to Greater Nevada Field this Saturday, March 31, at 4 p.m. to take on a Didier Drogba-led Phoenix Rising FC. Tickets can be purchased at the Greater Nevada Field ticket office or at Reno1868FC.com/tickets.
USL Team of the Week
GK – J.T. Marcinkowski, Reno 1868 FC: Marcinkowski recorded four saves, including an excellent stoppage-time stop that preserved a point in a 1-1 draw with Las Vegas Lights FC.
D – Alex Cooper, Fresno FC: Cooper scored the game-tying goal in the Foxes’ 1-1 draw with the LA Galaxy II, and completed 58 of 67 passes while notching three tackles and interceptions apiece.
D – Mitchell Taintor, Sacramento Republic FC: Taintor notched four clearances and three interceptions as Sacramento recorded a road shutout in its victory against Orange County SC.
D – Jarad van Schaik, Charleston Battery: Van Schaik notched four tackles and four interceptions as the Battery held Penn FC to only three shots in a 1-0 victory at MUSC Health Stadium.
M – Maikel Chang, Real Monarchs SLC: Chang recorded two assists on his debut for the Monarchs, including on Chandler Hoffman’s late goal that sparked a 3-2 comeback victory in Tulsa.
M – John Gallagher, ATL UTD 2: Gallagher scored twice to lead his side to victory in its inaugural USL outing, a 3-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls II.
M – Mikey Lopez, San Antonio FC: Lopez had a goal and assist to lead San Antonio to a comeback 2-1 victory against Saint Louis FC.
M – Leo Fernandes, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Fernandes scored once, had two key passes and finished with five shots on goal in Tampa Bay’s 2-0 victory against Bethlehem Steel FC.
F – Caleb Calvert, Charlotte Independence: Calvert notched a goal and assist to lead the Independence to their second consecutive win to start the season, a 2-0 win against Toronto.
F – Kharlton Belmar, Swope Park Rangers: Belmar continued his hot start to the second with another two-goal performance as the Rangers took a 4-2 win against Seattle Sounders FC 2.
F – Chris Cortez, Phoenix Rising FC: Cortez scored the first hat trick in Rising FC’s history and added an assist as Phoenix took a 4-1 victory against OKC Energy FC.
Bench: Jeff Attinella (POR), Sam Vines (CLT), Yosef Samuel (ATL), Jack McInerney (IND), David Estrada (SEA), Kris Tyrpak (SA), Joaquin Rivas (TUL)
