After a slow start to the regular season where they failed to earn a win through their first four matches (0-3-1), Reno 1868 FC has suddenly caught fire. The San Jose Earthquakes’ USL affiliate is in the midst of a four-game unbeaten streak (2-0-2), posting three consecutive shutouts and outscoring their opponents 4-1 in that span. Three of the four games were also played away from the friendly confines of Greater Nevada Field.
April 21 – 2-1 at Portland Timbers 2
Quakes Homegrown goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski, first-year midfielder Luis Felipe and 2018 SuperDraft selection Danny Musovski all started in Reno’s first win of the season. Marcinkowski and Felipe led a strong defensive effort, while Musovski scored a pair of second-half goals, including an 89th-minute strike, to seal the victory. Another member of the Quakes’ 2018 SuperDraft class, Mo Thiaw, entered the match as a substitute and made a key pass to set up the game-winning goal. Musovski was later named the USL Player of the Week for his brace.
April 28 – 2-0 vs. OKC Energy FC
Quakes goalkeeper Matt Bersano and Musovski both got the nod in Reno’s starting XI along with Kevin Partida, San Jose’s third-round SuperDraft selection that later signed directly with 1868. Partida’s long-range effort in the 64th minute proved to be the game-winning goal and earned him a spot on the USL Team of the Week. Felipe also made an appearance as a second-half substitute and 2017 second-round SuperDraft selection Lindo Mfeka scored the second goal.
May 2 – 0-0 at Rio Grande Valley FC
An early morning start in Texas saw Bersano, Mfeka, Musovski and Partida all make the starting XI. Bersano earned his second shutout in as many games.
May 5 – 0-0 at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Marcinkowski returned to the XI, joining Partida, and helped keep Colorado Springs off the board. His spectacular save in the ninth minute is one of the best you’ll see.
Reno returns to action on Wednesday night at 5 p.m. against Tulsa Roughnecks FC. You can watch all of 1868 FC’s matches on ESPN+.
