The San Jose Earthquakes enjoyed their first season in an affiliate partnership with USL side Reno 1868 FC. Reno has served as a learning platform for up-and-coming youngsters and an opportunity for injured players to get valuable minutes in their road to recovery. First Team players such as Jackson Yueill, Lindo Mfeka, Kip Colvey, Marc Pelosi, Fatai Alashe, Andrew Tarbell and Matt Bersano have all received playing time for the club during their inaugural season.
In addition to First Team players, the Quakes also sent a few Academy players for a week to get their feet wet training day-in and day-out with a professional team. That type of experience is invaluable as young players look to make a move up the pipeline.
Reno wasn’t just an also-ran that served all the Quakes’ needs; the team could flat out play. After starting the season 0-4-3, 1868 FC went on to finish the year with a resounding 17-7-8 record, earning a spot in the USL Playoffs and setting the USL goal-scoring record. Various players also won league awards, such as forward Dane Kelly (MVP) and midfielder Chris Wehan (Assists Champion and Rookie of the Year). Wehan, along with defender Jimmy Ockford and midfielder Luis Felipe were all signed to First Team contracts at seasons end, proving the team’s desire to use the USL club as a season-long tryout.
