SAN JOSE, Calif. – Reno 1868 FC, the USL Championship affiliate of the San Jose Earthquakes, today announced it would cease operations following the 2020 season.
“We would like to thank everyone at Reno 1868 FC for their hard work and commitment to success over the past four seasons,” said Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli. “Whether it be developing future First Team players or giving our current First Team players valuable minutes on loan, Reno has greatly impacted and proudly represented the Earthquakes organization. We are currently in the process of reevaluating our player development pathway.”
Reno was awarded a USL franchise in 2015 set to begin play in 2017. Through four seasons, Reno recorded a record of 62-26-28 and earned a playoff berth in all four campaigns under head coach Ian Russell, who was named the USL Championship Co-Coach of the Year.
The Earthquakes signed three players – Luis Felipe, Chris Wehan and Jimmy Ockford – directly from Reno following the 2017 season. San Jose also sent many young players on loan to Reno, including Homegrowns JT Marcinkowski, Cade Cowell, Gilbert Fuentes and Jacob Akanyirige, as well as U.S. National Team midfielder Jackson Yueill and Peru National Team defender Marcos Lopez.
“To our fans, our players, our community partners, and everyone who has been involved with Reno 1868 FC, we hope you and your families are safe and healthy amidst these challenging times,” said 1868 FC President Eric Edelstein. “Like you, this isn’t the way we saw 2020 going. With that said, we have made the gut-wrenching decision to cease our participation in the USL Championship. Today we find ourselves in a world-wide community beset by a pandemic and we are unexpectedly forced to make a tough decision. I am heartbroken to let go of Reno 1868 FC and I apologize to all who are disappointed that we are ending our participation in the USL Championship.”
