Reno 1868 FC defeated Tacoma Defiance 2-1 last Saturday in their first home match since the USL season restart. The win was powered by forward Benji Kikanovic’s strong performance, which included his first professional goal. In goal, rookie goalkeeper Eric De La Cerda recorded seven saves, tied for the second most in a single game in club history. The win, Reno’s third straight, sees the team leading Group A with a 4-1-0 overall record.
Reno will return to action at home on Wednesday, August 12, in a rivalry game against Sacramento Republic FC. Kickoff is set for 7:15 p.m. PT, and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN+.
Earlier last week, Reno midfielder Christiano François was named the USL Championship’s Player of the Week. François scored twice and assisted in the week’s two games, both wins. François is the first player from Reno to be named to Player of the Week, and is still the only player to be named to Team of the Week. François was voted to team of the week after scoring and assisting in Reno’s season opener.