Reno 1868 FC’s three-game win streak was snapped last Wednesday, Aug. 12, with the boys in blue falling 1-0 to Sacramento Republic FC. In first-half stoppage time, Sacramento converted a penalty kick to take the lead. Reno’s Ayrton Statie made his U.S. debut in the game, subbing on in the 57th minute. The loss comes in Brent Richards’ 100th career game, becoming the first player in club history to accomplish the feat.
Reno would then come back with a season-best five goals in a 5-2 win over Portland Timbers 2 last Saturday, Aug. 15. Leading the attack was Corey Hertzog with a brace, as well as two assists apiece from Christiano François and Brent Richards. The brace is Hertzog’s first of the season, and fourth with Reno. No other player in club history has more multi-goal games, as Hertzog is tied with Dane Kelly for the most in club history. The two goals also moved the striker up the all-time goals leaderboard with 22, trailing Brian Brown by just five for the most in club history.
The goal and assist totals are both in the top five in club history, along with shots (23) and shots on target (11). Reno has now scored nine goals against T2 this year in just two games. Reno still holds first place in Group A, holding the goal differential tiebreaker over Sacramento with a game in hand.
Reno will now travel to Southern California to take on San Diego Loyal SC next Saturday, Aug. 22. Kickoff from San Diego is set for 7 p.m. PT, with the game set to be streamed on ESPN+.
