2-1 win at Sacramento give Reno five-point advantage over “Donner Pass Derby” foe
The rivalry between Reno 1868 FC and Sacramento Republic FC was freshly dubbed the “Donner Pass Derby” this week.
Reno broke in the new name on Saturday night with a 2-1 road win, its third straight, in front of a sold-out crowd of 11,569 at Papa Murphy’s Park.
The win sealed the season series (Reno beat Sacramento 2-0 in June at Greater Nevada Field) and created further division in the Western Conference standings. Reno (11-5-6) now leads Sacramento (10-7-4) by five points for fourth place and is just two points back of third-place Swope Park.
Hayden Partain gave Sacramento a short-lived lead in the 15th minute. Dane Kelly headed in the equalizer just one minute later. His goal put him back in the USL lead with 16 for the season.
Chris Wehan pushed Reno in front, for good, in the 22nd minute. He won a free kick just outside the box and converted the direct attempt for his fifth finish of the season – the third most on the team behind Kelly and Antoine Hoppenot (8).
Matt Bersano managed to keep Sacramento out of the net the rest of the game despite the Republic FC outshooting 1868 FC, 17-10.
Reno can move into third place on Saturday night when it hosts Swope Park at Greater Nevada Field, where it is unbeaten in its last 10. The two sides met in Kansas City on July 30 and Reno cruised, 4-1. Swope Park has tied its three matches since.
It will be the final home game in nearly four weeks for Reno. The following four will be on the road.
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