Reno 1868 FC’s incredible 16-match unbeaten streak came to an end in the most heartbreaking fashion Saturday night at Greater Nevada Field.
In front of 6,680 fans, Reno fell 2-1 to Saint Louis FC in the waning minutes of Saturday night’s inaugural meeting.
Saint Louis defender Sam fink capped off the comeback with a goal in the third minute of stoppage time to send Reno to its first loss in 105 days.
Reno was on track to extend its unbeaten streak and record its second win a man down Saturday.
The club entered halftime up 1-0 after midfielder Chris Wehan put the club up in the first minute of stoppage time.
All of this was after Reno was playing with 10-men for 32 minutes following Eric Calvillo’s ejection. Calvillo picked up two yellow cards in a four-minute span forcing Reno to re-strategize early in Saturday’s match.
Reno’s defense held strong for a majority of the second half fending off attack after attack. In a match plagued by 22 total fouls and nine yellow cards, a crucial one was called in the 73rd minute as Saint Louis was awarded a penalty after a Duke Lacroix challenge inside the box.
Saint Louis’ Wal Fall converted the penalty to equalize the match. Reno’s shot at its 17th match without a loss slipped away after a tight scrum inside the box when Fall found Fink for the header and for the win.
Reno will return to action Aug. 8 when it travels to take on Western Conference leader Real Monarchs SLC. The club does not return home until Aug. 25 when it hosts rival Sacramento Republic FC in the second regular season edition of the “Donner Pass Derby.”
Kickoff for that match is slated for 7:15 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at Reno1868FC.com/tickets.
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