It wasn’t pretty, but Reno 1868 FC earned a crucial three points Saturday at Greater Nevada Field with a 1-0 win over LA Galaxy II.
In front of 5,060 screaming fans on Noche Latina, Reno 1868 FC needed three points to get back in the playoff hunt in the USL’s Western Conference.
And it was midfielder Eric Calvillo who delivered in the clutch after Reno missed a few early chances on goal.
Forward Brian Brown found Calvillo about 30 yards out and the young midfielder fired a rocket shot past LA goalkeeper Eric Lopez from distance to put Reno up 1-0 just ahead of halftime.
Reno (12-7-9, 45 points) maintained the pressure in the second half and had a few opportunities to go up by three goals.
Perhaps Reno’s best chance happened in the 49th minute when midfielder Antoine Hoppenot found a streaking Duke Lacroix who missed a shot to the left on a one-on-one duel with Eric Lopez.
One goal was all Reno needed to pull off a much-needed home win and jump back into the Top 8 in the Western Conference. Reno jumped from ninth to eighth ahead of San Antonio FC.
Reno will now set its sights on in-state rival Las Vegas Lights FC, who return to Greater Nevada Field Sept. 22 in the Silver State Cup presented by Toro Law and Toro Taxes.
The first 1,868 fans will receive a replica jersey courtesy of Wild 102.9-FM.
Kickoff for that match is set for 6:45 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at Reno1868FC.com/tickets or at the Greater Nevada Field ticket office.
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