Reno scores three unanswered to salvage friendly draw against Sacramento

Reno 1868 FC scored three unanswered goals in Saturday’s friendly against rival Sacramento Republic to Salvage a 3-3 draw at Greater Nevada Field.

A crowd of 4,554 showed up to watch the United Soccer League franchise (0-1-1, 0-0-0) play for the first time since its inaugural contest against MLS parent club, the San Jose Earthquakes.

“We didn’t start out very well and we were down in the first 25 minutes,” Reno 1868 FC coach Ian Russell said. “The guys responded with a goal in the first half and I believe we came out the better team in the second half.”

In the 87th minute, Mackenzie Pridham completed Reno’s comeback with a lazer finish past Republic FC keeper Evan Newton.

“It’s really tough to go down 3-0 in a match, but the whole team showed a lot of character and came back,” Pridham said.

In the first half, Reno went down 3-0 in the first 25 minutes. The first two goals came back-to-back. Republic forward Trevin Caesar opened the scoring in the 17th minute followed by fellow forward Trevin Caesar who slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the net two minutes later.

Reno’s bad luck continued after Sammy Ochoa converted a penalty in the 27th minute. Reno retaliated with Pridham’s first goal off a loose ball in the box to bring the score 3-1 at halftime.

Reno dominated the second half by scoring two additional goals. Dane Kelly scored in the 66th minute off a deflection by Republic’s keeper to bring the score 3-2. Pridham’s final goal followed in the 87th minute to tie. Reno had a chance to leave victorious off a shot from Kip Colvey who skied the ball in added time.

Now done with friendlies, Reno plays its first meaningful match on Saturday, March 25, against Orange County SC. First touch at Greater Nevada Field will be at 7 p.m.