Reno 1868 FC’s magical 2018 season came to an end Saturday night in Southern California as the club fell 1-0 in the USL Cup Western Conference Semifinals to Orange County SC.
The narrow loss ended a historic year for the soccer club from 250 Evans. Ave.
The only goal to come Saturday night came in the 29th minute after Michael Seaton fed Aodhan Quinn a ball on a break as Quinn put it past goalkeeper Matt Bersano.
Reno had its chances, especially in the first 20 minutes of the match. Reno took five shots in the first 45 minutes with just one on target. Reno continued to challenge Orange County in the final third throughout the match recording 12 total shots on the night.
The closest opportunity came off a Jerry van Ewijk free kick in the 65th minute, but it was saved by Andre Rawls.
Despite being knocked out of the playoffs, Reno players and coaches reflected on yet another year filled with accomplishments. Forward Brian Brown became the club’s all-time leading scorer moving up to 20 goals in a Reno 1868 FC kit. Forward Antoine Hoppenot finished with 13 assists in 2018, breaking Chris Wehan’s record of 12. The club also notched a club-record 16-straight matches without a loss.
Reno also recorded yet another 15-win season earning a second-straight playoff berth and advancing in the USL Cup Playoffs for the first time in its two-year history.
Players will now return home for the offseason before the club resumes action in Feburary 2019.
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