RENO, Nev. – The City of Sparks officially proclaimed June 1 as ‘Kevin Partida Day’ on Tuesday during the Sparks City Council meeting.

Partida is a Sparks, Nevada native who played soccer at Sparks High School. In 2012, Partida helped lead the Railroaders to the state championship game. The midfielder went on to play all four years of his college career at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada.

After college, Partida was selected 58th overall by the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft and was signed by Reno 1868 FC in March of that same year. Partida, a midfielder, made his professional debut on April 21st in Reno 1868 FC’s match against Portland Timbers 2. In his first official start against OKC Energy FC, Partida scored the first goal of his professional career. He was signed to a season-long loan with the San Jose Earthquakes on June 9, 2018 and re-signed with the team for the 2019 season.

“Playing this close to home at the professional level was exciting and then being able to move on from there was special,” Partida said.

Reno 1868 FC hosts Silver State Cup rival Las Vegas Lights FC on June 1 at Greater Nevada Field. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a Kevin Partida bobblehead. There will be a halftime ceremony to celebrate the midfielder.

“Having this day is special,” Partida said. “I’m very proud to be from Sparks and this was a huge honor for me.”