RENO, Nev. – Reno 1868 FC welcomed United Soccer League’s Sacramento Republic FC in the club’s final preseason friendly, Saturday afternoon at Greater Nevada Field. With 4,554 fans in attendance, 1868 FC walked away with a 3-3 tie.

In the 87th minute, Mackenzie Pridham completed Reno’s comeback with a lazer finish past Republic FC keeper Evan Newton to bring 1868 FC level.

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 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.

POST-MATCH QUOTES

Head Coach Ian Russell

On the club’s performance

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

On Mackenzie Pridham’s performance

“Mackenzie is a great finisher. Anytime he has space in the box he’s going to punish it and he’s been doing that all preseason.”

On the first match against Sacramento

“It’s definitely a rivalry and every time we play it’s going to be a heated battle.”

Forward Mackenzie Pridham

On playing against Sacramento Republic

“It was a good opportunity to play against a great opponent and the game had different spells where we were doing well and they were doing well.”

On the club’s performance

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