RENO, Nev. – Reno 1868 FC welcomed United Soccer League’s Orange County SC in the club’s season kickoff, Saturday night at Greater Nevada Field. With 5,691 fans in attendance, 1868 FC walked away with a 2-0 defeat.

In the 45th minute Orange County forward Markus Lacroix whipped a ball toward the goal from the left corner to hit the inside post and beat Reno’s keeper Andrew Tarbell and brought the score 2-0.

Reno 1868 started off strong in the first half with a chance in the opening minute. Forward Dane Kelly ran the ball down the right side of the pitch only to be stopped by the hands of Orange County goalkeeper Charlie Lyon. In the 31st minute, Orange County’s Lacroix opened the score with a left-footed shot from the center of the box into the bottom left corner of the net. Lacroix then scored again in stoppage time before the half which brought Orange County ahead 2-0.

Kelly had a good chance to tally a goal for Reno 1868 in the 52nd minute, but was taken out in the box from a rough challenge and awarded no penalty. Reno 1868 made a tactical substitution by taking out Mackenzie Pridham for Brian Brown in the 56th minute to change up its offense. Immediately after taking the pitch Brown had a chance to earn a goal back, but overshot the ball off his right foot from the right side of the box. Reno continued to work hard in the second half, but Orange County continued to dominate possession. At the final whistle, Orange County took three points off a 2-0 win.

POST-MATCH QUOTES

Head Coach Ian Russell

On the club’s performance

“We started off slow and did better in the second half. We had some chance to score, but couldn’t finish.”

“We’re an expansion team so it’s going to take a little time to figure out all the players and we will get better as we go.”

On the next match against Vancouver Whitecaps 2

“It should be a good game. They are an MLS side so we expect to see some good talent and it should be a good game for us.”

On what the team should work on

“I think keeping the ball in tight spaces and obviously finishing chances are things we need to work on.”

 

Reno 1868 FC midfielder Chris Wehan

On playing against Orange County SC

“It was a great atmosphere. Our fans cheered the whole time for our first game and I’m proud to be part of this organization.”

On the club’s performance

“It was an unfortunate result. There were a few mistakes in the first half, and we came out strong in the second half. We just couldn’t find the back of the net.”

On what the club needs to work on

“I think we need to start the first half as a whole better and everything will fall into place.”