RENO, Nev. – When Reno 1868 FC needed a hero on Wednesday night at Greater Nevada Field, defender Brent Richards showed up to save the day.

In front of a crowd of 4,844 fans, Reno beat Rio Grande Valley FC 3-2 thanks to Richards' thrilling goal in the 77th minute from an assist from defender Luis Felipe Fernandes, who scored 11 minutes earlier.

Wednesday's match against the Toros marked the first meeting between the clubs and after a brief defensive struggle, both clubs turned up their respective offensive attacks.

Rio Grande Valley FC came into the match as one of the best defensive clubs in the USL. And it was the Toros who struck first in the 20th minute thanks to a goal by Memo Rodriguez.

Two minutes later, one of the most prolific scorers in all of U.S. professional soccer, answered back.

Reno forward Dane Kelly notched his 11th USL goal of the season in the 22nd minute after a beautiful assist by Antoine Hoppenot.

But Wednesday belonged to Reno defenders like Richards and Fernandes who both helped Reno 1868 FC answer back after RGV midfielder Eric Bird tied the match up in the 74th minute after converting his penalty kick.   

Midfielder Chris Wehan's assist to Fernandes' goal in the 66th minute added to his chances created tally that keeps on growing as the season progresses. He had three key passes and one assist on Wednesday.  

Reno 1868 FC has a quick turnaround as it hosts rival Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday at Greater Nevada Field.

The first 1,868 fans through the rotunda entrance on Saturday will receive a free hat. Tickets for that match and future matches can be purchased at reno1868fc.com/tickets.

Reno 1868 FC Postgame Quotes

Ian Russell, Reno 1868 FC head coach

On the Reno 1868 FC attack...

"We have a really potent offense. I am just really proud of the boys."

On winning in the final minutes....

"We needed a game like this to realize that we can win a close one. We went with a different formation in the last 10 minutes that really paid off for us."

On two of his defenders scoring...

"We have a lot of goal-scorers on this team. This gives us a lot of momentum ahead of our game against Sacramento."

Brent Richards, Reno 1868 FC defender

On scoring the match-winning goal...

"It feels really good because as a defender, I don't score many goals anymore. We got a win at home so it felt great for the team."

On the five total goals on Wednesday...

"We hate to give up goals, but when we have a front line like we have with Dane and Antoine, we're a team that is score a lot of goals."

On being in the playoff hunt...

"We got off to a shaky start. But we have a lot of momentum right now.  We are feeling pretty good and we're rolling right now."

Luis Felipe, Reno 1868 FC defender

On scoring his first goal for Reno 1868 FC

"I was really happy to score my first goal for Reno and that the fans were there to cheer me on."

On getting this all important win...

"The three points is the most important thing. We have to just keep going."

On the momentum at home...

"We need the fans here Saturday too so we can keep moving on."