RENO, Nev. —  After a slow start to the season, Reno 1868 FC has gone from last place in the USL's Western Conference standings to fourth. 

Reno's seven-game unbeaten streak has been a credit to a team that has grown closer to one another during the inaugural season.

That is just one of the many factors of why Reno 1868 FC has become one of the hottest teams in all of U.S. professional soccer. 

Here are five reasons why Reno 1868 FC finds itself in prime playoff position following Saturday’s win over Sacramento Republic FC.

Scoring Burst

When it comes to putting the ball in the back of the net, Reno 1868 FC has become one of the top teams in the USL. The team has scored 22 goals since an April 22nd draw against Switchbacks FC making it 28 goals on the season, the second most in the USL. That helped Reno go from 0-3-2 to 5-0-1 during that same time frame. 

Everyone Can Score

Although Reno 1868 FC is led by Dane Kelly (12 goals), who scored his 60th career USL goal on Saturday, and midfielder Antoine Hoppenot (four goals), everyone in the Starting XI appears to have an eye for goal. Defenders Luis Felipe and Brent Richards scored their first goals in Reno’s 3-2 win over Rio Grande Valley FC on Wednesday. That makes 12 different Reno players who have scored this season.

Improved Passing

Reno 1868 FC has a passing accuracy mark of 79 percent, which ranks in the Top 5 in the USL. The improved passing has led to more chances created on the pitch. Reno one of the top chance creators in the USL in midfielder Chris Wehan. The former New Mexico Lobo has four assists and 18 total chance created.

Home Means Greater Nevada Field

There is truly no place like home for Reno 1868 FC. The team has won its last four games at Greater Nevada Field and has gone 4-0-2 at the stadium since the opening loss to Orange County FC. The growing support from the Reno community has translated onto the pitch.

Defense, defense and defense

Reno’s back line and goalkeepers have helped the team post four clean sheets in the past six USL matches since April 22nd. While head coach Ian Russell said the best is yet to come from the Reno defense, the stellar play has helped Reno close matches out. San Jose Earthquakes draftee Andrew Tarbell is the latest Reno 1868 FC player to post a clean sheet.

Reno 1868 FC will hit the road to play Real Monarchs SLC on June 19. Fans are invited to attend the official watch party at Harrah's in downtown Reno at 6 p.m.