RENO, Nev. – Reno 1868 FC jumped back into the Top 5 of the USL’s Western Conference standings after a win at Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday.

Here are three positive takeaways from Saturday’s 2-0 victory.

Thrilling Returns

Despite Saturday being the inaugural game between the two clubs, two familiar faces made their way back to Portland. Reno midfielder Seth Casiple and defender Brent Richards, both former T2 players, played key roles in Reno’s win. Casiple scored the go-ahead goal to put Reno up 1-0 in the 55th minute while Richards showed off his passing skills (84 percent accuracy).

Defenders Keep Scoring

After Reno 1868 FC went up 1-0, the intensity picked up for both squads as each were vying to secure points. However, thanks to defender Luis Felipe, Reno 1868 FC secured the insurance goal which put Reno up 2-0 in the 82nd minute. Felipe’s second goal this season came off an assist from forward Brian Brown, who made his way back from an early season injury.

Promising Debut

Just days after signing with Reno 1868 FC, one of the top young talents in U.S. professional soccer found his way in the starting lineup. Winger Darwin Espinal played 61 minutes for Reno on Saturday and despite a few hiccups, Espinal showed why he was the top PDL prospect. Espinal finished with one shot on target, one chance created, three tackles and a 77 percent passing accuracy mark.