RENO, Nev. – Several newcomers got in-game experience against Liga MX squad Atlas FC as Reno 1868 FC fell 5-0 on Saturday night.

A crowd of 6,647 fans witnessed Reno take on stiff competition in its first international friendly at Greater Nevada Field. The attendance boosted the weekly attendance (three matches) to more than 18,000 fans in total. 

Despite the five goals allowed, Reno 1868 FC still had several chances created throughout the night against one of the top clubs from Mexico.

“I thought we had some great chances out there against top competition,” Reno midfielder Chris Wehan, one of the top chance creators in the USL, said.

Atlas FC did most of its damage in the first half going into halftime with a 4-0 lead. Forward Matias Alustiza, one of the top goal scorers in Liga MX, scored two goals in the first half.

Because Saturday was considered an international friendly, both teams were allowed to make unlimited substitutions. Reno took advantage of that as half a dozen subs entered the match in the second half, including goalkeeper Jose Elizondo, a Guadalajara, Mexico native.

In the second half, Reno’s defense clamped down only allowing one goal (Fidel Martinez, 87th minute) as time ticked down.

“You know I thought we played well,” Reno forward Dane Kelly said after the match. “We had a few mistakes but I was happy to see guys like (Elizondo) and others get in there against a top team like Atlas.”

Reno 1868 FC will get some much-needed time off before heading to Vancouver, Canada to take on Whitecaps II on July 15. Reno will return home on July 22nd when it hosts Portland Timbers 2 at Greater Nevada Field.