RENO, Nev.  — With Reno 1868 FC’s regular season nearing a close, it’s time to take a look at impact of the partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes in Reno’s inaugural year.

Reno, the top affiliate for the MLS club, has seen multiple appearances by eight players in the Quakes organization and the results have been fruitful.

“The partnership with Reno has been incredibly rewarding in more than one way," Earthquakes GM Jesse Fioranelli said. "On a technical and management level, we are working with people that are striving for the same goals we are here in San Jose.

"From top to bottom, it is great to see the players identify with the common direction that both clubs have set forth. We will have an exciting year ahead of us as we plan for 2018.”

Over 25,000 minutes have been played this season. Quakes players have contributed 5,681 minutes combined with goalkeeper Matt Bersano leading the way (2,250 minutes played).

Bersano ranks third in the USL with clean sheets with nine. Andrew Tarbell, who has recently been the starting goalkeeper for the Quakes, recorded one clean sheet this year with Reno.

Of Reno’s record-setting 69 goals this season, Quakes draftee Lindo Mfeka has accounted for six of them. While six goals might seem like a small number, Mfeka’s four-goal performance in Week 27 helped Reno reach major milestone.

Mfeka broke the USL’s regular season team record for most goals in a single season with the 61st (tied the record), 62nd (set a new record) and 63rd (added to the new record) goals all coming on Sept. 20 against OKC Energy FC.

His hat-trick that night made it three hat-tricks this season for Reno 1868 FC, which is a third of the nine hat tricks recorded in the USL this season.

Defender Kip Colvey has the second-highest passing accuracy on the team with and 88 percent rate. Colvey recorded an assist in Reno’s recent 6-1 triumph over Portland Timbers 2 on Sept. 23. Colvey played in the Confederations Cup in Russia over the summer for his native New Zealand. He was recently called back up to the national squad.

Midfielder Matheus Silva has contributed off the bench for Reno throughout the season. Silva has incredibly found his way back onto the pitch after an accident at Lake Tahoe on July 4. He has played in Reno’s two recent scrimmages.

Sixth overall pick Jackson Yueill has contributed during his six appearances with the club. Although Yueill is back with the Quakes, he grew with Reno early making his professional debut with the club. Yueill won over half of his duels before returning to the Quakes.  

Both Fatai Alashe and Marc Pelosi have spent time with Reno 1868 FC as well. They have six appearances between them and have been key defensive contributors both at midfield and in the back four.

"All of these players have helped contribute to one of the best seasons in USL history," Reno GM Andy Smith said. "Our partnership has allowed both Quakes players and our players to play at the top level and we're constantly looking to make each team stronger." 

Reno 1868 FC hits the road this weekend to take on Orange County SC for its last road match of the regular season. San Jose is off until Oct. 15 when the club plays at Vancouver Whitecaps.