RENO, Nev. — On May 6, Reno 1868 FC hit the pitch against Phoenix Rising FC for a crucial Western Conference showdown.  

Five games in and Reno was still eager to walk away from a USL match victorious. Little did they know that this game would completely turn their season around.

Coming in at No. 4 on the list of Top 5 matches this season is Reno’s first ever win in club history against Phoenix Rising FC at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex.

Hungry for that elusive win, Reno came out storming with 10 shots on goal and an 83.3 percent shooting accuracy. Reno out-shot Phoenix 12-9 and could not be stopped offensively or defensively. Reno took 20+ more passes and had 31 clears against the opponent.

With the stakes high, Reno forward Dane Kelly stood out. Kelly had an amazing match scoring a hat trick with goals in the second, sixth and 66th minute with assists from Chris Wehan, Brian Brown and Lindo Mfeka.

This would he his first hat trick of the season.

Kelly was not the only star to show up offensively. Chris Wehan had a strong game. Already with an assist, Wehan scored his first goal as a pro soccer player in the 76th minute. 

Reno lit up the scoreboard, walking away with a 4-0 victory over Phoenix Rising FC in what would kick off a huge turnaround for the first-year club.