RENO, Nev. — It was May 6 in Phoenix as Reno 1868 FC was holding onto a 2-0 lead. 

The club needed a stop to help preserve a narrow lead and they got just that from goalkeeper Matt Bersano in the eighth minute. 

The 2017 Save of the Season came from Bersano, who denied a powerful free kick by Phoenix’s Chris Cortez. The save helped reserve the first win and shutout in 1868 FC history as Reno took the match 4-0. 

The save was nominated for USL Save of the Week the following week finishing second in the fan vote. 

Bersano finished the season with a 69 percent save percentage and nine clean sheets, which ranked Top 5 in the United Soccer League. Reno finished the season with 17 wins, a USL record 75 goals and a playoff appearance in the club's inaugural season.