LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Of all the shows offered in Las Vegas, Reno goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski put on a performance for the ages as he helped Reno escape with a 1-1 draw against in-state rival Las Vegas Lights FC in Saturday’s Silver State Cup showdown.

In a thrilling, physical and windy match, Reno battled to get what Reno head coach Ian Russell called a “hard fought and well-earned point” in front of more than 9,000 raucous Lights fans. 

It was Las Vegas who struck first in Saturday’s match with a goal in the 27th minute by midfielder Alex Mendoza.

But that 1-0 lead was short-lived as Las Vegas native, former UNLV standout and Reno forward Danny Musovski tied the match up a minute later to put the score at 1-1.

Musovski’s return to Vegas was cut short as he was sent off in the 73rd minute after accumulating his second yellow card. Reno played a man down for the remaining 23 minutes as Marcinkowski stole the show.

Marcinkowski made save after save, fighting off attack after attack from the Lights’ front line attack.

His athleticism was on full display throughout the entire match and the San Jose Earthquakes’ Homegrown Player signee saved the best for last.

Las Vegas’ corner kick in the 95th minute was perfectly executed with forward Juan Carlos Garcia getting a shot on goal with a header. Marcinkowski punched the attempt away and the final whistle blew to cap off a dramatic finish.

Both teams will have to wait until August 28 before getting another crack at each other. Reno heads to Rio Grande Valley FC on Wednesday for an early 10 a.m. (8 a.m. PT) kickoff before returning home to face a Didier Drogba-led Phoenix Rising FC squad (March 31, 4 p.m. at Greater Nevada Field). Tickets for that match can be purchased at Reno1868FC.com/tickets.

Post-Match Quotes

Head Coach Ian Russell

On the performance…

“We had a couple of good chances in the first half, a couple of them in the second. But all in all it was a good game and I thought we played really well.”

On Marcinkowski’s performance…

“He made a great save at the end of the match. Overall it was a good performance to help us get a point on the road.”

On the quick turnaround…

“The guys will get some rest tonight before heading back to Reno. We’ll be prepared heading into our RGVFC match. We’ll look to get a good result there.”

JT Marcinkowski, goalkeeper

On performance…

“We knew this match was going to be a little bit tougher than most. But we made those one or two plays to help us get the point.”

On having to fight off windy conditions…

“Balls were coming into the box a little faster than normal. But all in all, we just had to stick to the same plan we had headed into the match.”

On getting a point..

“When we went a man down, the focus shifted to getting out of the match with at least a point. I think we’re happy with the result and our focus now shifts to Wednesday.” 

Danny Musovski, forward

On playing again in Las Vegas…

“It felt a little weird playing in Las Vegas again, especially against a team from Las Vegas.”

On the result itself…

“It wasn’t the result we wanted, but the guys toughed it out. We will just regroup headed into Wednesday’s match.”

On the goal that tied the match up…

“I was just making the through ball run and I thought Brian (Brown) was going to slip me the pass. But once I saw him wind up, I started to press the goalkeeper who rebounded it out to me. I was just fortunate enough to be there.”