IRVINE, Calif. – Reno 1868 FC’s magical 2018 season came to an end Saturday night in Southern California as the club fell 1-0 in the USL Cup Western Conference Semifinals to Orange County SC.

The narrow loss ended a historic year for the soccer club from 250 Evans. Ave.

The only goal to come Saturday night came in the 29th minute after Michael Seaton fed Aodhan Quinn a ball on a break as Quinn put it past Reno goalkeeper Matt Bersano.

Reno had its chances, especially in the first 20 minutes of the match. Reno took five shots in the first 45 minutes with just one on target. Reno continued to challenge Orange County in the final third throughout the match recording 12 total shots on the night.

The closest opportunity came off a Jerry van Ewijk free kick in the 65th minute, but it was saved by Andre Rawls.

Despite being knocked out of the playoffs, Reno players and coaches reflected on yet another year filled with accomplishments. Forward Brian Brown became the club’s all-time leading scorer moving up to 20 goals in a Reno 1868 FC kit. Forward Antoine Hoppenot finished with 13 assists in 2018, breaking Chris Wehan’s record of 12. The club also notched a club-record 16-straight matches without a loss.

Reno also recorded yet another 15-win season earning a second-straight playoff berth and advancing in the USL Cup Playoffs for the first time in its two-year history.

Players will now return home for the offseason before the club resumes action in Feburary 2019.

Visit Reno1868FC.com for updates throughout the offseason, team news and information on the 2019 season.

Reno 1868 FC Starting XI       

GK (32) Matt Bersano, D (11) Duke Lacroix, D (23) Brenton Griffiths, D (5) Zach Carroll (C), D (16) Brent Richards, M (22) Jerry van Ewijk, M (8) Guy Abend, M (14) Chris Wehan, M (84) Seth Casiple, F (29) Antoine Hoppenot, F (99) Brian Brown

Reno 1868 FC Subs

GK (35) Kyle Ihn, F (28) Mo Thiaw, D (6) Thomas Janjigian, M (9) Mark Gonzalez, D (4) Jordan Murrell, M (17) Sam Gleadle, F (2) Sidney Rivera

Reno 1868 FC Substitutions: 61’ Mark Gonzalez on…Chris Wehan off, 70’ Mo Thiaw on…Seth Casiple off

Starting XI for Orange County SC

GK (12) Andre Rawls, D (3) Joe Amico, D (4) Alex Crognale, D (2) Kevin Alston, D (5) Jos Hooiveld, MF (10) Richard Chaplow, MF (24) Mets Bjurman, MF (13) Darwin Jones, F (7) Thomas Enevoldsen, F (9) Michael Seaton

Orange County SC Subs 

GK (1) Casey Beyers, D (6) Noah Powder, MF (20) Christian Duke, 16 (D) Amirgy Pineda, 26 (D) Walker Hume, 24 (MF) Mats Bjurman, F (19) Giovanni Ramos-Godoy

Orange County SC Substitutions: 46’ Michael Seaton off…Christian Duke on, 83’ Giovanni Ramos Godoy on…Kevin Alison on

Orange County SC Goals: 29’ Aodhan Quinn - Left Foot - Left Side of the Box - Bottom Right Hand Corner - Assist: Michael Seaton