RENO, Nev. – Professional soccer returns to Greater Nevada Field Saturday afternoon as Reno 1868 FC hosts its Major League Soccer affiliate, the San Jose Earthquakes for a preseason friendly.

Kickoff for Saturday’s match is slated for 12:15 p.m. with the first 1,868 fans receiving a free magnet schedule courtesy of Rail City Casino.

Following back-to-back playoff appearances in the club’s first two years of existence, Reno head coach Ian Russell is looking for another strong year from the squad in blue and gold.

Reno returns much of its core from 2018, particularly on defense, and has added playmakers to its Top 10 offense such as midfielder Raul Mendiola and forward Danny Musovski.

That lineup will be tested greatly as a revamped San Jose travels to Reno for the second time in club history.

The last time these two clubs met at Greater Nevada Field, Reno fell 1-0 in 2017. Earthquakes midfielder Tommy Thompson scored a back-heel that made SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays.

Saturday will be against a new-look San Jose led by reigning CONCACAF Men’s Football Coach of the Year Mathias Almeyda.

Almeyda, a former standout in his native Argentina, helped guide Mexican power Chivas de Guadalajara to multiple titles during his tenure in Mexico.  

Now the head coach will begin his first run with an American professional soccer franchise bringing an impressive staff with him, including Chivas legend Benjamin Galindo. Galindo is the father of Reno’s most recent loan acquisition, defender Benjamin Galindo Cruz.

Almeyda and the Earthquakes have spent the past few weeks in Cancun, Mexico training ahead of its preseason slate of games in the United States.  

Tickets for Saturday’s match presented by Dolan Auto Group are available at the Greater Nevada Field ticket office and online at Reno1868FC/tickets.

What: Reno 1868 FC v. San Jose Earthquakes

Where: Greater Nevada Field

Gates Open: 11:15 a.m.

Kickoff: 12:15 p.m.

Tickets: Reno1868FC.com/Tickets