RENO, Nev. – Reno 1868 FC started its season off strong with a 3-0 win over its MLS affiliate the San Jose Earthquakes Saturday at Greater Nevada Field.

Reno began its run early in the first half with a goal by newcomer Raúl Mendiola in the 4th minute. Mendiola, assisted by Brown, found the back of the net after beating two Earthquakes' defenders in his debut with Reno 1868 FC.

“It felt good. Whatever it was, I tried my hardest and I have to do my job out here like everybody else” Mendiola said after the match. “This group works hard, so the hard work that we put in during practice, it all comes out in the game.”

Reno had no trouble connecting again with another goal in the 29th minute by midfielder Seth Casiple. Casiple ran onto a cross by Danny Musovski and put the ball in the top left corner of the goal.

“Visualization,” said Casiple of his goal. “I was hoping to do it, put in the work, and I got rewarded.”

Minutes later, Musovski made another impact in the game with a goal in the 41st minute. The goal was a one-touch finish off of a pass from Brian Brown to finish off the first half.

With a new lineup in the second half, Reno’s defense continued to hold off the Earthquakes and kept them scoreless.

“To come off a lengthy road trip like they did, they flew in late last night, come up to altitude from Cancun where it was 90 degrees and here it’s 30 and showing is tough,” said Head Coach Ian Russell of the win over the Earthquakes. “Not to take anything away from what we did, we played well, but it was tough for them.”

Reno will officially begin its 2019 USL Championship season against Orange County SC on March 9 at 1:45 p.m. at Greater Nevada Field. Reno was eliminated from the 2018 USL Cup Playoffs by Orange County SC.

For ticket info, visit Reno1868FC.com or the Greater Nevada Field ticket office.