RENO, Nev. – Reno 1868 FC got a late goal by Mackenzie Pridham to claim a 3-3 draw against Sacramento Republic FC in a preseason exhibition on Saturday afternoon in front of 4,554 fans at Greater Nevada Field.

A former member of Republic FC, Pridham capped a three-goal rally by the hosts in the 87th minute as his driven finish past Republic FC goalkeeper Evan Newton brought 1868 FC level just before the final whistle.

“Mackenzie is a great finisher,” said 1868 FC Head Coach Ian Russell. “Anytime he has space in the box he’s going to punish it and he’s been doing that all preseason.”

Republic FC had taken control of the game in the opening half-hour, scoring three goals in a 10-minute span to get on top. Trinidad & Tobago international Trevin Caesar opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Tyler Blackwood played a one-two with forward Sammy Ochoa at the corner of the penalty area, and then found Caesar for a first-time finish past Reno goalkeeper Matt Bersano.

Blackwood doubled the lead three minutes later when he took advantage of a loose pass near the 1868 FC penalty area and drove home a finish to make it 2-0. Ochoa capped the scoring flurry in the 27th minute from the penalty spot after Caesar was brought down in the penalty area. 

RELATED: 2017 USL Preview - Sacramento Republic FC

Reno pulled a goal back four minutes before halftime Dane Kelly sent a low ball to Pridham, who was open in the middle of the penalty area. Pridham settled the ball and then shot into the goal, making it 3-1 at halftime.

Sacramento had the better of possession to start the second half, and almost restored its three-goal lead in the 67th minute when Wilson Kneeshaw was played in by a long ball down the left side from James Kiffe.  Kneeshaw broke in one-on-one with Bersano, but the Reno goalkeeper was quick to the ground and blocked the shot.

1868 FC immediately found its second as Pridham received the ball in the middle of the field and drove forward. The former Republic FC forward sent a strike on goal that was parried by Newton was able to block Pridham’s shot, but only as far as Kelly, who tapped the ball into the net.

Pridham then struck for his second of the night when Brian Brown chested the ball to Pridham, who had found space behind the defense and sent a strong shot past Newton and into the back of the net, ending the match in a 3-3 draw.

“We knew it would be a tough game,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “It was wonderful to see so many of our supporters make the trip here and we thank them for that. For a preseason friendly to have so many fans travel for us is remarkable.”