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1868 FC Elated by First Victory

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 05/09/17, 10:01AM EDT

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Kelly’s early brace set up historic victory in Phoenix


Photo courtesy Michael Rincon / Phoenix Rising FC

RENO, Nev. – As he approached his counterpart at the final whistle on Saturday night, the smile on Reno 1868 FC Head Coach Ian Russell’s was understandably wide.

After seeing his side’s chance at a first victory evaporate in stoppage time in its last outing two weeks prior, the first-year head coach had plenty of time to appreciate a 4-0 victory against Phoenix Rising FC, the first in Reno’s history.

“I’m very happy,” said Russell on Monday. “I think the guys played really well.”

At the forefront of the performances that produced 1868 FC’s first taste of victory was Jamaican forward Dane Kelly. The USL’s all-time leading goal scorer notched a pair of tallies in the opening 10 minutes, and then capped the first regular-season hat trick in club history as he added a third in the second half.

While Kelly was recording his 53rd goal in the USL regular season, Lindo Mfeka was at the other end of the spectrum. The former South Florida standout marked his professional debut with assists on both of Reno’s second-half goals as 1868 FC pulled away from its hosts.

“Lindo was excellent,” said Russell. “He is a really dynamic player and he defended and attacked well, while also creating chances.”

At the other end of the field, Reno’s defense also put in a strong shift. While not perfect by any means, as Phoenix missed two good chances inside the penalty area shortly after Kelly’s second goal, 1868’s duo of Jordan Murrell and Jimmy Ockford clamped down in the second half to allow only two second-half shots, neither of which forced a save by goalkeeper Matt Bersano.

“At the half we talked about getting a third and not conceding,” said Russell. “Organizationally, Jimmy and Jordan did a really good job organizing, and [Antoine] Hoppenot played a new position at right back and also did a great job.”

With the club’s first Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup game up next against the winner of Wednesday night’s clash between the Premier Development League’s Sounders FC U23 and OSA FC, and a home date with Seattle Sounders FC 2 on May 20 up next, 1868 FC is well poised for a big second half of the month.

“We’re excited to go into the next game,” Russell said. “The guys have really focused on defensive shape and we earned the win.”

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