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Reno’s Support Driving Club Forward

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 07/05/17, 12:09PM EDT

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1868 FC welcomed more than 12,000 fans to Greater Nevada Field this weekend


Photo courtesy David Calvert / Reno 1868 FC

RENO, Nev. – Reno 1868 FC’s strong form on the field, which has seen the club lose only once in its past nine games to move into the top four of the USL Western Conference, might have been matched by only one thing over the past couple of months –  the outstanding support the club has received in the stands.

More than 12,000 fans were present over the holiday weekend at Greater Nevada Field to see the side claim four points from a possible six, including a club-record attendance of 7,092 on Friday night when Phoenix Rising FC – led by Didier Drogba and Omar Bravo – was the visitor.

The response to the club’s arrival in Reno, led by the Battle Born Brigade, has been a welcome sight for the players and coaches who have had the chance to compete in front of a raucous atmosphere on home turf throughout the season.

“They’ve been supporting us all year,” said Head Coach Ian Russell after Friday night’s game. “It’s a great fanbase and the supporters section was really loud tonight. We want them to keep driving us forward.”

Monday night saw 1868 FC also claim a piece of USL history, with its nine-goal performance against the LA Galaxy II setting a league record for the widest margin of victory in a game. At the forefront of the performance was Chris Wehan, whose two goals and two assists rewarded another standout performance. 


Photo courtesy David Calvert / Reno 1868 FC

The 23-year-old rookie, who is now tied for the league lead with seven assists, is another of those who’s appreciated what the fans have brought to the club this season. And while Monday’s performance is unlikely to be repeated anytime soon, the potency Reno has brought in attack since a slow start to the season is undeniable.

“I think it shows that if we stick to the game plan, nights like tonight can happen,” said Wehan.

The second of Wehan’s assists on the night also gave Matt LaGrassa his first goal for 1868 FC. A former player for Sacramento Republic FC, which has been at the forefront of the USL’s attendance rises in recent years, LaGrassa is also appreciative of what 1868 FC fans have brought to the table.

“They were unbelievable,” said LaGrassa on Monday. “All weekend they were fantastic. I think we gave the fans what they deserved tonight.”

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