IRVINE, Calif. – Reno 1868 FC ended Orange County SC’s chances at qualifying for the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs on Saturday evening, topping its Western Conference foe 4-1 at Champions Soccer Stadium at OC Great Park. Chris Wehan shined for the road side, scoring one goal and providing the assist on Jimmy Ockford’s opener in the 30th minute. Luis Felipe Fernandes netted Reno’s second goal of the game and then provided the assist for Mackenzie Pridham’s goal in the 85th minute of play. Irvin Parra scored Orange County’s only goal of the match in the 71st minute. With the result, 1868 FC improves to 17-7-7 this regular season, while Orange County falls to 10-11-10 this season.

Scoring:
30’ – RNO – Jimmy Ockford (Chris Wehan)
65’ – RNO – Luis Felipe Fernandes (Brent Richards)
71’ – OC – Irvin Parra (Jerry van Ewijk)
81’ – RNO – Chris Wehan (PK)
85’ – RNO – Mackenzie Pridham (Luis Felipe Fernandes)

• #OCvRNO: Full match and Opta box score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. Orange County needed a win in order to keep hope alive for a spot in the playoffs, but Saturday’s loss means that chance is gone. Entering the match, Orange County needed Sacramento Republic FC to lose its match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, and the Switchbacks came through. However, Orange County did not take advantage of the opportunity against a strong Reno side.
• 2. Reno broke the single-season record for goals scored weeks ago, but the club continues to light up the scoreboard. 1868 FC has now scored 73 goals this regular season after netting four against Orange County. Saturday’s win was the seventh time this season Reno has scored four or more goals, and the club has an opportunity to add to that number in its final game of the regular season on Oct. 14.
• 3. Reno seems to be hitting its stride heading into the USL Cup Playoffs, which should leave other Western Conference foes nervous. While 1868 FC has put up incredible numbers offensively this season, its defense has also been strong. The club did not record a shutout on Saturday, but captain Jimmy Ockford helped Reno prevent a desperate Orange County team from overpowering the USL Cup hopeful. His leadership on the back line, as well as his ability to score goals via set pieces, has been an overlooked but important part of this team’s success.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match:
Jimmy Ockford, Reno 1868 FC – The defender scored Reno’s opening goal, completed 94.8 percent of his passes and recorded one tackle, one interception and six clearances in the victory.

Upcoming Games:
Orange County SC at Vancouver Whitecaps FC – Oct. 13, 10 p.m. ET, Thunderbird Stadium
Reno 1868 FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC – Oct. 14, 10 p.m. ET, Greater Nevada Field