Yeah and that's despite a deep early hole. I don't remember exactly, but I think they got 2 points from the first 5 games.
It's the same thing that happened with Rio Grande Valley FC last year, they started out their inaugural season slowly, and then kept improving until they were one of the top teams (finishing 2nd in the west). Not just comparing the two because they were both new, but RGV have the same type of relationship with Houston as we have with Reno, the only two of their kind so far. This year RGV seem to be middling (currently 8th in the west, in the last playoff spot), having lost players, and more importantly their coach Wilmer Cabrera to the Dynamo. I could see the Quakes plucking a couple of key players from Reno next season if they keep this up... but at least they'll probably still have Ian Russell coaching.
The other thing about Reno, at least in my opinion, they're fun to watch. Even the recent draw was very watchable. I started watching mostly to see how Yueill and Colvey were doing and stayed because the quality of play is good enough even when they're not there.
2017 Fans' Choice USL Midseason Awards Who gets your vote at the midway point of the season? COACH OF THE YEAR Ian Russell, Reno 1868 FC: Russell managed an outstanding offensive turnaround after a slow start to the season in his first Head Coaching position to put 1868 FC in solid contention to be a playoff team at the end of the season. ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Chris Wehan, Reno 1868 FC: Undrafted in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, Wehan has become a force for expansion side Reno, sitting tied for the league lead with seven assists and second in chances created with 38. MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Dane Kelly, Reno 1868 FC: The USL’s all-time leading scorer is in contention for his first USL Golden Boot, with 13 goals for the expansion side and the USL Player of the Month for May to his name already this season. As of now, Russell and Kelly are in second place, Wehan in first place...
A while back , I posted I was sort of against fielding a Quakes B team in Reno. My thinking then was it was too far for players and coaches to evaluate talent. I also thought because we had a new stadium, it would be a great way for the reserve team to showcase their talent in front of the hometown fans. Reno is still 5 hours away so its not close to San Jose by any means. Looking at the MLS2 west coast attendance numbers though, maybe its time they all move out of the local venues. The NYRB last year won the entire league with only 500 fan attendance average. I don't see how that looks good on paper or how good it is for the USL as a rule.
In recent weeks USL has announced expansion teams in Fresno and Vegas.... more regional rivals for Reno (plus there are the SF rumors)... https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1482805291801966 https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1497278860354609
Mfeka and Bersano starting, the bigger story is Pelosi on the bench... Here is our Starting XI for tonight's match against @SanAntonioFC! Welcome @marcPelosi! #RNOvSA | #UnityLoyalty1868 | #VamosAzules pic.twitter.com/E3eMUuiMD4— SK Holdings (@SKholdings_) August 13, 2017
For those that want to wash the taste of Houston away, here is the Reno game against the top defensive team in USL. Reno is leading the USL in goals scored. Should Ian come to SJ and teach Leitch how goals are scored?
Highlights: Eh, the two goals from last night hardly look like "repeatable" plays that a coach can take any credit for... From the postgame handshakes it looks like Pelosi did play...
Ironically, San Jose has a greater role in the Donner Party story than Reno. http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/08/01/why-new-san-jose-apartments-have-a-donner-party-plaque/
Reno beats Sac Republic on the road for their third straight win. They are now just 2 points out of a playoff spot. Dane Kelly with his league leading 16th goal. Could he replace Jamaican teammate Simon Dawkins?
Pelosi came on as a sub against Sac Republic and nearly scored a goal. Sure hope he's recovering well because the Quakes could use another guy that can play on defense
gald to hear his knee seems to be better and he's getting some playing time/fitness with Reno.....now if we could only see him get some minutes with the Quakes.....
I found the 30 for 30: George Best: All By Himself special that was aired on ESPN FC last month online... Maybe Reno 1868 FC will be featured on ESPN also?
For the bruised and battered Quake fans, Reno has a big game this weekend. They are playing Swope Park Rangers at home. Reno is in fourth place only 3 points behind Swope Park and only the top 3 teams make the playoffs so this game has a lot at stake.
So if someone lights off a flare, do they come over with their flashlights and hats and tell you put it out while giving you a lecture about starting a forest fire?
No clue, I've only been there once, in the early '80s to see Robin Williams at the Starlight Amphitheater. I don't remember any forests though. That might have been funny if there was a forest.