RENO, Nev. – Reno 1868 FC edged out the Swope Park Rangers at home to earn its fourth straight win with a 1-0 victory at Greater Nevada Field on Saturday night. A rapid counterattack saw a ball lifted over the top to find USL leading scorer Dane Kelly, who was pushed over to give1868 FC a penalty kick which Antoine Hoppenot duly dispatched for a 10th-minute lead. Once taking the lead Reno controlled things, and should have had a second tally on the half-hour mark when a short free kick was sent for Hoppenot, but he could only swing over the ball. While Reno has often looked for the counterattack for its goals, the hosts were more defensive in the second half trying to hold on to that 1-0 lead. That task was made harder five minutes from time when Brenton Griffiths was shown a straight red card for a crude challenge, before the sides were evened out in stoppage time as Soony Saad was shown a red card for violent conduct, allowing Reno to hold on for the win.

Scoring:

10' – RNO – Antoine Hoppenot (Penalty)

Three Things That Matter:

1. While the two sides have only played each other twice, Reno 1868 FC has very quickly taken charge of this rivalry. Having won 4-1 back in July, another win here has seen Reno continue dominating this series. Even though this result was by a smaller margin, Reno was rarely troubled throughout the match.

2. With the winner of this match taking third place in the USL Western Conference, Reno 1868 FC took the opportunity and leaped over the Swope Park Rangers to grab third place on goal difference. That goal difference is now the best in the USL, and with the win they are now just three points behind San Antonio FC in second.

3. The Swope Park Rangers were in second place not that long ago but now have found themselves falling, sitting in fourth place after a terrible run of results in recent weeks. Following this loss, the Rangers have extended an unwanted streak, now pushing out to six matches without a win.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Dane Kelly, Reno 1868 FC – While it was a rare match with Dane Kelly not getting on the score sheet, his impact was still clearly felt. Kelly made the run which forced the early penalty, had a 75% pass completion rate and even got defensive work done, making three clearances.