RENO, Nev. – As if having the Reno Aces sitting on top of the Pacific Coast League’s Pacific Northern Division didn’t put enough on Eric Edelstein’s plate as the postseason nears, the overwhelming success of Reno 1868 FC in its inaugural season in the USL has only added to the playoff fever that can be found around Greater Nevada Field these days.

As one of the most accomplished front office leaders outside the major leagues, though, Edelstein is taking everything in stride as both 1868 FC and the Aces take aim at postseason success.

“It’s similar to the players on the field, you just try to take it day by day,” said Edelstein recently. “It’s this constant balance between what’s in front of you and making sure what’s a little bit out in front of you is being considered for two sports. It’s been hectic, but it’s been fun. It’s certainly been rewarding. I sleep hard at night.”

Since the establishment of the club almost two years ago, Edelstein and his team have been laying the groundwork for what has become a remarkable success story on and off the field in the USL this season. 1868 FC is one of nine USL clubs this season to average more than 5,000 fans this season, with a wide variety of local fans turning out every home game to cheer the side on.

The team itself has produced as well. Sitting in third place in the USL’s Western Conference after Saturday night’s victory against the Swope Park Rangers, the hybrid partnership between 1868 FC and the San Jose Earthquakes has paid off handsomely, with the relationship between the two organizations providing a potential model for others in the future.

“It’s been great,” said Edelstein. “We set expectations at the front end, what we expect from each other, and I believe we’ve lived up to those expectations. I know the Quakes have lived up to their end, we strive daily to live up to our end, and when there’s wrinkles we get on the phone and I feel like we’ve been able to work through wrinkles as they come.

“Like any good relationship, both sides have to give in a little bit on things that aren’t perfect or ideal, but again, there’s a greater, broader vision, not just for this club and not just for the Quakes but for player development in general in charting a course that can be replicated.”