As expansion Reno 1868 FC prepares on the pitch for its inaugural USL season, so too is the fandom backing the new club. Preseason forges ahead with the start-up voice for this team, the Battle Born Brigade, serving as the focal point in Section 102 at Greater Nevada Field.

Reno hosts Sacramento Republic FC this Saturday in preseason play, and the two Western Conference sides are approximately 130 miles and two hours and 15 minutes by car between each other, creating the opportunity for a strong regional rivalry.

Sacramento has set a standard in the USL, both in performance and fan support. Led by the Tower Bridge Battalion, the atmosphere at Papa Murphy’s Park (formerly named Bonney Field) is one of the most intense in the league. That said, the Brigade and Reno are hoping to create their own voice separate from Republic FC’s model.

“They have definitely set an example for the league, and while we’re pushing for similar success, we’re moving in our own direction,” Brigade spokesman Matt Rafferty said. “A lot of us have been in supporters’ groups for MLS and we’re bringing in our own flavor and experiences.”