CARSON, Calif. – Darwin Espinal, former No. 1 Premier Development League Top Prospect, lifted Reno 1868 FC over the LA Galaxy II with a goal that saw the road side secure a 2-1 victory at the StubHub Center - Track Stadium on Wednesday. Reno came out swinging on the road and found the opener in the fifth minute, when Brent Richards hit a sensational strike from outside the box past by Galaxy II goalkeeper Eric Lopez. While 1868 FC held a majority of the possession in the first 45 minutes, the Galaxy II had many opportunities to respond, and they did in the 37th minute. Receiving a ball from Jack McBean, Raul Mendiola hit a shot towards goal, and a massive deflection saw the ball sail by Reno netminder Matt Bersano. Coming on as a second-half substitute, Espinal impressed on the ball and turned many heads with a deft right-footed finish, which served as the game-winner. With the result, Reno improves to 14-5-6 overall, while the Galaxy II fall to 7-14-4 this campaign.

Scoring:

5’ – RNO – Brent Richards

37’ – LA – Raul Mendiola (Jack McBean)

66’ – RNO – Darwin Espinal (Brian Brown)

Three Things That Matter:

1. Reno’s quest to break the single-season record for goals scored continues, as the club netted their 58th and 59th goals of the season in the win against the Galaxy II on Wednesday. Now three goals back from the setting the record, Reno has scored in five consecutive matches. 1868 FC has been held scoreless in only three games this campaign.

2. While the club has its eyes set on a few regular-season records, 1868 FC is also now on the cusp of clinching a USL Cup Playoffs spot in its inaugural campaign. Reno secured Wednesday’s result thanks to another outstanding attacking exhibition, which included a couple of jaw-dropping strikes. Richards’ rocket from outside of the box in the fifth minute was a sight to behold, but Espinal may have outdone him with a clever curler in the second half. If other results bounce their way, and the club continues to produce on the offensive end, the club will clinch its spot in postseason play in no time.

3. The Galaxy II’s home woes continue, as the club falls to 3-8-3 at the StubHub Center - Track Stadium. The loss also puts the Galaxy II on the verge of missing the USL Cup Playoffs for the first time since joining the league. With seven games to go in the regular season, the Galaxy II will need a Herculean effort to rise from the ashes and continue their playoff participation streak.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match:

Darwin Espinal, Reno 1868 FC – Needing a win on the road to keep pace with the top teams in the Western Conference, the former South Florida Surf standout proved to be a super sub by netting the crucial game-winning goal.