Jim Krajewski

jkrajewski@rgj.com

The Reno 1868 FC has one preseason game left, this one against a team it hopes to build a rivalry with.

And it’s against one of the top United Soccer League teams.

The Reno 1868 FC play Sacramento Republic FC at 4 p.m. Saturday at Greater Nevada Field.

This is the first time the Reno team will face an opponent from the United Soccer League. But Sacramento played at GNF twice before, against the Liverpool U21 in a friendly there last year.

Republic FC also played in Reno against Real Monarchs SLC, the first USL regular-season game played at Greater Nevada Field.

Reno 1868 FC coach Ian Russell said his players are close to being in peak physical shape. He said they are at about 85-90 percent of their top condition level.

Russell said Republic FC has established itself as a perennial contender in the USL and it will be a good indicator of where his team stands, heading into its first season.

He said limiting touches by Sacramento will be critical Saturday.

“They’ve been one of the top teams in the Western Conference for the last four years. We know it’s going to be a big challenge for us,” Russell said. “We want to limit their time on the ball and press them.”

For one Reno player, midfielder Matt La Grassa, this weekend will be a reunion.

La Grassa played for Sacramento last season.

“I obviously still have friends there and I know the front office there and a lot of people involved with the club,” La Grassa said. “I’m just excited and want to see them all, but I just want to compete with them. I think this rivalry is going to be great.”

He said a good performance Saturday will be good for the Reno players’ confidence.

La Grassa said the players are close to full game fitness and that their intensity should be high this weekend.

“We’re trying to find our team identity, how we’re going to play throughout this season. I think it’s all starting to come together, slowly,” La Grassa said.

Reno 1868 will begin its first regular season with a game against Orange County SC at GNF at 7 p.m. on March 25.

Last year, Orange County advanced to the Western Conference USL Cup semifinals after defeating Sacramento Republic FC in the first round.

Earlier this week, Reno 1868 FC signed midfielder and prolific scorer, Chris Wehan, pending league and federation approval.

Wehan, 22, spent last summer training with the San Jose Earthquakes. He was invited to a trial with Reno 1868 FC last month.

In Wehan’s junior year at New Mexico, he was named to the First Team All-Conference USA after leading the Lobos with 10 goals scored.

As a senior, Wehan led the Lobos to victory in the 2016 Conference USA men’s soccer tournament and was the MVP.

Wehan made the NSCAA First Team All-Southwest Region and earned First Team All-Conference USA honors. During his time with the Lobos, Wehan scored 31 goals in 80 appearances.