RENO, Nev. – Reno 1868 FC scored four goals in either half as they routed the LA Galaxy II 9-0 on Monday night in front of 5,140 fans at Greater Nevada Field. The win was the largest margin of victory in USL history, as 1868 FC moved the side into fourth place in the USL Western Conference. Reno struck first in just the third minute as a low cross by Dane Kelly was turned into his own net at the near post by Robert Castellanos, and five minutes later Kelly found the net himself with a first-time finish from Chris Wehan’s low cross. Jordan Murrell got in on the action in the 11th minute as a short corner to Seth Casiple found the center back at the near post for a precise header. LA’s Justin Dhillon went close to an answer from a set piece by Adonis Amaya, only to find the left side-netting, but Reno added to its lead from the penalty spot after Antoine Hoppenot converted after being brought down in the penalty area. Murrell notched his second of the night as Reno held possession in the attacking third after a free kick, allowing Casiple to slide the defender in to finish from the left side of the penalty area, while Wehan bagged a second assist as Matt LaGrassa scored his first for 1868 FC in the 65th minute. Wehan added a goal of his own with 14 minutes to go with a low shot to the right corner, and notched his second of the night nine minutes later. Darwin Espinal then completed the rout, and set the USL record, with two minutes to go.

Scoring:

3’ – RNO – Own Goal (Robert Castellanos)

8’ – RNO – Dane Kelly (Chris Wehan)

11’ – RNO – Jordan Murrell (Seth Casiple)

25’ – RNO – Antoine Hoppenot (penalty)

49’ – RNO – Jordan Murrell (Seth Casiple)

65’ – RNO – Matt LaGrassa (Chris Wehan)

76’ – RNO – Chris Wehan

85’ – RNO – Chris Wehan (Antoine Hoppenot)

88’ – RNO – Darwin Espinal

Three Things That Matter:

1. Reno grabbed hold of the game early with their pressure on the Galaxy II defense, and it led to three goals inside the opening 15 minutes as Los Dos’ defensive mistakes were clinically punished by 1868 FC’s potent attack. 1868 FC has shown the ability to strike quickly throughout its rise in the Western Conference standings, and the hosts made their guests look a step slow repeatedly, particularly on Dane Kelly’s 13th goal of the season. A pass into space from the left was seized upon by Chris Wehan, and his burst to gather possession and drive into the penalty area left the Galaxy II defense flatfooted, leaving the Jamaican striker all alone for a first-time finish.

2. While Kelly and Antoine Hoppenot – who took over penalty duties from Kelly to good effect on the night – were known commodities coming into the season, Chris Wehan has emerged as the breakout attraction for 1868 FC attack. Undrafted coming out of the University of New Mexico, Wehan now sits tied for the USL lead with seven assists this season as his smart runs and ability to provide the right ball at the right time has paid off handsomely. At the halfway point of the season, the former Sounders FC U23 player has put himself firmly into the frame for the USL Rookie of the Year award.

3. The Galaxy II’s struggles continued as the side matched its mark for the most losses in a USL season with its 11th defeat of the season. As you would expect, the side worked to try and find a path back into the game, and there were some flashes that showed the quality Los Dos could bring in the future, but there were too many giveaways of possession in their own half, and too many openings granted against a strong 1868 FC side for the result to be anything but that which transpired.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Chris Wehan, Reno 1868 FC – Wehan notched two goals and two assists in a complete performance that helped set a USL record.