RENO, Nev. – Reno 1868 FC will welcome its MLS affiliate, the San Jose Earthquakes, to Greater Nevada Field in 2019, the clubs announced on Tuesday. Both clubs will meet on Feb. 9, 2019 with kickoff slated for 1 p.m.
“We are so appreciative of our partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes,” Eric Edelstein, president of Reno 1868 FC, said Tuesday. “February 9 will be a day to celebrate and highlight the most successful affiliation in America between MLS and USL franchises.”
The meeting will be the first at Greater Nevada Field since Reno’s inaugural season in 2017. San Jose captured a 1-0 win as midfielder Tommy Thompson scored a back-heel that made SportsCenter’s Top-10 plays.
Overall this will be the third friendly between the two clubs, with both meeting as recently as February 10, 2018 at Avaya Stadium. San Jose won that match 4-0.
Next year’s match will highlight the strengthened partnership between Reno and San Jose. The two clubs agreed on a one-year extension in February which included a one-year option for 2020.
Since joining forces in 2017, Reno has seen four of its players sign with San Jose, including Sparks native Kevin Partida, who joined San Jose on loan in June. Players from both squads have helped contribute to each team’s respective seasons.
Players on loan from San Jose have scored 12 goals, notched seven assists and have recorded six clean sheets in 2018 for Reno 1868 FC. Three Reno 1868 FC alums (Jimmy Ockford, Chris Wehan and Kevin Partida) have notched 15 combined starts for the Earthquakes this year.
Reno returns to action at home Saturday against Saint Louis FC at 7:15 p.m. San Jose takes on Seattle Sounders FC on Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. at Avaya Stadium.
