Earthquakes Advent Calendar Day 18: Reno

As we head into the last week of our San Jose Earthquakes advent calendar, we find something that is not in California: Reno 1868 FC.

A soccer season is a long and grueling journey, and for teams to survive, they need depth and lower level developmental or academy teams is where that is created. Reno 1868 FC is the team that produces this depth for the Earthquakes, they also serve as a place of rehabilitation for players coming off of injury. The two organizations signed a partnership ahead of Reno’s inaugural season in 2017, and the partnership has been renewed until 2019 with an option for 2020.

The Earthquakes front office handles all the technical side of the team while the business side is taken care of by a Reno-based group led by Herbert Simon. Reno has been an immediate success and has made the playoffs both of their years in USL. That success was directed by longtime Earthquakes coach Ian Russell who has been a part of the organization since 2008 and recently received his US Soccer Pro Licence, the highest license recognized in North America. Reno has already produced players like Kevin Partida and Eric Calvillo and with their high level of play serve as an excellent place for injured players to get back to health.

Check back tomorrow to see what is behind door number 19!