TACOMA, Wash. – Reno 1868 FC rallied from a halftime deficit as Christiano Francois had a goal and assist to earn a 3-1 victory against Tacoma Defiance at Cheney Stadium on Friday night.

The Defiance opened the game brightly and almost took the lead after just 23 seconds when Shandon Hopeau lashed a shot from the right side of the penalty area that was turned away by Reno goalkeeper J.T. Marcinkowsi at his near post. The hosts made the breakthrough in the 25th minute, however, as a good move opened space on the left for Danny Reynolds to center, and Chris Hegardt arrived late to put home a first-time finish for the first goal of the 2020 USL Championship season.

Reno’s first good look at goal didn’t arrive until almost halftime when Francois used his pace to take on the defense down the left, cut inside toward the penalty area and rifled a shot that was held by Defiance goalkeeper Trey Muse. 1868 FC tested Muse again nine minutes into the second half as a shot by Marcos Lopez was turned wide, but in the 56th minute a slide-rule pass by Eric Calvillo played Jack Skahan in behind the defense and he fired home into the left corner of the net to bring the visitors level.

1868 FC then took the lead with 16 minutes to go as Brent Richards lifted a ball into the right channel for Sam Gleadle, who centered for Corey Hertzog. The veteran forward’s finish was denied by Muse, but Francois was on hand to put home the rebound and a goal on his debut for Reno. The hosts almost responded with six minutes to go as Azriel Gonzalez sent a finish through traffic that hit the right post and was cleared to safety, but with three minutes to go Gilbert Fuentes put home a low finish off a cross by Francois to wrap up all three points for Reno.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Christiano Francois, Reno 1868 FC – Francois had a fine debut in Reno’s colors, contributing the game-winning goal and providing the assist on Gilbert Fuentes’ insurance marker.