COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Reno 1868 FC is starting to turn its season around after a rough start, earning another impressive result on Saturday – a 0-0 tie against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Weidner Field. Reno goalkeeper J.T. Marcinkowski turned in an admirable shift for the visiting side, making four saves on the night. His best stop of the match came in the ninth minute, when AJ Ajeakwa headed a shot on frame from the goalmouth, but Marcinkowski moved quickly across his line to deny the opportunity. With the result, 1868 FC moves to 2-3-3 this campaign, while the Switchbacks are now 3-4-2 this campaign.
Three Things That Matter:
1. After starting the season 0-3-1, which included a 4-0 loss against the Switchbacks at Greater Nevada Field on April 14, 1868 FC is now undefeated in four consecutive games. Saturday’s result is the second straight 0-0 tie of the season for Reno, which has road matches against Tulsa Roughnecks FC and Sacramento Republic FC ahead of it. While the team does not have a winning record at home this season, it has yet to lose on the road and will look to keep that streak going on Wednesday.
2. The Switchbacks have been held scoreless in three consecutive matches – six overall this season. AJ Ajeakwa and Luke Vercollone have had bursts of exceptional attacking play so far this season, but the team has been unable to convert, for the most part, when opportunities present themselves. The Switchbacks controlled 59.1 percent of the ball on Saturday and attempted 15 shots – 10 more than Reno on the night – but 1868 FC netminder J.T. Marcinkowski was up to the challenge.
3. Marcinkowski made four saves to record the clean sheet, including a couple of eye-opening stops. The Georgetown product’s best denial came early in the match, as he moved quickly across his line to prevent Ajeakwa from scoring after a cross was sent into the box from the left wing. In the 86th minute, he denied what was the Switchbacks’ final good goal-scoring attempt, pushing a free-kick shot at goal up and over the crossbar.
USLSoccer.com Man of the Match
Thomas Janjigian, Reno 1868 FC – The defender recorded one tackle, four clearances and two interceptions on the night, while also completing 81.4 percent of his passes.
Upcoming Games:
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC – May 11, 9 p.m. ET, Weidner Field
Reno 1868 FC at Tulsa Roughnecks FC – May 9, 8 p.m. ET, ONEOK Field