Tacoma Defiance will face their toughest challenge so far since returning to action in July. Reno 1868 FC (3-1-0, +5) enter Saturday night’s game in first place in Group A, two points ahead of Tacoma with a game in hand. These two teams met in the opening game of the season, where Reno responded to Chris Hegardt’s opener with three unanswered goals as they beat the Defiance 3-1 back on March 6.
Since the restart Reno’s had one loss and two wins, with the loss coming in their first game back — a 1-0 game against Sacramento Republic FC — and wins against Portland Timbers 2 and Las Vegas Lights FC.