Reno 1868 FC announced on Friday the signing of defender Tony Alfaro to a 2020 USL contract, pending league and federation approval. Alfaro played three seasons in Seattle, from 2016-2018. In 2017, Alfaro had his best MLS season to date when he started eight games. This past season, Alfaro split time between Chivas de Guadalajara and Club Atlético Zapatepec, after he was loaned from Chivas in July.
Reno also announced last Thursday the signing of wide attacker Christiano François to a 2020 USL contract, pending league and federation approval. François has tallied 12 goals and 19 assists in his four-year USL career. François, from Haiti, played in two games for the Haiti National Team in September 2019.
Reno 1868 FC has set a preseason friendly for Feb. 29 at Greater Nevada Field against San Diego Loyal SC. San Diego, led by head coach Landon Donovan, is entering its inaugural season. Reno 1868 FC head coach Ian Russell and Donovan have history together, as they were teammates on the Quakes from 2001-2004, winning MLS Cups in both 2001 and 2003.
Reno 1868 FC will feature an Academy team this season for the first time in team history. The U-17 squad will represent Reno this May at the National USL Academy Cup in Tampa Bay, Fla.
