RENO, Nev. – Reno 1868 FC has signed Brent Richards, pending league and federation approval. Richards is expected to play a key defensive role alongside Brenton Griffiths and Jordan Murrell.

“Brent is very versatile,” said Ian Russell, head coach of Reno 1868 FC. “He’s a wide player who is comfortable in the midfield and the back line.”

Richards, 26, was the first homegrown player to be signed by Major League Soccer club Portland Timbers in 2012. Prior to signing with the club, Richards played for the Portland Timbers U23s in the Premier Development League from 2009-11. Richards helped the Timbers U23s win the PDL championship in 2010 with a perfect 16-0 record. During his time with the Timbers U23s, he made 37 appearances and scored 26 goals.

Richards most recently played for Portland Timbers 2 of the United Soccer League from 2015-16. He helped the club win 12 matches, including six clean sheets, and scored the deciding goal in a 1-0 victory against Rio Grande Valley FC.

Richards attended the University of Washington where he was one of the Pac-10/Pac-12’s top scorers. In 72 career appearances for the Huskies, Richards scored 31 goals and tallied 15 assists. During his four-year run, Richards led the Huskies in game-winning goals and total goals scored. In 2011, Richards was named to the Capital One Academic All-American First Team.

Season Memberships are on-sale now at reno1868fc.com or by calling 775-334-7001. For-up-to-date news and notes throughout the season, follow Reno 1868 FC on Twitter @reno1868fc, Instagram @reno1868fc or like the team on Facebook. 

- @reno1868fc / @reno1868fc_PR