RENO, Nev. – Reno 1868 FC has signed Brazilian forward Victor Pelae for the 2018 season, the team announced on Tuesday.

Pelae becomes the first new signing for 2018 and is expected to add to Reno’s potent attack that scored a USL record 75 goals last year.

“We’re looking forward to have Victor add to our front line next season,” Reno head coach Ian Russell said. “He’s a nice, strong forward that will help out in our attack.”

The Sao Paulo, Brazil native was most recently with the Miami Fusion where he scored 12 goals. He was a member of Ronaldo-owned Fort Lauderdale Strikers before joining Miami.

“I couldn’t be happier to sign with Reno for the 2018 season,” Pelae said. “It has been a long journey to get here and I want to thank everyone in the organization who made this possible.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this family and hope to be a positive contribution to my team on and off the field.”

Reno 1868 FC general manager Andy Smith said Pelae’s qualities on the pitch were not the only factors that led to the forward being signed.

“As good of a player as Victor is on the pitch, he is an even better person off it,” Smith said. “He’s a community ambassador that takes pride in helping others.

“Last season he volunteered his time to help Reno youth while he was a trialist. So we’re not only excited to have him join our club, we’re excited to having him in our community.”

Pelae also grew up around Brazilian soccer his entire life and is friends with some of the biggest stars in world soccer such as Neymar, Dani Alves and Thiago Silva.

He recently accepted an invitation to play alongside soccer legend Ronaldinho in a friendly in Nashville this past summer. 

Name: Victor Pelae

Pronunciation: (Pa-lay)

Position: Forward

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 185 lbs

Date of Birth: 2/12/1993

Age: 24

Hometown: Sao Paulo

Country: Brazil

Last Club: Miami Fusion

How Acquired: Free Agent Signing