SAN JOSE, Calif. – Reno 1868 FC and its MLS affiliate, the San Jose Earthquakes, have agreed to a one-year affiliation extension, the clubs announced Saturday. 

The deal, which includes a one-year option, was approved by both the United Soccer League and Major League Soccer Friday afternoon.

“This extension emboldens our partnership,” Edelstein said. “And it continues to be the benchmark for successful MLS and USL affiliations.”

The current affiliation was constructed in 2016 in anticipation of the 2017 season and both clubs saw enormous success in Year One.  Both teams made the playoffs last year and saw record marks from standout players.

“We are very excited to announce the extension of our partnership with Reno,” said Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli. “We would like to give each player the opportunity to have his own pathway. By working together on the technical and commercial sides, led by Ian Russell, Eric Edelstein, Andy Smith and the whole team, we are thrilled to announce that we will be extending this partnership together.”

Along with making the USL playoffs in its inaugural season, Reno 1868 FC set the USL record for most goals in a single season (75) and boasted the league’s MVP, Golden Boot winner (Dane Kelly) and USL Rookie of the Year and Assist Champion (Chris Wehan).

The Earthquakes signed Wehan, fellow midfielder Luis Felipe and defender Jimmy Ockford in December highlighting a successful player-development partnership. 

Numerous Earthquakes players have spent time on loan with the USL side, including midfielders Fatai Alashe and Jackson Yueill, and goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell. Reno defender Thomas Janjigian also competed for San Jose during the team’s Fourth Round win over the SF Deltas in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.