RENO, Nev. – Reno 1868 FC has signed midfielder Raúl Mendiola pending league and federation approval, the club announced Monday.

Mendiola joins Reno from rival Las Vegas Lights FC where he led the club in scoring (10 goals) and averaged one of the highest minutes per goal ratios (157.9) in the league.

A veteran USL Championship player, Mendiola is expected to be an immediate impact for an already impressive Reno 1868 FC lineup. 

“From the start, we’ve had our eyes on Raul,” head coach Ian Russell said. “He’s a very dynamic, attacking player whose minute per goal ratio is one of the tops in the league.

“He’s an excellent addition who will fit well in our system. Excited to have him in 2019.”

Despite just 22 appearances, Mendiola was an immediate impact for the first-year club from Southern Nevada. To go along with his team-leading 10 goals, Mendiola added four assists and created 26 chances in 2018.

Two of Mendiola’s goals in 2018 came in a 3-3 draw Sept. 22 at Greater Nevada Field against Reno.

Prior to joining the Southern Nevada club, Mendiola already had a reputation as one of the most productive midfielders in the league.

A former Homegrown signing with the LA Galaxy, Mendiola was a key part of LA Galaxy II’s run to the Western Conference Championship. He notched a total of 10 assists that year.

Mendiola made 13 career appearances in Major League Soccer for the Galaxy. In total he has 16 goals and 24 assists in his time in the USL Championship.

Mendiola joins returnees Lindo Mfeka and forward Brian Brown as part of Reno’s loaded attack ahead of the 2019 season.

Reno returns to action Feb. 9, 2019 in a friendly against MLS affiliate, the San Jose Earthquakes.

Kickoff for that match is slated for 12:45 p.m. at Greater Nevada Field. For more information on how to purchase tickets, please visit Reno1868FC.com/tickets.

Raúl Mendiola

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5-foot-8

Weight: 152 pounds

Born: 5/18/1994

Hometown: Ciudad Juárez, Mexico

Last Club: Las Vegas Lights FC

Country: United States of America

Age: 24

How Acquired: Free Agent Signing