RENO, Nev. – Six players are set to return to Reno 1868 FC in 2019, pending league and federation approval, the club announced Monday morning.

The club re-signed the following players to new contracts:

Defender Brent Richards (122 clearances,  4 assists and 73 interceptions in 2018)

Defender Duke Lacroix (43 tackles, 5 assists in 2018)

The club exercised contract options on the following players:

Forward Brian Brown (17 goals,  4 assists in 2018)

Midfielder Lindo Mfeka  (4 goals, 1 assist in 2018)

Defender Thomas Janjigian (96 clearances, 43 interceptions in 2018)

Defender Zach Carroll (155 clearances, 52 interceptions in 2018)

The following players’ options were not picked up:

Goalkeeper Russ Klabough (Did not play in 2018)

Midfielder Guy Abend  (15 starts, 1 assist in 2018)

Defender Jordan Murrell (84 clearances, 33 interceptions and 1 assist in 2018)

Forward Mark Anthony Gonzalez (3 starts in 2018)

Midfielder Seth Casiple (3 goals and 3 assists in 2018)

Midfielder Kevin Partida (option picked up by the San Jose Earthquakes)

The following players’ contracts expired, making them free agents:

Forward Sidney Rivera (Did not play in 2018)

Goalkeeper Kyle Ihn (1 start in 2018)

Midfielder Sam Gleadle (1 appearance in 2018)

Forward Antoine Hoppenot (5 goals, 13 assists in 2018)

Defender Brenton Griffiths (1 goal, 70 clearances in 2018)

Forward Jerry van Ewijk (6 goals, 2 assists in 2018)

Head coach Ian Russell said that Monday was just the start of a process expected to continue well into 2019. Reno will look to build yet another playoff-contending roster after back-to-back trips to the USL Cup Playoffs and the club’s first postseason win in 2018.

Reno has also produced the most prolific attack in its first two seasons notching 132 goals. 

"Very pleased with how this offseason worked out so far," Russell said. "The players we're bringing back played an integral role in us making the playoffs for the second-straight year.

"This is just the beginning of what we hope to build for 2019."

Reno 1868 FC will hold open tryouts on Dec. 15 at Golden Eagle Sports Complex in Sparks from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those looking to try-out for the club are encouraged to sign-up at Reno1868fc.com.