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Wehan Leads Trio Moving from Reno to Quakes

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 12/14/17, 2:48PM EST

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2017 USL Rookie of the Year joined by All-League selection Ockford, Fernandes


Photo courtesy David Calvert / Reno 1868 FC

RENO, Nev. – 2017 USL Rookie of the Year Chris Wehan was among three players who became the first to make the move from Reno 1868 FC to its Major League Soccer partner the San Jose Earthquakes on Thursday, with Wehan, 2017 USL All-League Selection Jimmy Ockford and Luis Felipe Fernandes signing MLS deals with the Quakes.

“Our partnership with San Jose has been strong from its inception and today only solidifies it,” Reno GM Andy Smith said. “Jimmy, Chris and Luis were vital pieces to our historic first season here in Reno and their hard work and dedication have been recognized.

“These three players showed that through hard work, doors can be opened to the next level. That is what our partnership was built on and we’ve become one of the premier examples across all of U.S. Soccer.”

Wehan had a standout rookie season after arriving in Reno having been passed over in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. The former University of New Mexico standout tied the USL single-season record with 12 assists and notched eight goals to earn Rookie of the Year honors alongside his 2017 USL All-League First Team selection as Reno set a single-season USL record with 75 goals in the regular season.

“I’m grateful for this chance that I’ve been working hard to get over the past few years,” Wehan said. “I put my trust in [Reno Head Coach] Ian [Russell] and I became a better player for it.

“I was down on myself after not getting drafted, but this organization helped me grow and I’m excited to jump to the next level with the Quakes.”   

Ockford captained Reno and was a defensive force for the expansion club. The former Seattle Sounders FC center back recorded 167 clearances, 71 interceptions and 27 blocks, and also contributed at the offensive end with four goals to earn USL All-League Second Team honors.

“Coming into 2017, one my goals was to help Reno out as much as I could as a player while I also strived to get better myself,” Ockford said. “We had a fantastic season and I’m extremely happy to be a part of the Quakes organization moving into 2018.”

Fernandes also provided impetus to Reno’s attack as he recorded five goals and three assists, while also notching 31 interceptions defensively. The 21-year-old Brazilian made 27 appearances for 1868 FC in his first season in the club, while also appearing as a guest player for the Quakes in the club’s international exhibition against German club Eintracht Frankfurt midway through the season.

“We accomplished so much as a team last season and I am grateful that our hard work was recognized,” Felipe said. “I had the opportunity to train with the Earthquakes and now I get to fulfill one of my dreams of playing in the MLS.

“I developed into a better player in Reno and cannot wait to grow even more.”

1868 FC Head Coach Ian Russell, who arrived in Reno having previously been part of the Quakes coaching staff and was nominated as a finalist for USL Coach of the Year this past season, said Thursday’s announcement was what he envisioned when he joined 1868 FC.

“This is a big moment for Reno,” Russell said. “It shows that with hard work and dedication, players can advance to the top division in U.S. soccer with a fantastic organization like the Earthquakes.

“I hold both clubs close to my heart and this is personally a great day.”

1868 FC President Eric Edelstein, who formed the partnership with San Jose upon the club’s inception, said that over the past season, Reno has become the model for affiliations with the MLS.

“This partnership set a new course for the development for professional players in America,” Edelstein said. “Today’s news delivers on that promise to compete in Reno while developing the future of San Jose.”

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