RENO, Nev. – Reno 1868 FC announced on Monday it had signed midfielder Raúl Mendiola pending league and federation approval. Mendiola joins Reno from rival Las Vegas Lights FC where he led the club with 10 goals in the 2018 season at a rate of a goal every 157.9 minutes during the campaign.

“From the start, we’ve had our eyes on Raul,” 1868 FC 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.”

Mendiola has been one of the USL Championship’s leading playmakers since first appearing in the league for the LA Galaxy II in the 2014 season. His 23 assists are sixth in the league’s modern era, putting him alongside the likes of Orange County SC’s Aodhan Quinn and former 1868 FC forward Antoine Hoppenot and only eight back of Real Monarchs SLC’s Maikel Chang on 31.

The 24-year-old has also scored 19 goals in the USL Championship, including a career-best 10 tallies last season for Reno’s Silver State Cup-rival Las Vegas. A former Homegrown signing for the Galaxy, Mendiola recorded 10 assists when Los Dos claimed the Western Conference Championship in the 2015 season.

In addition to his time on loan with the Galaxy II, Mendiola also made 13 appearances in Major League Soccer for the Galaxy over four seasons with the club.