RENO – Following Monday’s signing of Dane Kelly, Reno 1868 FC has signed Jordan Murrell, Brenton Griffiths and Matthew LaGrassa. Murrell and Griffiths are expected to solidify backline while LaGrassa will play as a box-to-box midfielder.

“Each of these players has something special to bring to the team,” said Ian Russell, head coach of Reno 1868 FC. “I hand-picked these players because of their work ethic and experience.”

Jordan Murrell

Murrell, 23, progressed through the Canadian national team’s U-18, U-20 and U-23 programs, and holds significant experience in the Premier Development League and United Soccer League. While attending Syracuse University, Murrell played for the Ocean City Nor’easters and K-W United FC of the PDL. Murrell later played for the USL’s Real Monarchs and most recently the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

Brenton Griffiths

Griffiths, 25, played at the international level for Jamaica’s U-17 and U-20 teams. He was then selected by the Colorado Rapids in the second round of the 2013 Major League Soccer Supplemental Draft. Griffiths was later recruited for the USL’s Orange County Blues where he played four seasons. After his 2015 campaign with the Blues, he earned All-League Second Team honors.

Matthew LaGrassa

LaGrassa, 23, played four years at California Polytechnic State University. During his time at Cal Poly, he also played for the Des Moines Menace and Ventura County Fusion of the PDL. LaGrassa later returned home after signing with Sacramento Republic FC and proved himself as an essential player in their midfield.

Greater Nevada Field will host up to 18 matches in 2017, with 16 coming as regular-season matches for Reno 1868 FC during their inaugural USL campaign. The USL previously announced that the regular season will expand to 32 matches beginning in 2017. The club will play its first preseason match against the MLS’ San Jose Earthquakes on February 18.

Since the franchise was announced in September 2015, Reno 1868 FC has unveiled its club name, colors, crest and home jersey kit. Ian Russell, a former assistant coach of the San Jose Earthquakes, was announced as 1868 FC’s head coach on November 22. The away kit and additional coaching staff will be announced at a later date.