FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno Football Club announced on Wednesday it had signed hometown product Christian Chaney for the 2018 USL season, pending league and federation approval. The 23-year-old forward is the expansion franchise’s third signing for the club’s inaugural season, joining defender Mickey Daly and midfielder Agustin Cazarez, who were announced Tuesday.

“It very exciting,” Chaney said. “I can’t stress enough how much I enjoy and how much it helped me playing for Fuego and in front of the Fire Squad. When people ask me about Fresno, the one thing I mention is that the people here are diehard fans and loyal supporters and it really helps. It’s really an incredible feeling.”

Chaney appeared in nine matches for Sacramento Republic FC in 2017, including one start in 259 minutes played. He recorded an assist in Sacramento’s 6-2 win against Rio Grande Valley FC on June 21, 2017. In 2016, his only appearance with Republic FC was against CD Guadalajara, entering the match as a substitute and playing 35 minutes.