FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno Football Club has added striker Jaime Chavez to its offensive arsenal for the 2019 season, pending league and federation approval, the club announced Thursday.

The 31-year-old forward of Industry, Calif., provided the Foxes with another big target up top, standing at 6-foot-1. Chavez most recently spent part of last season in the USL Championship with Tampa Bay Rowdies, appearing in five matches and recording one goal. He joined the Rowdies from Miami FC in the NPSL, where he scored nine goals in 11 appearances while helping Miami win the NPSL Championship.

“This one is a really, really big signing for us,” said head coach Adam Smith. “He’s a player that’s got a very good pedigree and has played at a high level for a lot of teams. He has a very good goals-per-game ratio and he’s an experienced player. He’s that guy we’ve been looking for, who can score lots of goals in a true No. 9 position, so we’re delighted to have him. We expect big things from him and we hope he enjoys his time here in Fresno.”

From Southern California, Chavez grew up playing in the Chivas USA youth academy before seeing stints with PDL sides Hollywood United Hitmen and LA Misioneros, during which he scored 30 goals across 42 appearances over three seasons. He caught his professional break in 2014 when he signed with the Atlanta Silverbacks of the NASL in 2014. Chavez scored 20 goals in two seasons with the Silverbacks before making a move to Miami FC in 2015. At Miami, Chavez scored a combined 18 goals over the 2016 and 2017 seasons, taking that form into Miami’s championship season.

The Foxes kick off the USL Championship regular season on March 9 at New Mexico United. The Foxes open at home on March 23 against Reno 1868 FC. Tickets for the full 2019 Season and single games are available now at 559-320-2525 or by visiting FresnoFC.com.

Name: Jaime Chavez

Position: Striker

Birthdate: 7/17/1987

Hometown: Industry, Calif.

Country: USA

Height: 6-1

Weight: 181

How Acquired: Free agent

Last club: Miami FC