RENO, Nev. – Reno 1868 FC announced on Wednesday that Head Coach Ian Russell has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him with the club through 2019.

Russell, who is entering his second season with the club, said he is grateful for the opportunity to grow on what was a record-setting inaugural season.

“I'm very excited to continue building on what we've established here in Reno,” said Russell. “I want to thank [owner] Herb Simon, [president] Eric Edelstein, [general manager] Andy Smith and my assistant coaches Casey Tate and Chris Malenab for helping me lay a foundation here.

“Additionally, the support from [San Jose Earthquakes GM] Jesse Fioranelli, [Earthquakes Technical Director] Chris Leitch, Quakes ownership and the entire organization in San Jose that has been integral to our success both on and off the pitch. I look forward to seeing this team and soccer culture continue to grow.”

Russell guided 1868 FC to extraordinary heights in its inaugural season in 2017. Hired in November 2016, Russell quickly built one of the most prolific scoring teams in recent American professional soccer history.

With 2017 MVP Dane Kelly as the club’s cornerstone, Russell’s squad recovered from a slow start and finished third place in the USL’s Western Conference earning a home playoff match and finishing with a 17-7-8 record in the club’s first year. Kelly finished as the USL’s Golden Boot winner (18 goals) and Russell helped develop the USL’s Rookie of the Year and Assist Champion, Chris Wehan.