RENO, Nev. – Reno 1868 FC has signed defender Nathan Aune pending league and federation approval, the club announced Thursday.

Aune joins the club after being drafted 50th overall by the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2019 MLS Superdraft. Before being drafted, the defender was a four-year starter at Seattle University and also spent time with Crossfire Premier of USL League Two from 2017-2018.

“Nathan is another player who we’ve followed for a few years,” head coach Ian Russell said Thursday. “He’s excellent in the air, a powerful center back, reads the game really well, and we’re looking forward to watching him make an impact here in the next year or two.”

Over his collegiate career, the defender notched six goals, had one assist and made 79 starts in his 80 appearances. His senior year, Aune was named to the All-Western Athletic Conference First Team as well as the United Soccer Coaches All-West Region Second Team.

Aune and Reno 1868 FC will travel to Fresno to take on Fresno FC on Saturday, March 23. Kick-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. and the match can be streamed on ESPN+. Reno 1868 FC will return to Greater Nevada Field on March 30 to take on OKC Energy FC. For tickets visit Reno1868FC.com or the Greater Nevada Field ticket office.

Name: Nathan Aune

Pronunciation: (Ah-nee)

Position: Defender

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 185 lbs.

Date of Birth: 10/27/1996

Age: 22

Hometown: Arlington, Washington

Country: U.S.A

How Acquired: Free Agent

Last Club: Seattle University Men’s Soccer