By Aldo Amato,

RENO, Nev. — Reno 1868 FC has signed defender James Kiffe to the 2018 roster, the team announced Saturday pending league and federation approval.

Kiffe signed with Reno 1868 FC after spending a majority of the preseason with the second-year club.

He joins Reno after spending the past four seasons at rival Sacramento Republic FC.

“James has been one of the best left backs in the USL for the past couple of years,” Reno head coach Ian Russell said Saturday. “We’re excited to add one of the top attacking-minded defenders in both our conference and the league.”

Kiffe is regarded as one of the most dynamic defenders in the USL.

Kiffe was picked in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft by the San Jose Earthquakes.

In 2014, he played an instrumental role in Sacramento’s championship season starting in all three playoff matches and recording two assists in the championship match.

Kiffe’s knack for finding his teammates has been a strong-suit for the veteran defender over the years. Kiffe has recorded 12 assists since 2015. He was one of two players to ever play in 100 career matches for Sacramento Republic FC.

“We’re extremely fortunate to sign who we think is one of the premier left backs in the USL,” Reno GM Andy Smith said. “Kiffe not only brings a championship pedigree, but also a versatile skill-set to our back four.”

James Kiffe

Name: James Kiffe

Pronunciation: Kiff-E

Position: Defender

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 181 lbs.

Jersey Number: 2

Date of Birth: Jan. 24, 1989

Age: 29

Hometown: Santa Barbara, California

Country: United States

Last Club: Sacramento Republic FC

How Acquired: Free Agent Signing on March 17, 2018