“He’s scored a lot of goals on this field and I’m hoping the memory banks are triggered and he can recreate what he did for the Fuego in 2016,” said Fresno FC head coach Adam Smith, who coached Chaney while he was an assistant for Republic FC. “There’s a lot more to come from Christian. I think it’s a important to look for homegrown talent. There’s nothing better than a local boy doing well, becoming a success story and playing for his own town.”

Chaney was the No. 1 ranked prospect in the Premier Development League (PDL) following the 2016 season when he scored 13 goals in 12 games with the Fresno Fuego - his final season with the club. His most memorable performance was on May 19 at Chukchansi Park when he scored four goals in 69 minutes against the Las Vegas Mobsters. His role in the attack fueled the Fuego to a Central Pacific division title and the club’s first playoff appearance in three seasons.

“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.”