RENO, NEV. — Recent Lobo graduating senior Sam Gleadle has officially signed a professional contract with Reno 1868 FC, the club announced this week. Gleadle becomes the second Lobo in two years to sign with Reno 1868 following former Lobo Chris Wehan, who was recently signed by the MLS San Jose Earthquakes.
“Sam is a diligent worker who developed into one of the best attacking talents in the country his senior season,” head coach Jeremy Fishbein said. “He has electric pace and one-vs-one ability which will translate into much success at the professional level. He is extremely deserving of this opportunity and it will be a pleasure following his success.”
Gleadle started all 14 games in which he played for the Lobos in 2017, tying for third on the squad with three goals including a pair of gamewinners. He was named to the All-Conference USA Third Team for his outstanding efforts throughout the season and capped off his career with a CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team honor.
“This is something I’ve been working towards my entire life and if feels great to sign my first contract,” Gleade said. “I’m looking forward to being part of a team again, working for something bigger than myself and putting the team-first mentality back into my play. Tryouts are tough but this reward makes it all worth it.
I’ve had a lot of support from my family and friends, in the US and England, and they have never stopped believing in me so I owe a lot to them!”
Former Lobo Sam Gleadle signs contract with USL’s Reno 1868 FC
During his career at UNM, Gleadle made 70 appearances including 31 starts and tallied 22 points on five goals and 12 assists in 4,018 minutes on the pitch. He was also a regular honoree of the C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll. Gleadle also competed for Albuquerque Sol FC.
“Sam is quick, dynamic and has good feet,” Reno head coach Ian Russell said. “He’ll be looking to get some minutes here with the team.”
“I cannot thank everyone in Albuquerque enough,” Gleadle said. “The coaching staff was always good to me and worked with me when things were good and bad. I am thankful to the guys I played with for pushing me every day in training and to the fans who were always screaming no matter the weather or result and always showed up – the constant support from the 505 is incredible and it’s because of that culture that makes UNM a great place to play and attract top players!”
Gleadle joins the team right after former teammate Wehan was named USL Rookie of the Year as a standout on the Reno 1868 FC squad. Wehan has since signed a contract with the MLS San Jose Quakes.
“I’m looking forward to getting in front of the passionate fans here in Reno and hopefully putting some good performances on the pitch,” Gleadle said. “To the guys I had the chance to play with, I’m so thankful for you and I wish you all the best of luck in the upcoming seasons, I’ll be watching!”