CHICAGO (September 15, 2020) – Justin Sukow (San Antonio, Texas/Ronald Reagan/South Carolina), who spent the 2019 season with the Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team, has signed a professional contract with Reno 1868 FC of the USL Championship, the club announced on Tuesday.  Sukow is the 10^th Rambler to advance on to the professional ranks since head coach Neil Jones arrived in Rogers Park prior to the 2013 season.
 
"We couldn't be any prouder of Justin for signing with Reno 1868 FC," Jones commented.  "Though his time at Loyola was short, Justin made an immediate impact with our program and played a vital role in our success last season.  Most importantly, Reno 1868 FC is getting an outstanding human being who fully deserves this tremendous opportunity.  We wish him all the best and look forward to following his career."
 
After spending the first two years of his career at South Carolina, Sukow was a fixture in Jones' lineup during his lone season with the Maroon & Gold in 2019.  The San Antonio, Texas native started in all 20 games en route to earning First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors and a Third Team All-West Region nod from the United Soccer Coaches.  He found the back of the net nine times, three of which were game-winning strikes, and dished out a team-best five assists, closing the year ranked second on the Rambler roster in overall points (23). 
 
Upon making his debut with Reno 1868 FC, Sukow will be one of three Ramblers playing in the USL Championship, joining Grant Stoneman (San Diego Loyal) and Tucker Stephenson (Oklahoma City Energy FC).
 
"I am very excited for this opportunity to begin playing at the next level with Reno 1868 FC," Sukow said.  "I want to thank everyone at Loyola, especially my coaches and teammates for helping me improve on a daily basis.  Although I was only at Loyola for one season, the memories I made will last a lifetime.  I will never forget the feeling of winning the conference tournament on penalties on our home field.  It was one of the best moments of my life.  Even though I won't be able to play with the boys next season, I can't wait to watch them have another amazing year.  Go Ramblers!"
 
Initially founded in 2015, Reno 1868 FC currently sits atop the Group A table with a sparkling 8-2-1 record.  The club is back in action on Wednesday, September 16 when it battles the Tacoma Defiance at 8:30 p.m. (CT) in Reno, Nev.