BTB Academy product Reno Nero joins Griffins with potential to make an immediate impact

EDMONTON – Possessing the stamina and ability to run all day, the latest recruit for the MacEwan Griffins men's soccer team will fill a key role in the 2025 season.

Reno Nero, among the top local players to come out of the 2006 age group, has big-time potential to make an immediate impact in Canada West.

The BTB Academy product is likely to replace Kayden Dugas' minutes after the latter moved on to the pro ranks, currently on trial with the Toronto FC second team. Dugas could run for days, and Griffins head coach Adam Loga sees Nero in the same light.

"Hopefully he can come in and step into that role seamlessly," said Loga of replacing Dugas, who made the Canada West All-Rookie team in 2023.

"Reno's always been a top player in the city for his age group as a 2006-born," he continued. "He's an engine. He loves to attack, he loves to dribble at guys, he loves to get forward."

After graduating from Vimy Ridge Academy, he signed with a team in Portugal (SC Beira-Mar U19) but an injury brought him back to Edmonton.

"He was probably one of the top 06s," said Loga. "Just working briefly with him with the Whitecaps (Academy) and I know he's been over there on trial. 

"He was a highly-touted young man and still has potential to be. We're excited to get him here late."