It came in a losing effort, but last Thursday night Reno 1868 FC’s Dane Kelly reached a major USL milestone, becoming the first player to record 50 regular-season goals in the league’s history. So this USL Insights isn’t going to be necessarily heavy on analysis – unfortunately we don’t have Opta’s breakdowns of his previous seasons – and more an appreciation for the high level of finishing Kelly has brought over his six seasons in the league.

Maybe the most remarkable thing about Kelly reaching the mark first is the fact that he’s never really contended for the league’s Golden Boot. During his run of three successive double-digit goals from 2013-15, the closest he finished to the winner was four goals behind Dom Dwyer and Jose Angulo in 2013.

But the Jamaican’s consistency and ability to threaten defenses cannot be denied. Twice an All-League selection, including a First Team nod in 2014, Kelly has scored in all manners over his career. While his sweet spot has typically been around the left side of the penalty area, getting on the end of far-post crosses or driving into the area to finish with either foot as he breaks toward goal, Kelly has shown the ability to score spectacular goals with the best of them.

Take this left-footed strike for the Swope Park Rangers against Tulsa Roughnecks FC last season.

Or this finish from two years ago, an absolutely brilliant right-footed finish against Wilmington.

Or this left-footed half volley against Charlotte, which moved him into the lead for the USL’s all-time scoring lead.

Neither of Kelly’s goals against Real Monarchs SLC last Thursday night were of that standard, but they may have kick-started another big campaign for one of the best the USL has ever seen.

FILLING THE VOID

When Aodhan Quinn departed for FC Cincinnati this offseason, Louisville City FC went and found a replacement in 2016 USL Cup champion Speedy Williams, who had a standout 2016 season for the New York Red Bulls II. 

DA SILVA IN THE SPOTLIGHT

U.S. Youth international Pierre Da Silva was named as the No. 15 player in the 2016 USL 20 Under 20, and after a standout first professional season for Orlando City B signed a Homegrown Player deal with the Lions ahead of the 2017 season.

With only 66 passes attempted in 248 minutes of action – a rate of 24 per 90 minutes – and only one completed dribble so far this season he could be more assertive in taking control of a game. His passing accuracy in the opponents’ half also sits at 57.1 percent, which certainly could be sharper.

With all of that said, though, Da Silva is a top talent to watch this season. After serving his suspension last Saturday against Charlotte, he should be back in action on Friday night when OCB takes on the New York Red Bulls II, giving him another chance to shine.