TAMPA, Fla. (May 9, 2017) – Reno 1868 FC forward Dane Kelly has been voted the USL Player of the Week for Week 7 of the 2017 season. Kelly – the USL’s all-time leading goal scorer – notched a hat trick to lead 1868 FC to a 4-0 victory against Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday night, earning the club its first win in its history.
Kelly received 85 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL market. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC forward Masta Kacher finished second with eight percent of the vote.
USL Team of the Week
GK – Diego Restrepo, San Antonio FC: Restrepo’s four-save shutout helped SAFC stretch its undefeated start to eight games with a 1-0 victory against Sacramento.
D – Justin Bilyeu, New York Red Bulls II: Bilyeu recorded four interceptions, two clearances and an assist as the Red Bulls II earned a third consecutive win at MSU Soccer Park, defeating Harrisburg.
D – Ramon Martin Del Campo, Ottawa Fury FC: Del Campo notched three interceptions and three clearances, while also completing 53-of-65 passes to hold Tampa Bay scoreless in a draw at TD Place.
D – Damion Lowe, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Lowe earned a second consecutive selection as he won 6-of-7 aerial duels and recorded four interceptions and four clearances in a 0-0 draw against Ottawa.
M – Lindo Mfeka, Reno 1868 FC: Making his professional debut, Mfeka assisted on both of Reno’s second-half goals to help the side pull away for a victory against Phoenix.
M – Ataullah Guerra, Charleston Battery: Guerra’s early goal, his third of the season, proved the winner as the Battery defeated Bethlehem for its fifth win of the season.
M – Victor Souto, Pittsburgh Riverhounds: Souto scored a standout goal for his first as a professional to earn the Riverhounds a 1-0 victory against Toronto FC II.
M – Jerry van Ewijk, Orange County SC: Van Ewijk notched a pair of goals as Orange County opened its new venue in style with a 4-0 victory against the LA Galaxy II.
F – Masta Kacher, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Kacher struck twice as the Switchbacks earned a 3-0 victory against Tulsa Roughnecks FC.
F – Lebo Moloto, Swope Park Rangers: Moloto recorded a goal and assist, and completed all 24 of his passes, as the Rangers swept past Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2.
F – Dane Kelly, Reno 1868 FC: Kelly scored a hat trick, including two goals in the opening 10 minutes, as 1868 FC bagged its first victory in club history with a 4-0 win against Phoenix.
Bench: Matt Bersano (RNO), Pecka (SA), Nansel Selbol (SPR), Jimmy McLaughlin (CIN), Wuilito Fernandes (OC), Irvin Parra (SEA), Brandon Allen (NY) 75 minutes played, 2 goals
