The Swope Park Rangers took, understandably, some time in the first half of their inaugural season to become a truly cohesive unit, but when the time came the USL newcomer came good as it not only surged into the postseason, but went on to claim its first piece of silverware in the Western Conference Championship.

With a squad that included a number of recognizable names, the success the side found shouldn’t necessarily have come as a surprise. With the emergence of a number of new faces, such as Mark Anthony Gonzalez, Ayrton, Amer Didic and Kevin Oliveira, however, the Rangers appear well set to continue the path they’ve created in the club’s second season.

2016 USL SEASON IN REVIEW

Record: 14-10-6, 48 points
Place: Fourth in the Western Conference
Goals For: 45
Goals Against: 36
USL Cup Playoffs: USL Cup Final (W 3-0 vs. LA Galaxy II; W 2-1 vs. Orange County Blues FC; W 3-0 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2; L 5-1 at New York Red Bulls II)

2016 leaders: Mark Anthony Gonzalez (9 goals), Ayrton (7 assists), Jon Kempin (31 saves)

WHAT WENT RIGHT

The Rangers saw the young players within the squad emerge capably throughout the season, with leading scorer Mark Anthony Gonzalez, midseason addition Ayrton and defender Amer Didic, who claimed All-League honors, leading the way. The side’s veterans also put in strong work, with Kris Tyrpak (7 goals) and Dane Kelly (6 goals) both continuing to show their ability in front of goal throughout the season.

WHAT WENT WRONG

The side’s biggest issues came on the injury front, which stalled the team’s growth in the first half of the season and then saw key players miss out in the postseason. In particular, the absence of Kevin Oliveira, who earned the No. 2 slot on the USL 20 Under 20 ranking, left a question as to how good this side could have been if not for the absences it suffered over the course of the season. 

GOALS OF THE SEASON

Kris Tyrpak’s brilliant left-footed shot into the top corner against Tulsa Roughnecks FC was one of the best goals in the USL season, and pushed the Rangers closer to a top-four finish.

The combination of Dane Kelly and Mark Anthony Gonzalez proved a useful one for the Rangers, as shown in this clever chipped pass that led to the Jamaican’s finish against OKC Energy FC.

SAVES OF THE SEASON

Homegrown standout Jon Kempin made an outstanding double-save to keep the Rangers ahead in their inaugural contest against the Portland Timbers 2.

Sporting Kansas City’s Tim Melia showed off why he’s become one of the best goalkeepers in MLS during his loan appearance with the Rangers, fending off a sharp free kick against Rio Grande Valley FC.

HE SAID IT

“At the end of the day, I think this is all part of a team that is growing. We can forget it is an expansion team that came very, very far. New York, they didn’t reach the final in their expansion year, a lot of teams had a tough year, so for us to have reached the final and to do the season we’ve done, we’re very proud, and I’m very proud of the guys. Nothing changes because of one night.” – Former Swope Park Rangers Head Coach Marc Dos Santos