RENO, Nev. – Sunday evening’s meeting between the Swope Park Rangers and Reno 1868 FC would have had plenty of buzz going in with both teams sitting in the top five of the Western Conference, and playing among the most exciting soccer in the USL this season.

Adding a fascinating element to the contest, however, is the return of Reno’s Dane Kelly to Children’s Mercy Victory Field for the first time to face his former club. Kelly helped the Rangers earn the Western Conference Championship a season ago, with his game-winning performance in the conference semifinals against Orange County SC one of the biggest in the team's run to the USL Cup Final.

The Jamaican has since gone on to thrive after being introduced as the first signing in 1868 FC history. But despite having 13 goals, and the USL’s Player of the Month award for May, under his belt, Kelly is aware of the challenge Sunday’s game will bring.

“Playing against my old team is never going to be easy,” Kelly said. “I still have fond memories from my time with Swope Park Rangers. I built relationships with the guys there and now I’ve build relationships here in Reno. We’ve become a really close team.”

Add in how well the Rangers have been playing defensively of late, and Sunday’s game will be an important test for a Reno attack that has been among the best in the league this season. Reno leads the USL with 182 chances created from open play this season, in addition to sitting second in the league with 42 goals, but the Rangers are on a 471-minute shutout streak, and a seven-game winning streak going into the contest.

With Reno having the chance chance to move back into the top four in the Western Conference with a victory, and the Rangers looking to keep pace with Real Monarchs SLC at the top of the standings, the game should provide a compelling contest.

Add in Kelly’s personal goal of earning his first USL Golden Boot, and the atmosphere around the game should crackle with energy.

“They are going to try and do everything to stop me from scoring,” said Kelly. “The will do everything for to try and stop this team from leaving [Kansas City] with three points.”