Friday brings the start of the 50th Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States as we celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

Hispanic players have consistently been among the highest-profile players in the USL over its history, with players like current OKC Energy FC forward Jose Angulo, former Sacramento Republic FC midfielder Rodrigo Lopez and former Orlando City SC goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo among the award-winners in the league’s history.

Here are five Hispanic players who’ve made their marks this season as the race for the USL Cup Playoffs ramps up to its conclusion.

Juan Pablo Caffa, Tulsa Roughnecks FC

Tulsa Roughnecks FC’s overhaul of its roster this offseason has seen some standout Hispanic players arrive at the club, among them standout goalkeeper Fabian Cerda (Chile) and Jorge Corrales (Cuba), but the addition of Argentinian playmaker Juan Pablo Caffa might have been the most significant move. Nicknamed “El violinista del Viaducto” for his violin-playing celebrations, Caffa has created 48 scoring chances this season and six assists to help propel the Roughnecks toward a first postseason berth in club history.

Caffa’s productivity from set pieces has been a boon for the club’s attack, with Ian Svantesson tied for the Roughnecks’ single-season record with 11 goals. While he’s set to turn 33 later this month, Caffa’s mental quickness has allowed him to remain on top of his form in the attacking half, where he sits 14th in the USL with 498 completed passes this year.

Oscar Jimenez, Louisville City FC

Returning to the USL this season after competing for Mississippi Brilla FC in 2016, Jimenez has quickly risen as a standout figure in Louisville’s drive to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Adept at either end of the field, the wing back is tied for the league-lead in chances created with 57 and has recorded 45 interceptions and a 75-percent tackle success rate over the course of this season.

The 27-year-old also leads Louisville in minutes played this season, being on the field for 90 percent of the club’s regular-season action. With Louisville’s adaptation to a 3-4-3 formation over the course of this year, Jimenez has also notched a pair of goals to go with his five assists for the fourth-highest scoring team in the USL.

Enzo Martinez, Charlotte Independence

Martinez’s standout play for the Independence was recognized a year ago when he was a finalist for the 2016 USL Most Valuable Player award. This year he’s arguably been even better to lead the Independence to a potential top-two finish in the USL Eastern Conference and a first home playoff game in club history at the SportsPlex at Matthews.

Martinez has already surpassed his goal total from a season ago, with his 16 tallies putting him tied for the league-lead going into Week 26’s weekend action. Martinez and Colombian standout Jorge Herrera are the only teammates to sit in the top five in individual goals scored, while Martinez has also recorded five assists and created 30 scoring chances overall. Another All-League First Team selection could be coming down the road for the 26-year-old.

Diego Restrepo, San Antonio FC

Leading the USL in shutouts and save percentage, Restrepo is on course for a potential record-breaking season with Western Conference contenders San Antonio FC. Given his experience both in the United States and his native Venezuela, the unflappable nature Restrepo has brought to SAFC’s goal since the injury to Matt Cardone early in the season shouldn’t be a surprise.

Restrepo has recorded 11 shutouts this season after Wednesday’s 1-0 win against Orange County SC that clinched a playoff berth for SAFC, just three away from breaking Brandon Miller’s record of 13 set with the Rochester Rhinos in 2015. Sporting an 80.95 save percentage for the season, Restrepo has come up with the big save at the right moment to put San Antonio in contention for the USL Regular Season Championship down the stretch.

Sebastian Velasquez, Real Monarchs SLC

Velasquez’s return to Rio Tinto Stadium as a member of the Monarchs was one of the biggest offseason moves for Real, and it has paid off handsomely for both player and club as the 26-year-old has played an important part in the Monarchs’ claiming their first trip to the USL Cup Playoffs.

Velasquez’s ability to link and create has helped drive an excellent Monarchs’ attack. His seven goals and six assists put him in the top three in both categories for the club, while his 27 chances created in open play put him among the Top 20 in the league this season despite missing six games due to injury midseason. The Colombia native is going to be a key when the postseason arrives as the Monarchs go after their first USL Cup.

Honorable Mention: Tomas Gomez, Rochester Rhinos; Jorge Herrera, Charlotte Independence; Fabian Cerda, Tulsa Roughnecks FC; Justin Portillo, Charleston Battery; Francisco Narbon, Seattle Sounders FC 2