One player enters as the USL’s all-time leading scorer, having brought his eye for goal to Swope Park for the club’s inaugural season. The other has burst onto the scene for the New York Red Bulls II, finishing tied for second in the USL in goals in his rookie season, and sitting tied for the postseason lead in goals.
Swope Park Rangers forward Dane Kelly and the New York Red Bulls II’s Brandon Allen will be focal points for their respective attacks on Sunday night in the 2016 USL Cup Final, Presented by Nike. In a battle of youth versus experience, either player could be the difference-maker as they vie for a championship.
2016 USL Cup Final Matchup – Forwards
Brandon Allen
New York Red Bulls II
Allen was arguably the highest-profile Homegrown Player signing for the New York Red Bulls this offseason, joining the club after an illustrious college career for Georgetown University while also competing in the PDL for the Baltimore Bohemians. Allen showed why he was so highly rated this season with 15 goals in the regular season, which saw him earn USL All-League First Team honors, and be named as a finalist for both USL Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year.
Dane Kelly
Swope Park Rangers
Kelly’s move to the Swope Park Rangers from the Charleston Battery this offseason acted as a sign of intent from the expansion side as to its expectations going into its first season. The leading scorer in the USL’s history, Kelly struggled with injuries at times this season, but still notched six goals in the regular season and then provided the biggest tally of the Rangers’ postseason so far with his overtime game-winner against Orange County Blues FC in the Western Conference Semifinals.
Which forward will be the difference-maker on Sunday night in the 2016 USL Cup Final?
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