RENO, Nev. – Smack dab in the center of downtown Reno, Nev. is the home to the highest-scoring team in United States professional soccer.

Reno 1868 FC continues to add onto its goal tally after a successful road trip in which the team added seven goals and two wins to its incredible inaugural season.

Reno has 49 goals this season and is the clear leader when it comes to the best attack in the U.S. Soccer Federation, which is comprised of the MLS, USL and NASL.

The next closest team, fellow USL squad Real Monarch SLC, comes in with 44 goals. 

“I wanted to build one of the top attacking teams in the league,” head coach Ian Russell said. “A team that the fans would enjoy week after week.”

Fifteen different players on Reno’s squad have scored this year. The team is led by prolific Jamaican forward Dane Kelly, who was the club’s first signee.

Kelly leads the USL with 15 goals this season leading the race for the Golden Boot.

“When we signed Dane, we knew what type of player we were getting,” Reno 1868 FC general manager Andy Smith said. “His goal-scoring speaks for itself.

“But the fact that he’s put up the numbers he has after an injury last season has been extraordinary. He’s truly been the catalyst for our attack this year.” 

Kelly has been helped out by a number of teammates this year, especially after Antoine Hoppenot was moved from midfield up to forward.

Hoppenot has scored eight goals to go along with six assists and 39 chances created. His eight goals have all come since May 24. 

“Antoine is one of those players that can cause problems for defenders up front,” Smith said. “He’s creative, shifty and tenacious.

“All of that combined has led to his output.”

Not only is Reno 1868 FC leading the country in total goals scored, it is also dominating the goals scored per game category.

Reno is averaging 2.45 goals per game, good for the highest average in U.S. professional soccer. The next best team, Real Monarchs SLC, comes in at 2.09 goals per game.

“The fact that we’ve dominated some of the top categories in U.S. professional soccer in our inaugural season just shows what we aimed to build last offseason,” Smith said.

All of these goals would not have come without help from teammates off assists. Reno has compiled 35 assists with USL midseason MVP Chris Wehan leading the team with eight assists.

Reno’s passing accuracy percentage of 80 percent has also contributed to the number of chances created.

“This is an unselfish team,” Russell said. “They guys have really come together since the beginning of the season and I think you are really seeing the results on the field.”

Goals/Goals Per Match Leaders in U.S. Professional Soccer

Reno 1868 FC (USL) – 49 goals (2.45 Goals per Game)

Real Monarchs (USL) – 44 (2.09 GPG)

Chicago Fire (MLS) – 44 (2 GPG)

Charlotte Independence (USL) – 40 (2 GPG)

Miami FC (NASL) – 36 (2 GPG)

Atlanta United (MLS) – 42 (1.91 GPG)

NYCFC (MLS) – 43 (1.87 GPG)

Toronto FC  (MLS) – 42 (1.82 GPG)

Charleston Battery (USL) – 39 (1.77 GPG)

Portland Timbers (MLS) – 42 (1.75 GPG)

Top Goalscorers in the USL

1) Dane Kelly (Reno 1868 FC) – 15 goals

2) Romario Williams (Charleston Battery) – 14 goals

3) Chandler Hoffman (Real Monarchs SLC) – 13 goals

4) Enzo Martin (Charlotte Independence) – 12 goals

T-4) Jorge Herrera (Charlotte Independence) – 12 goals