RENO, Nev. – There are nearly 900 active players in the United Soccer League.

None of them scored more goals than Reno 1868 FC’s Dane Kelly this year.

Following one of the top seasons in USL history, Kelly took home the Golden Boot on Sunday. The award is given to the league’s top scorer at the end of the regular season.  

Kelly’s 18 goals during the regular season added to the USL’s all-time leading scorer’s storied career.

The Jamaican international and Reno’s No. 9 scored two hat tricks this season leading a Reno attack that has notched 75 goals this year, the most in North American pro soccer this season.

Despite being called up to the Jamaican national team and a few weeks of injury recovery, Kelly has been able to maintain the league lead for weeks. It is his first USL Golden Boot since playing in the league since 2011, the league’s inaugural year.

“This is a tremendous honor,” Kelly said. “I have to give a lot of credit to my teammates for putting me in a position to score 18 goals this year.

“This is a great accomplishment for me in my career, but also the Reno fanbase who has been with us from the beginning. Our mission isn’t over yet, but it is nice to be recognized like this.”

Kelly's 18 goals are the second-most in USL history.

USL Golden Boot Winners

2011: Jhonny Arteaga, 13 goals/24 games

2012: Dennis Chin, 11 goals/24 games

2013: Jose Angulo/Dom Dwyer, 15 goals, 26 games

2014: Kevin Molino, 20 goals/28 games

2015: Matt Fondy, 22 goals/28 games

2016: Sean Okoli, 16 goals, 30 games

2017: Dane Kelly, 18 goals/ 32 games