USL Western Conference Team of the Month - May

Despite the dominance that we have seen from San Antonio FC and Real Monarchs SLC in our weekly Best XIs, they are not the best represented teams here in our May Team of the Month. The most represented team this time has been very limited in its week to week appearances, with only five all season. However, in May this team shined on the stat sheet. Games played between Week 7 and Week 10 were considered for this list.

Goalkeeper: Charlie Lyon, Orange County SC - 3180 pts (Week 9)

Despite going down a man in the first 25 minutes of play, Lyon made Oklahoma City work for it recording eight saves, one of which was a penalty kick save, as Orange County eventually fell 0-1.

Defender: Jimmy Ockford, Reno 1868 FC - 3095 pts (Week 10)

In two games Ockford helped record a shutout, a draw, scored a goal, had eight clearances and seven interceptions as the Reno unbeaten streak reached five games.

Defender: Josh Suggs, Colorado Springs Switchbacks - 3151 pts (Week 7)

Suggs recorded nine attempted crosses, four chances created and one assist as the Switchbacks started the month of May off win a shutout victory.

Defender: Jordan Burt, Colorado Springs Switchbacks - 3288 pts (Week 10)

Burt recorded a brace, including a last minute equalizer, as Colorado Springs ended the Reno winning and shutout streak at the same time.

Midfielder: Sebastian Velasquez, Real Monarchs SLC - 3825 pts (Week 9)

Velasquez recorded a brace and won five duels as the Monarchs put up five goals on the Switchbacks in the middle of their still active winning streak.

Midfielder: Daniel Haber, Real Monarchs SLC - 3922 pts (Week 9)

Haber recorded a goal, two assists, and three created chances in a match where the Monarchs seemed to have no problems handling Colorado Springs.

Midfielder: Mastanabal Kacher, Colorado Springs Switchbacks - 3965 pts (Week 7)

Kacher scored two goals on four total shots as the Switchbacks shut out Tulsa to start the month.

Midfielder: Juan Caffa, Tulsa Roughnecks - 4003 pts (Week 8)

Over two games Caffa recorded two goals, two assists, and created eleven chances as Tulsa won twice in week 8.

Midfielder: Jerry van Ewijk, Orange County SC - 4834 pts (Week 7)

Van Ewijk did a bit of everything, recording two goals, six total shots, an assist, and five created chances as Orange County easily handled Los Dos.

Forward: Ian Svantesson, Tulsa Roughnecks - 4359 pts (Week 8)

In a multi-game week, Svantesson recorded a pair of assists and four goals on only five shots on goal as Tulsa picked up six points in a week.

Forward: Kelly, Reno 1868 FC - 5032 pts (Week 7) - Player of the Month

Kelly scored his first of multiple May hat tricks with only four shots on goal. He added a created chance and won a majority of his total duels to take home the Player of the Month for May.

Thoughts:

Week 7 was fairly unique as both Colorado Springs and Orange County put together some legendary performances to earn spots on Team of the Month, despite neither team having earned more than five total Team of the Week performances over the first ten weeks of USL play. This may be indicative of both teams being very hit and miss with explosive potential that is only rarely unlocked.

By comparison, Real Monarchs, which has accounted for nearly 20% of the Team of the Week spots only earned two places, and San Antonio who has earned almost 15% of the spots did not make a May Team of the Month appearance. This is likely due to consistent appearances due to teams being very balanced.

After recording two hat tricks, Dane Kelly, could have earned multiple team of the week spots. If cloning players was possible, a front line of three Dane Kellys would likely start every given week.

Who do you think is the best player of the month? Who is being overlooked? Let us know in the comments!