After a 2024 season where Nick Markanich stormed to 28 goals to claim the Golden Boot, this season’s race for the scoring title is downright weird. Cal Jennings, Markanich’s replacement in Charleston, is the likeliest player to claim the crown as he sits on 16 goals. Behind him, other key contenders include:
- Francisco Bonfiglio (13), who stars for the worst team in the league in Miami.
- Kyle Edwards (11), who mostly played as a super sub in Hartford prior to the Mamadou Dieng sale.
- Phillip Goodrum (13), who returned from injury to the Louisville squad to score this weekend. If anyone’s stealing this thing, it’s Goodrum.
Take nothing away from Jennings! He’s one of the most gifted strikers in USL history, and he’ll deserve the Golden Boot if he wins it. Still, the muddy state of the race is a neat microcosm of a parity-driven 2025. Charleston and Louisville have their guys, and everything else is various levels of confusing.
Which teams are up and down in the power rankings after Week 29, and what tactical decisions made it all happen? Let’s dig in.
1. Louisville City
Trending: No change
Result: 3-1 win v. Las Vegas
What other team in the USL has a target wingback? Aiden McFadden is a unicorn, capable of holding down the left or right side without blinking. He’s winning 3.1 headers a game in the process, providing a wholly unique vertical threat up the sideline for one of the league’s most direct teams – all without missing a beat as a defender.
