skip navigation

The X-Factor players aiming to earn USL Jägermeister Cup glory

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 09/09/24, 1:30PM EDT

Share

Attacking standouts, midfield generals are set to be on show in the Semifinals on Wednesday night

The inaugural USL Jägermeister Cup reaches the knockout stage on Wednesday night when Forward Madison FC plays host to the Charlotte Independence and Union Omaha visits Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in the Semifinals.

The in-season tournament produced its fair share of standout performances in the group stages, including fireworks from the Hailstorm and Omaha as they finished the two top scorers. Those stars will be aiming to deliver again in the knockout stage, but there could be others who step up their game and deliver #AShotAtGlory.

Here are four players you should have your eye on this week, and in the Final on Saturday, September 28 on ESPN+.

Charlotte Independence – Gabriel Obertan

The French midfielder has played on some of the biggest stages in world football, but even at 35 years old he’s continuing to provide attacking quality for the Charlotte Independence as the club seeks its first trophy. Obertan tied for second in the group stage with three assists and chipped in a goal in just 368 minutes of action, making five starts and six appearances.

Obertan can still pick a pass with the best of them, too, completing 80.6 percent of passes overall while winning 61.1 percent of duels in the group stage. With J.C. Obregon Jr. unlikely to be available for the Independence due to his call-up by Honduras this week, the veteran will be in the spotlight to try and lead his team to victory on the road.

Forward Madison FC – Devin Boyce

It’s unlikely there were bigger hard-luck stories than the one Devin Boyce had to tell after the Jägermeister Cup group stage. The 27-year-old ranked second in the tournament with 17 chances created and sixth in Expected Assists at 1.53xA but was the only player in the Top 10 of chance creators that failed to record an assist in the group stage.

But the work-rate beyond the creativity Boyce brought to the Madison midfield was a key reason for the club’s success in winning the Central Division. He led the team with 40 duels won, tied for second with nine tackles won and won possession in the attacking third a team-high five times. If his teammates can put away the chances he creates on Wednesday night, they’ll have their first shot at silverware.

Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC – Bruno Rendón

There has been something about the Jägermeister Cup that has ignited Rendón. The Cuban forward led all players with seven goals in six appearances in the group stage, averaging a goal every 70.7 minutes. That’s more goals than he’s recorded in League One play in his two seasons in Northern Colorado, having notched five goals in 32 appearances last season and four so far this campaign.

As you might expect, Rendón’s other numbers are also impressive. He’s recorded 15 out of 24 shots on target, and his conversion rate on unblocked shots sits at 35 percent. He also leads the tournament with a 5.05 Expected Goals mark, which while a slight overperformance should be completely sustainable over two knockout games. The Hailstorm will be hoping that in tandem with Ethan Hoard (5G, 4A), Rendón delivers again.

Union Omaha – Pedro Dolabella

The man they call Goalabella has become Mr. Consistency for Omaha in his second season with the club. The attacking midfielder has delivered in USL League One regular season play with eight goals and three assists in 13 appearances and he’s been stellar in the Jägermeister Cup with four goals in six appearances in the group stage, doubling his goal total from a season ago already across all competitions.

On top of that, he’s also made an impact on the other side of the ball. Dolabella finished the group stage tied for the club-lead with 10 tackles won at an 83.3 percent success rate and won 31 duels at a 58.5 success rate. Playing off Steevan Dos Santos, the Brazilian’s all-around game has put him among the league’s elite, and that gives him the potential to lead Los Buhos to more silverware this month. 


Follow USL League One

Most Recent USL League One News

Most Read USL League One News

USL League One News