League

Kharlton Belmar up for USL Player of the Month after netting five times in September

Swope Park Rangers striker Kharlton Belmar has been nominated for USL Player of the Month after scoring in five consecutive games to end the month.



The Rangers went 4-1-1 across six games in the month of September, with Belmar scoring in the latter five after not finding the net in a 2-0 victory over OKC Energy FC on September 2. Since then, the 24-year-old has scored in a loss to Orange County SC (Sept. 9), three consecutive wins over San Antonio FC (Sept. 17), Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (Sept. 23) and LA Galaxy II (Sept. 27) before also netting in a draw with Rio Grande Valley FC (Sept. 30).


Two of his five goals in the month were game-winners against Colorado Springs and Galaxy II, while his goal in the 2-2 draw against Rio Grande Valley FC last weekend was a 91st-minute equalizer as SPR mounted an inspired come back to return home with a point. Belmar also added an assist on Oumar Ballo's goal in the 3-1 victory over Switchbacks FC on Sept. 23.


Belmar has a team-leading 14 goals on the season - both a club record for most goals in a USL regular season and a single-season record for Belmar. The Virginia Beach, Va. native signed an MLS contract with Sporting KC prior to the roster freeze on Sept. 15, alongside midfielder Kevin Oliveira, as the club has now signed six Rangers players to MLS contracts since last December.