By our count, there are 39 Canadians who have got onto the pitches for USL matches.

Highlighting this week’s USL action was a goal from Keven Aleman, the former Canadian youth star who’s become somewhat of a forgotten man in the current national team set-up.

Several times during our phone conversation, new Ottawa Fury Nikola Popovic coach used the word “connection.”

Of course, when it comes to the Fury, Dos Santos still casts a long shadow. He was the team's first coach, and was the one who led them to the NASL final in 2015. And, it's impossible to look at Popovic without comparing his resume to Dos Santos's.

Well, that’s it. With the NASL regular season coming to a close this past weekend, we’re now at the final instalment of the Power Rankings for 2017.

Now, to USL. We stopped ranking minutes last week when the league’s regular season came to a halt. But, in the opening round of the playoffs, Canadian (and former TFC Academy) goalkeeper Darrin MacLeod shone for Swope Park Rangers.

Congratulate Ottawa Fury keeper Callum Irving for finishing as the top Canadian minute-getter in USL this season.

MLS has just two who have passed 2,000; Cyle Larin and Will Johnson from Orlando City. Drew Beckie from Jacksonville is the only Canadian NASL player to push through the 2,000-minute barrier. In USL, there are six — Callum Irving, Mastanabal Kacher, Ryan James, Mallan Roberts, Ryan Telfer and Jordan Murrell.

Congratulations go out this week to teenager Abraham Dukuly, who made his professional debut Sunday for FC Edmonton.

Orlando City’s Cyle Larin, Jacksonville’s Drew Beckie and Ottawa Fury keeper Callum Irving continue to lead their respective leagues when it comes to minutes played by Canadians.