MONTCLAIR, N.J. – In his breakout season a year ago, Louisville City FC’s Cameron Lancaster showed a full array of talent in the way that he accumulated eight goals for the club, including the game-winner in the 2017 USL Cup.

This season he’s only built on that reputation, and after his first hat trick for Louisville on Friday night in a wild 6-4 victory against the New York Red Bulls II is now leading the race for the 2018 USL Golden Boot.

“Cam’s someone who has a lot of goals in him,” said Louisville player-coach and fellow forward Luke Spencer. “He dealt with the shoulder injury, he came back, scored a lot of goals to get the start tonight, and to score goals again, it’s no surprise.”

Of the 10 leading scorers in the league this season, Lancaster’s numbers highlight his versatility. His second goal against the Red Bulls II – a cleverly redirected header after Paolo DelPiccolo had sent Oscar Jimenez’s deep corner kick from the left back across goal in the 63rd minute – was Lancaster’s first headed finish of the season, giving him a goal in five key categories this season.