Union Omaha kicked off their preseason against USL Championship side Real Monarchs SLC. Both clubs are taking part of the Wasatch Cup in Herriman, Utah.
The Owls and Monarchs finished with a 0-0 draw, but both teams showed flairs of excitement.
The Monarchs started on the front foot with an opportunity inside the first four minutes of the game, but the Owls were able to clear their lines and avoid the danger.
Union Omaha stayed on the front foot for the entire half with three chances that could have found the back of the net.
The first opportunity came in the 8’ from forward Evan Conway who found a bit of space and used his dribbling skills to find his way towards the touchline. Conway dumped a pass off to fellow forward Austin Panchot who missed close to goal.
In the 29’, the Owls utilized a short corner which saw midfielder, Xavier Gomez whip in an in-swinging cross which found the head of Conway at the back post. This free header almost gave the Owls their first goal in history, but it was stopped beautifully by the Monarch keeper.
Minutes later, the solid build up play for Union Omaha continued. Forward Ethan Vanacore-Decker saw an open Elma Nfor across the box. Nfor was ruled offside, but the unselfish play by Vanacore-Decker was nice to see.
The Owls and Monarchs would split some chances with good open field play the rest of the way. Union Omaha would only see some real, tangible attacks late in the game with forward Juan Mare who could not find the back of the net.
Forward Elvir Ibisevic did go down with an injury in the first half of the game. A non-contact injury saw him walk off on his power clutching is left hamstring, Nfor replaced him in the 24’.
The Owls will continue in the Wasatch Cup when the face off against Louisville City FC on Wednesday at 2 p.m. CT.
Video content courtesy of Real Salt Lake Youtube Page
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