The Owls head to Arizona to face FC Tucson on Saturday, August 8th at 9:30 PM CST.
Union Omaha
The Owls earned their first win in club history thanks to Evan Conway’s late goal to see the Owls knock off North Texas SC. A great environment for the host club as they played counter attacking football to defeat the 2019 Champions.
This week, we may see new faces enter the starting lineup as Union Omaha plays two game in five days. JP Scearce may see the starting lineup, the substitute looked strong in possession for the Owls against North Texas.
All eyes will be on the duo of Conway and Ethan Vanacore-Decker. Decker set Conway up for the lone goal against North Texas. Decker was really explosive and created loads of chances for the Owls, but could not find the back of the net. He could be a player to get off the mark for the Owls against Tucson.
Union Omaha will be expected to dominate possession throughout the whole game. The Owls’ fluid passing and control of the game out from the back will ensue that Tucson will not be able to create many chances.
The defense led by center back Illal Osumanu and keeper Rashid Nuhu will be hoping to make their game against Tucson their third clean sheet in as many games. Communication has been key for the Union Omaha backline as they have been able to deal with set pieces by clearing them in a no nonsense matter.
FC Tucson
The team from the desert struggled to create chances against Chattanooga last week where they lost 1-0 to the Red Wolves.
Striker Azaad Liadi earned a yellow card early in the game for Tucson. His 22’ yellow card led him to be not as aggressive as he would have liked in their pressing style of football. He was subbed off for Joshua Coan.
Coan failed to equalize for Tucson in the 68’ as he was called upon to take a penalty. He lacked confidence as he stepped up to the spot as the Red Wolves keeper made the easy save.
Tucson are going to need their forwards and attacking midfielders to be more creative and dangerous in the Owl’s third if they want to take all three points. Right back, Elivelton Oliveira may be the man for Tucson to whip in long balls over the top of Union Omaha defense.
My Prediction
Union Omaha 1-0 FC Tucson
I see this game playing out just as the New England Revolution II game played. An ugly first half where both teams struggle to keep the ball. But, Mims’ super sub, Elma Nfor comes onto the pitch and provides a much needed spark. A breakthrough from the Owls will come late in the second half as they earn all three points.
When
Saturday, August 8th, 9:30 PM CST
Where
Kino North Stadium
Watch
ESPN +
Who Gives A Hoot? 
9:30 PM CDT
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