Union Omaha faces Forward Madison in Week 6 of USL One competition on Wednesday, August 19th at 7pm CST in Omaha. The Owls come into this weekday clash after strange circumstances in Chattanooga while the Flamingos come off of their first win in 2020.
Union Omaha
The Owls return to action after 10 days to face Forward Madison in Werner Park. Last week, the Owls were supposed to face Chattanooga Red Wolves in a matchup that pitted second and third place, yet mother nature had other ideas. The two teams were delayed due to lightning and rain. The delay took too long and play could not begin because CHI Memorial Stadium in Chattanooga has not been fitted for professional lighting suitable to play at night. This made the game impossible to play so the Owls were sent home without playing the game.
Exciting things were bound to happen against Chattanooga. Forward Elvir Ibisevic was primed to make his first start of the season with centerback Daltyn Knutson getting back with his first start since suffering an injury after the game against New England 2 . It is unclear if Head Coach Jay Mims will return to the usual starting lineup of Forwards Evan Conway, Ethan Vanacore-Decker and Juan Mare or if he will turn to Ibisevic or Elma N’for.
Union Omaha will rely on the attacking prowess of Damia Viader who has created 8 chances which ranks him seventh in chances created in the USL One. Also, Vanacore-Decker has created 7 chances which has bolstered Union Omaha’s attack.
Forward Madison
This game against the Owls will show if the Flamingos are contenders or pretenders. Madison is currently in 7th place with 4 points making them ahead of Orlando City B and Fort Lauderdale CF on goal differential.
The first win of the season came last Friday when they defeated South Georgia Tormenta FC. The Flamingos dismantled a Tormenta team that was short on staff and players due to COVID-19 restrictions. Madison won 4-0 earning the clean sheet as four different Flamingos’ players scored.
Last Week’s USL One Player of the Week came from Madison as forward Don Smart earned the honors. Smart recorded a goal and two assists against Tormenta which added to his total of most chances created for the Flamingos with 7. Smart and fellow striker Wojciech Wojcik are the two players to keep an eye on for the Madison club. Wojcik leads the club with two goals and has been a constant threat in front of net.
Young midfielder, Michael Vang earned his first goal in Madison against Tormenta. The 20-year-old graduated from the prestigious Shattuck-St. Mary’s Highschool which has produced the most Division One soccer players in the country. Vang decided to forgo his college playing and enter straight into the professional ranks. HIs strong play against Tormenta may see him in the starting XI against Union Omaha.
My Prediction
Union Omaha 3-1 Forward Madison
Union Omaha earns the victory in easy fashion as the Owls lead 2-0 at the half thanks to goals from Vanacore-Decker and midfielder Devin Boyce. This would be Boyce’s first career professional goal. Forward Madison’s goal should come in the second half from solid build up play and an effective cross from Smart. The Owls will finish the Flamingos off due to a late goal from a substitute, either N’for or Ibisevic will slot it past the keeper for the home side.
Who Gives A Hoot? 