The Owls are back in action as they face North Texas SC in their return leg that features the USL One defending champions. Kickoff is slated for 8PM CST at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas.
Union Omaha
Their last match, was a tough, physical game against Forward Madison. It led to each team scoring one goal which finished in a draw. Sebastian Contreras earned his first goal for the club with a paneka style penalty kick as Ethan Vanacore Decker earned the penalty inside the Madison box.
Union Omaha dominated possession against the Flamingos. The Owls had over 60% possession as they controlled the flow and style of the entire game.
Do not expect the Owls to earn a high portion of the possession against North Texas. North Texas thrives on playing out of the back while creating their chances utilizing build up play. This starts with the goalkeeper moving all the way to the forwards; ala Pep Guardiola.
The middle of the park will be key for the Owls success against North Texas. Midfielders Contreras and Tyler David dictated the game against the Texan club last time out even without the ball. Their ability to communicate and the keep the team in shape helped the Owls counter when they earned the ball. This is a key to success for the Owls and something to watch out for in this away leg.
North Texas
A strange season so far for the returning champions as they have yet to hit form with their only win coming in week 1. North Texas faced two of the bottom feeders in USL One in their last couple of matches. Their game against last place New England Revolution ended in a 3-3 draw at home.
Last game, North Texas lost to newly minted club, Fort Lauderdale CF 3-2. Former Creighton University alum, Ricky Lopez-Espin scored a brace for the Inter Miami affiliated club which gave them all three points.
The issue for North Texas has been turnovers especially turnovers at the wrong time. North Texas is leading the league in passing percentage at 84%, but the majority of their conceded goals are coming from lackadaisical passes from the center backs and goalkeeper.
The first goal that North Texas conceded against Fort Lauderdale was an ugly, Ill timed sequence from North Texas. Goalkeeper Carlos Avilez stood on top of the ball for far too long which invited pressure from Fort Lauderdale. He hurried a pass to his teammate, Derek Waldeck, who scuffed a pass straight to the opposing player. Fort Lauderdale was inside the box in a hurry and Lopez-Espin was able to bury the opening goal.
North Texas needs to clean these mistakes up if they want to beat Union Omaha and get back into the playoff picture, but right now their clumsy passing is hurting their chances at a repeat title.
Lastly, North Texas winger, Benjamin Redzic came off of the pitch against Fort Lauderdale with a knock in the 15’. It is unclear if he will play against Union Omaha. His attacking style of play along with his creativity makes him one of the most dangerous players for North Texas. If he misses the game due to injury, North Texas may struggle for goals against a stout Union Omaha defense.
My Prediction
Union Omaha 2-1 North Texas SC
It is hard to see North Texas cleaning up their backline issues after such a short layoff since the Fort Lauderdale game (4 days). But, playing at home will help the Texas club. The Owls will have added motivation to earn three points and solidify their spot as the second place team in the league. Two Union Omaha goals in the first half will help them see the game out to victory over North Texas SC while the Texas club is left scratching their heads in eighth place.
Who Gives A Hoot? 