Usually, roommates do everything together. They eat meals together, play video games or watch television. But, not all roommates score their first ever professional goals on the same night together.
Midfielders Devin Boyce and Christian Molina achieved this feat as Union Omaha was victorious over FC Tucson 2-1. The Owls remain undefeated in League One play and sit in third place with 12 points, one point behind Richmond Kickers for the final playoff spot.
Boyce connected on a shot in the 16’ which opened the scoring for Union Omaha.
“It bounced up pretty high and there weren’t many areas I could put it in the net,” Boyce said. “I tried to pick my spot and it worked out well.”
The St. Louis University graduate has been a fan favorite this season. Boyce has earned a reputation as a hard nosed tackler, one who is not scared of the moment.
“Im not your stereotypically number 10. I was raised to go as hard as I can go,” Boyce said. “I vowed to never step off the field and not work as hard as I possibly can for that game.”
Molina replaced Sebastian Contreras in the 63’ as the game turned on its head. Union Omaha was battling for possession with Tucson all night, but Molina’s presence was felt immediately.
In the 78’, the Owls were on the counterattack. Substitute Ferrety Sousa won a huge header off of a cross from Tucson. The header fell to Ethan Vanacore-Decker who turned and sprinted up field. The Owls were on the move.
Vanacore-Decker slipped a great through ball to Molina who calmly put it in the far corner for the game winner.
“The noise after the goal, it was incredible and celebrate with my teammates, it was an amazing feeling,” Molina said. “Im very happy for the team that we got three points.”
After the goal, Molina celebrated with the El Salvador flag who he has represented at the U-23 level.
“I think it’s great how we have all of our flags up there. We have a very diverse team,” Molina said. “I love how the Salvadorian flag is up there. I wanted to kiss the flag and tell the Salvadorian people that I am here.”
Molina waited for his chance and earned it. Last week, Molina started against North Texas SC and was subbed off in the second half by Head Coach Jay Mims.
“He had a couple chances against Dallas [North Texas SC] to go one v one and be aggressive and he passed the ball instead,” Mims said. “So I said, ‘Christian if you go in the game, you’re in there because of your one v one, of you scoring goals, you can’t be passive.’ Sure enough, what happens, first touch, goal.”
Molina’s first professional goal was a long time coming through grueling training sessions and tough games, but Boyce noticed his dedication.
“He [Molina] has had the best attitude out of anyone that I have met. His approach to every training session, every game has been exactly the same,” Boyce said. “If he gets one opportunity, he’s going to take it. I couldn’t be happier for him to get the winning goal tonight.”
The depth of the Union Omaha squad is noticeable as more and more substitutes are making impacts for the club.
“We want guys off the bench to do that [score goals]. We are an up tempo, aggressive [team],” Mims said. “We go and we go and we don’t stop. If you are going to play that kind of way, you cant just play eleven guys.”
Starting goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu was ineligible for the game due to suspension so backup, Sam Howard, was needed between the sticks.
Howard reacted with a huge save in the 76’ just prior to Molina’s goal. He made the point blank save from Tucson striker Azaad Liadi. The chance for the Arizona club started with left winger, Shak Adams burning the Owl defense. He fired a low cross to the top of the box to Liadi when Howard made the save of the game.
“That is a huge save. I scored the goal, but it is a team effort,” Molina said. “If he doesn’t make that save then it’s a different game. Great job for Sam, we’re really proud of him. He played well today.”
Over 2,000 socially distant fans saw Union Omaha stay undefeated this season as the raucous crowd helped the Owls get across the finish line against Tucson.
“It makes a huge difference, we hear the fans throughout,” Boyce said. “It’s so fun.”
“Our fans were into it tonight,” Mims said. “They were incredible, I was happy.”
Union Omaha returns to action when they face 10th place Orlando City B on Sunday, September 6th at 7PM CST.
Who Gives A Hoot? 