With all of the media’s attention just down the road in Lincoln, Nebraska for the Josh vs Josh vs Josh fight, the true battle last Saturday (April 24th)took place in Papillion, Nebraska. Under a beautiful evening sky, Werner Park played host to the season-opening match for Union Omaha. In front of 2,786 fans, Los Búhos showed off their much-anticipated 2021 roster against South Georgia Tormenta FC and finished with a 2-0 win.
From the opening whistle, the theme of the night was speed and physicality. Both teams were hot off the line and put their offensive prowess on full display. Fans didn’t have to wait long for Union Omaha to break the deadlock, though. In the 22nd minute, Evan Conway sped past the Tormenta backline, chased down a long feed from Connor Doyle, and found the net under pressure. For the second time in as many seasons, Evan Conway scored the first goal of the season for the Owls.
Tormenta responded well after the goal was scored, keeping possession in the Union Omaha half for most of the remaining time in the first half. Despite several opportunities to even the match, they couldn’t seem to slot one past Union Omaha goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu. Repeated set pieces just outside of the Union Omaha 18-yard box also failed to produce positive results. The teams would go into halftime with a 1-0 advantage for the Owls.
The physicality of play seemed to escalate at a steady pace leading up to halftime, giving center referee Mark Allatin plenty to think about during the break. Even before the halftime whistle was blown, Union Omaha fans were clamoring for more fouls to be called. Having prime position in several situations to use his authority, he often shook his head and allowed play to continue. With a couple of verbal warnings and zero cards shown, his night was about to get busier.
After the second half whistle, players on both sides seemed to reignite first-half feuds quickly, resulting in the first yellow card of the night in the 49th minute. This was the first of nine second-half yellow cards handed out by Mark Allatin. Fans were vociferous in their displeasure, players on both teams often challenged his decisions, and a meeting with the captains did little to quell tempers for the remainder of the match. Allatin was busy in the second half, but so were both defenses.
Tormenta bore the brunt of the defensive play to start the second half. Union Omaha forwards Greg Hurst and Evan Conway were constantly mixing the roles up top, requiring Tormenta to communicate frequently about marking duties. With a Union Omaha midfield consisting of Connor Doyle, Nicolas Firmino, JP Scearce, and Devin Boyce, Tormenta often resorted to playing their midfield and defensive lines farther back into their own third of the field. The middle third of the field, however, witnessed the majority of the contests. South Georgia was able to muster a few attacks into Union Omaha’s final third, but few were able to penetrate the penalty area and even less resulted in shots on goal.
Union Omaha’s defense played well and absorbed many of the attacks from South Georgia. After repeated attempts to attack the Owls using the flanks, Tormenta resorted to feeding the middle of the field early in attack and working hard to get into the penalty area. South Georgia forward Azaad Liadi was a constant threat against the backline. Joshua Phelps also played a major role in the setup of attacks. Union Omaha goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu didn’t have to go to ground too many times, but was tasked with minding the crossbar more frequently. The backline, made up of Damia Viader, Daltyn Knutson, Illal Osumanu, and Ferrety Sousa, did well at forcing Tormenta to the middle, keeping a steady line, doubling-up on the ball, and winning aerial battles.
The second half seemed to be destined to end in a 1-0 win for Union Omaha, but Greg Hurst had other plans. In the 83rd minute, Tormenta had an errant pass after a goal kick and Greg Hurst capitalized on the opportunity by sweeping the loose ball into possession, taking on a defender, and slotting the ball to the low corner of the goal. Making his home debut for the Owls, Greg Hurst wasted very little time in making an impact on his new team. Confident with the insurance policy, Union Omaha turned their focus to absorbing attacks, killing the clock, and walking away with the victory.
The match is still available on ESPN+ for replays. Union Omaha takes the next week off, then heads on a journey filled with six away matches. The win gives Union Omaha three points in the standings and places them in a tie for first place with six other clubs. Their next opponent will be Fort Lauderdale on Friday, May 7th at 6:30 PM (CST). The match will air on ESPN+, but stayed tuned for news of a watch party in the Omaha area.
With the loss, South Georgia remains winless, has zero points in the league table, and sits in last place, below five clubs who have yet to play a match. South Georgia returns home to play FC Tucson this coming Saturday, May 1st. Their match will air on ESPN+ at 6 PM (CST).
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