It was the Championship that never happened. Union Omaha and Greenville were set play the 2020 USL League One Championship when COVID-19 came crashing into the world like the Kool-Aid Man. With the Championship cancelled, Union Omaha stayed home empty handed and Greenville was announced as the 2020 USL League One Champion.
Sunday’s match will take place at Legacy Early College Field in Greenville, South Carolina. Kickoff is slated for 3 PM (CST) and will air on ESPN2. The national telecast was announced back on April 17th and will be the first time that USL League One has had a match featured across ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN Deportes. In a statement from USL Executive Vice President Court Jeske, he expressed happiness for the broadcast deal for both USL Championship and League One. “This is the biggest platform we’ve ever had for our league. We are thrilled at the wide selection of games, clubs and landmark moments that will appear on national television this season. It’s a special thing for our league to be able to showcase our clubs and cities across the USL Championship and League One on ESPN’s networks in addition to streaming an incredible schedule on ESPN+.” The national telecast is also the first match of four to happen in a single day, a feat USL League One has never attempted. Now that the 2021 season has begun, the two teams will face off for the first time since that fateful day of the championship.
Greenville has started the 2021 season much like Union Omaha started the first eight games of the 2020 season: undefeated. This is a team that only lost three matches last season, once at home. Legacy Early College Field has become an impenetrable fortress, much like Greenville’s defense. Despite only conceding four goals across eight home matches in 2020, two of those goals came at the hand of none other than Union Omaha, who went on to deliver the lone home loss for Greenville. Fast forward to Sunday and things will look a bit different.
Both teams kept their core players, but have also made moves to bolster their rosters with depth and experience. Just in the past week, Greenville signed two players from Furman University: defender Cole McLagan and goalkeeper Ben Hale. The duo had impressive collegiate careers, filled with team achievements and individual accolades in the Southern Conference. When asked about the pair, Furman head coach Doug Allison said, “They’re both extremely competitive, natural leaders and players that want to serve.” He continued lauding the players, saying, “Their qualities both on and off the field will translate very well at the professional level.” It’s unlikely either of them will see the field on Sunday because the signings are still awaiting approval from the league and federation.
Greenville is a highly disciplined team that organizes well at the back. On average, they conceded 0.69 goals per match in 2020. In 2021, the Triumph have only conceded one goal across three matches. They don’t leave much space between their backline and midfield lines and when in possession of the ball, Greenville moves up the field methodically and orderly. They aren’t a flashy team, but their consistency makes for an attractive form of soccer.
Union Omaha has had their fair share of successes in 2021, as well: three matches, three wins, three clean sheets. With the core group of defensive players back for the club’s second season, the team has yet to concede a goal. In three matches this season, the team has only allowed goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu to face seven shots. Opponents have shown a hesitation to fill the penalty area because of the aerial superiority of the backline. They’re fast, physical, and hungry to win loose balls. On top of that, Nuhu regularly displays full confidence rushing crosses and battling for clearances.
The Owls have seen valuable contributions from new signings this season, as well. Forward Greg Hurst scored a clutch goal against New England on Wednesday. He’s also shown good chemistry up top with Evan Conway. With their combined pace and pressure in the final third, opposing defenses have had their hands full marking them. The duo often distracts the backline and then the second wave of Union Omaha’s attack presents itself: the midfielders. Whether it’s Connor Doyle, Nicolas Firmino, or Emir Alihodžić, the newcomers have proven their value among the veterans of the club and provided plenty of competition for playing time.
If Sunday’s match is anything like the one between these two clubs last season, we’re in for 90 minutes of high-quality soccer. Last year’s result was a 2-1 win for Union Omaha and goals for both sides were nearly works of art. Look for goals to be a rare commodity on Sunday, but competition at a surplus. Both clubs have roster depth to drive this match to a full 90 minutes, so when you settle in for the match, make sure you have all of your snacks and refreshments, as well as an empty bladder.
There will be a watch party hosted by the Parliament supporters group at Rathskeller Bier Haus. The outdoor patio will feature a large TV with plenty of speakers. While kickoff is scheduled for 3 PM, there will be merchandise available for purchase beforehand. Whether you’re enjoying the match at home or elsewhere, stay tuned to Who Gives A Hoot Media for a recap of the match, podcast with a discussion about this and other topics, and articles featuring data from around league.
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