Red Wolves Finally Come to Omaha

As if you didn’t have enough to celebrate this weekend, get ready to celebrate tonight’s match against Chattanooga.  Werner Park hosts the Red Wolves and kickoff is set for 8 PM (CST).  If you can’t make it to the match, tune in to watch the live broadcast on ESPN+.  It would be hard to line up a better match with fireworks to follow the final whistle.  The Red Wolves are tied for 3^rd place, riding on three wins in their last five matches.  Last week, they tied Greenville (2^nd place) with a goal going both ways.

            Last year, the two clubs faced off only one time.  The first time Union Omaha made the trip to East Ridge, Tennessee, the match was postponed due to severe weather.  The next time the two clubs played each other, the Red Wolves gave Union Omaha their first league loss in club history.  Tonight will be another dose of history because the Red Wolves have never played a match in Werner Park.

            Union Omaha is undefeated in their last five matches, as well as undefeated at home.  Last week, fans were treated to another festive occasion, thanks to positive efforts across the board.  The winning goal came in the 6^th minute from none other than Greg Hurst.  The Owls currently sit four points ahead of the Red Wolves, but need to create all of the distance they can because Chattanooga has two games in hand.  A win tonight would ensure a placement above the Red Wolves, even if they win both of those matches.

            It seems obvious to say, but tonight’s outcome will be determined by game strategy.  Sure, Chattanooga could go for the jugular and try to grind out a win.  More likely than not, they will play the long game and try to settle for a draw tonight.  A draw tonight would give them another point that could become useful down the line.  A second draw in as many weeks also helps to build confidence within the team, especially since those draws would have come against the top two teams in the standings.  Settling back and focusing on defending would save some legs and allow them a shorter recovery time before returning to Tennessee for two home matches.

            Don’t think for a second that Union Omaha will employ the same mindset.  Jay Mims as instilled a solid mindset within the club: win.  Tonight will be a battle, no doubt.  Mims has seemed to grow in his confidence as the team shuffles personnel around to fill the void that Evan Conway left due to his injury.  Devin Boyce has done a great job of forging up into the final third and disrupting the backline.  His continued irritation up top prevents calm distribution and adds an element of chaos, which is valuable to Union Omaha’s cause.  Let’s be honest here: Boyce seems to genuinely enjoy that bit of freedom, too.  Not only does it benefit Greg Hurst, since he can be within range to pick up a loose ball and convert the opportunity into chances on goal, but also because the midfield can press higher and close down the passing windows.  Chattanooga doesn’t pass as much as previous opponents, so tonight could be an exercise in shutting down their direct plays and limiting their time in the final third.

            If you haven’t had the chance to wish Luke a happy birthday, make sure you find him online or at the tailgate and make sure he feels appreciated.  He’s been working very hard to make sure things run smoothly with Parliament, this site, and the tailgates.  Speaking of tailgates, make sure you stop by and enjoy a beverage, BBQ, and music.  There will also be games to play, as well.  We’ve had a good turnout at every home match, so get your friends and family together and join the festivities!  Hope to see you all there.  ¡Viva Búhos!