Union Omaha (13-8-4, 1st place) vs. Forward Madison (6-11-8, 10th place)
Werner Park, Papillion, Nebraska
7 PM (CST), ESPN+
You know how there are things you do that will instantly give you a bad day, like spitting into the wind or spilling your coffee? Well, you should add this to that list: being the second opponent to play Union Omaha after their latest loss. This season, Union Omaha is undefeated in the second match after a loss, outscoring their opponent 9-2. Forward Madison, notable gluttons for punishment, fell victim to this very statistic earlier this season, losing 1-2 at home after defeating Union Omaha two weeks prior. Well, Forward Madison limps into Werner Park for a midweek match against Union Omaha (again, two weeks after the Owls’ last loss). Don’t call it a comeback because there’s not one to happen here.
The Flamingos are currently in their longest drought without a win (6 matches). In this drought, they’ve been outscored 4-8. Just a few weeks ago, the club still had a beacon of optimism when looking at their schedule. They controlled their own destiny. Now, the light has faded so much, they might as well be a character in the musical “Les Misérables”, singing about how there is no hope left in their life. In order for them to have any semblance of a playoff chase, they have to win the match tonight. Not draw. Win.
Union Omaha has already locked up a playoff spot, but a win tonight would clinch first place in the regular season and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. This is due to the fact that the Owls have been very productive in recent matches. Three of their last four matches have seen Union Omaha score four goals each, while only conceding three goals in the same time frame. No other club in the league has scored four goals in a single match as many times as Union Omaha has this season. Let’s hope that tonight is another notch in that same column.
These two clubs have faced off three times this season, five times in the past two seasons. This season has seen each club win one, draw one, and lose one. The only other match that Forward Madison played in Werner Park this season was a 1-1 draw, back on July 16th. The two clubs were in a hurry to finish a match during Week 18 (August 7th), but the torrential downpour prevented the second half from finishing. As a result, the match was rescheduled for tonight. The weather looks to be far more cooperative for tonight, so knock on wood to prevent any jinxes happening in that regard. Aside from a slight chill and some wind, the evening should proceed without any concern.
Tonight’s tailgate will start at 5 PM, so bring your own food and prepare yourself for some good drinks, provided by Omaha Parliament. You’re not going to want to miss tonight’s match, so make sure to get to the stadium early to have some fun with the fans before the 7 o’clock kickoff. There are new items of merchandise to purchase from Parliament, including some awesome scarves (just in time for cold weather). Also, there is a new episode of the “Who Gives A Hoot?” podcast, so make sure to check that out, as well. Last week’s episode was fun to listen to, so you know that this week’s episode won’t disappoint. Have they ever let you down? I mean, really. They haven’t. Bring the noise, bring the passion, and cheer on the Owls to another great victory and ensure that you’ll see more of them at home in November. See you at the stadium. ¡Viva Búhos!
Who Gives A Hoot? 