It’s Tuesday and that can only mean one thing for Union Omaha and Búhos Nation: more club roster announcements. Today’s announcement brings news of a familiar Owl returning to Omaha for the 2022 League One season.
Yoskar “Edu” Galvan-Mercado has signed a contract with Union Omaha at 18 years old, making him the youngest professional signing in club history. This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Galvan-Mercado, though. In August of 2021, he signed the first-ever academy contract in club history. By the end of the 2021 season, Galvan-Mercado played a total of 39 minutes, but seemed to have left a greater mark on those around him than his minutes could ever show.
In today’s press release from Union Omaha, coach Jay Mims said:
“We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting process for Yoskar as he has a bright future ahead and his dream has become a reality. Through the Union Omaha and USL partnership with Bellevue University, he will now be able to continue his education while playing professional soccer, which was important to all of us.”
In the same press release, Yoskar was quoted as saying, “I’m thankful and blessed to have the opportunity to sign my first professional contract.” Referencing the aforementioned dream, Galvan-Mercado said, “It’s been my dream since I was a little kid, and I’m making this dream a reality. I can’t wait to be able to play in front of our amazing fanbase again – Viva Búhos!”
Yoskar graduated from Lexington High School and impressed analysts during his time with the Minutemen. Galvan-Mercado played in the 2021 Class B State Finals, named to the 2021 Boys Super-State Second Team, and was also named to the Class B All-State Team. He spent his time playing club soccer with Gretna’s Elite Academy, as well. Now that he has signed his professional contract, he can play professional soccer while attending college and it will only be a short drive away from his hometown.
Galvan-Mercado brings youth and eagerness to a full Union Omaha midfield and will learn plenty from the club veterans. Coach Jay Mims also expressed excitement after signing Yoskar to his academy contract last year:
“Players like Yoskar do not come around often. He is a special player who has such great imagination and joy when he plays but also has a competitive edge to him. His ability to think and see the game at such a high level for being so young is encouraging. I am excited to help Yoskar continue to develop on and off the field over the upcoming years.”
It will be interesting to see how Galvan-Mercado fits into the system, but there’s little doubt that coach Mims will find the best version of him and enhance his own system along the way. The 2022 League One season is going to be an exciting one, so make sure to purchase your season tickets. You’re not going to want to miss out on 2022 League One action.
Tuesdays have become a cherished day of the week for club announcements, but in between those weekly holidays, make sure to check out the latest that Who Gives A Hoot has to offer. It may be the offseason, but the podcast hasn’t slowed down a bit, so go to your favorite podcast-streaming service and listen to the latest episode. We’ll keep you updated with Union Omaha club news, analysis, and a little bit of fun banter, as well.
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