Chattanooga Red Wolves (3-2-3, 4th place) vs. Union Omaha (1-4-1, 10th place)
All competitions: CHA (3-2-4) vs OMA (4-4-1)
CHI Memorial Stadium – East Ridge, Tennessee
6:30 PM (CST) ESPN+
We are less than a handful of weeks away from being halfway through the 2022 USL1 season, but before we catch ourselves looking too far forward in the schedule, let’s live in the moment and enjoy the Week 10 action coming at us tonight. In Tennessee, the sliding Red Wolves host the draw-heavy Owls. Just as any other week in the league: the points are valuable and the parity in the league will make draws the difference-maker at the end of the season.
The Red Wolves have already tasted action in Week 10, but they probably wish they hadn’t. They traveled to Richmond on Wednesday night and returned home emptyhanded after a 0-3 loss to the Kickers. With the loss, Chattanooga has been held scoreless three times in their last five matches, all while eight goals. The Red Wolves topped the standings in Weeks 3, 4, and 6, but has seen a slight dip in their placement to go along with their performance on the field.
Union Omaha is coming off a frustrating, and lackluster, draw against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC last week. Fans filled Werner Park with the fresh excitement after the Owls defeated MLS-side Minnesota United in the US Open Cup, but failed to deliver the same excitement at home. Despite having nine shots, seven of which were inside the box, only two were on frame, and neither of them were goals. The draw was Union Omaha’s fourth draw in league play. Only Central Valley Fuego and Forward Madison can boast as many draws, but they’ve also played two more matches than Union Omaha.
In the head-to-head history between the two sides, Chattanooga has never lost to Union Omaha: two wins, one draw, and zero losses. The closest Omaha came to defeating the Red Wolves was on July 3rd of last season in Omaha. Greg Hurst scored a goal in the 36th minute and there were visions of three points dancing in the eyes of Union Omaha fans, but then that momentum and positivity took a hit in the 54th and 55th minute, when JP Scearce received two yellow cards, a soft red card, and was sent to the locker rooms. The Owls held on valiantly for the remaining minutes, but Chattanooga scored the tying goal in the 90th minute. Tonight’s match will be in CHI Memorial Stadium, where the Owls have never scored. Union Omaha has shown the ability to rise to the occasion, so fans should be ready to watch a lot of drama unfold tonight. The Owls have been resting while the Red Wolves have been traveling and losing a demoralizing match, so hopefully that wrinkle of drama will include itself in tonight’s tale, as well.
With new supporters groups popping up every week, there’s bound to be a viewing party near you, so check social media for posts and advertisements for the one that pique’s your interest. Soon afterward, stay up to date with Who Gives A Hoot, as we continue to give you data breakdowns, recaps, social media treasures, and episodes of your favorite Union Omaha-related podcast. It’s gameday for Búhos Nation, so of course it’s a lovely day. Don the volt, get outside with your friends, and enjoy the match tonight at one of the many viewing parties. As always…¡Viva Búhos!
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