Union Omaha (4-5-2, 7th Place) vs North Carolina FC (5-2-6, 6th Place)
All competitions: OMA (8-5-3) vs NC (5-2-7)
WakeMed Soccer Park – Cary, North Carolina
6:00 PM (CST) ESPN+
Saturday evening is setting the stage for some primetime action as Union Omaha travels to North Carolina FC in what could be a very contentious game. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 PM (CST) and will be broadcast on ESPN+, so make sure you have your schedule cleared for this exciting matchup.
North Carolina FC limped into Week 15 having suffered two losses in Week 14 (1-3 at Greenville and 1-4 at Richmond). In their last five games, they’ve managed to only win one and tie another, both before losing three straight. This isn’t the North Carolina FC of yesteryear, though. This year’s edition of the squad is young, fast, and much improved. They’ve been above the playoff threshold every week except three. North Carolina FC also has two players in the Golden Boot race (Garrett McLaughlin with 8 goals and Oalex Anderson with 6 goals). They’ve reversed their fortunes and recently injected a huge boost of confidence to the club and fanbase.
On Friday, North Carolina FC announced the addition of forward Shak Adams. He joins the club on loan from USL Championship-club Charleston Battery and will remain with North Carolina FC for the remainder of the 2022 USL League One season. The 23-year-old is no stranger to USL League One play, as he played with FC Tucson for two seasons. During his two seasons with FC Tucson, he played in all seven matches against Union Omaha, scoring two goals along the way. His offensive acumen and excellent athleticism will make him a tough target to battle on Saturday evening.
Union Omaha looks to refocus after a disappointing home draw against Charlotte Independence in Week 14. The Owls, at times, showed difficulty adjusting to the youthful aggressiveness from the Jacks, coupled with Charlotte’s defensive strategy of loading numbers in the defensive third and closing down passing lanes. The Owls reluctantly took the point and finished the week above the playoff threshold for the first time since Week 11. After 14 weeks of action this season, the Owls have been in the playoff grouping four times. In defense of Union Omaha, they still have three games in hand and sit in third place when measuring average points per game.
Depending on other results tonight, Union Omaha could rise as high as third place when the final whistle is blown on league action this week. There’s a lot on the line with tonight’s match, so make sure you’re settled in for another exciting week of Union Omaha action. Whether you’re at the game, watching at home, or spending time with your fellow búhos, wear the colors and cheer loudly. The players need our support – our unwavering support. Let them know that even when times aren’t ideal, they can rely on this fanbase to come together and lift them up. We love the club and we love the players. They’re working hard to perform for us, so let’s match that energy and return it. Enjoy the beautiful weather, your favorite concessions, your favorite people, and let’s have a great game day! As always…¡Viva Búhos!
Who Gives A Hoot? 