In keeping with the club’s trend of making player announcements on any given Tuesday, Union Omaha unveiled the signing of long-time USL veteran forward Corey Hertzog. Pending league and federation approval, we could see Hertzog getting playing time with the Owls as soon as this weekend’s road match at Central Valley Fuego FC.
At 32 years old, Corey Hertzog brings a wealth of experience to Union Omaha. Hertzog gained attention while playing as a junior at Penn State University. During the 2010 season, Hertzog led the NCAA in goals (20), points (46), and points per game (2.09). At the end of the season, he decided to forgo his senior year, sign a Generation Adidas contract, and enter the 2011 MLS Superdraft, where he was drafted 13th overall by the New York Red Bulls. He made his first start a month after his professional debut and scored against FC New York in the 2011 US Open Cup.
All in all, Hertzog has scored over 90 goals and earned over 30 assists in his professional career. One of those goals came earlier this year as Hertzog was signed to play with the Des Moines Menace during the US Open Cup. He was with the team at Morrison Stadium, started for the Menace against Union Omaha, and even scored against the Owls during the contest. Once the Menace were knocked out of the tournament, Hertzog went on to sign with Hartford Athletic of the USL Championship.
Coincidentally enough, during Hertzog’s years at Penn State University, he was coached by current Union Omaha technical advisor Bob Warming and head coach Jay Mims. At the time, Warming was the head coach and Mims was the coaching assistant. In Union Omaha’s press release announcing the signing, Hertzog mentioned his happiness to reunite with the coaching duo:
“I’m very excited to reconnect with my former college assistant coach, Coach Mims. His style of play, coaching ability and winning mentality is a perfect fit for me as a player. Then when I heard that Coach Warming, my Penn State coach, was joining the team as a technical advisor, I just felt like I was coming back to my roots. Last time I was with them, I scored a lot of goals! I owe them so much for what they’ve done for me and my career, and I want to pay them back with some goals, wins and a trophy!”
Union Omaha head coach Jay Mims expressed his own excitement with signing Hertzog:
“Corey is a proven striker that adds immediate quality to our team. He has intelligent movement and a nose for goal. Corey’s energy and competitiveness are contagious, and I am looking forward to him joining our hardworking, young group.”
Union Omaha travels to Fresno, California this weekend to play Central Valley Fuego FC. The Owls currently sit in sixth place in the USL League One standings and have at least one game in hand on the clubs above them. The next home match for Union Omaha is August 13th, when Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC returns to Werner Park. Reserve your tickets now and don’t miss out on any of the action.
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