Union Omaha (8-10-3, 3rd Place) vs Forward Madison (7-10-5, 5th Place)
All competitions: OMA (12-10-4) vs MAD (8-10-6)
Werner Park – Papillion, Nebraska
7:00 PM (CST) ESPN+
It’s another crucial matchup that has major playoff implications as Union Omaha hosts Forward Madison tonight at Werner Park. This one could be an emotional rollercoaster, so plan on being on the edge of your seat tonight as it kicks off at 7 PM (CST).
Forward Madison are a team on the rebound and are looking to claw their way into a position to host a first-round playoff game. Not too long ago, this team was in 8th place and still trying to find their identity. Since losing on the road to Charlotte 2-6, the ‘Mingos have only lost once, collected four clean sheets, and outscored opponents 10-6 across 9 games. That singular loss was the catalyst for their current trajectory. Only one team has been able to score two or more goals against them and those pesky men from Madison have reinserted themselves into the playoff discussion, thanks in part to several high performers.
Instead of starting at the top of the lineup, let’s look at the biggest catalyst for change in Madison: goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena. On June 12th, the Cuban keeper was announced to be joining Forward Madison by means of a goalkeeper swap between the ‘Mingos and USL Championship club Tampa Bay Rowdies. Arozarena’s first start came mere days later, resulting in a 2-0 home victory over South Georgia Tormenta FC. Since joining Forward Madison, Arozarena has only allowed five goals in eight matches and earned four of the club’s five total clean sheets, all while boasting a lower goals-against average than current league-leader and Golden-Glove-race leader Rashid Nuhu of Union Omaha.
Moving up the field, Forward Madison boast field players like club goal-scoring leader forward Jeremiah Streng, all around producer Matheus Cassini, and defender Mikey Maldonado, who leads the club in chances created. While none of these guys will be found leading the league in any of their respective categories, this is a team that has chosen to excel as a committee, instead of as individuals.
Stylistically, this is a team that has the pieces in place to work together, to get down the field, and do so while keeping the ball on the ground. The ‘Mingos pass a lot and that’s no exaggeration – they lead the league in passing and passing accuracy. Of their 28 goals scored this season, 21 goals were accompanied by an assist. Again, they act as a committee. They are also a patient team on offense, looking for the exact moment to take a chance on goal. While they don’t shoot as much as other clubs around the league, they convert at a higher rate.
These two clubs have already met twice this season, both ending in draws. Tonight’s match will be the last regular season meeting between the two sides until next season, but don’t count out a meeting between the two in the playoffs. Looking back at the eight matchups between the clubs, only three have ended with a winner. In all eight meetings, Union Omaha has only won one game, a 2-1 victory at Breese Stevens Field last season. In three tries, Union Omaha has never defeated Forward Madison in Werner Park.
The Owls look to change the course of history between these two sides and exorcise the demons of last week’s 0-3 loss to the Richmond Kickers. The loss kept the Owls in third place and left the team minus a defender after Alex Touche suffered a game-stopping injury in the second half. Though the Owls tried, they couldn’t seem to find the magic in the late stages of the match against Richmond.
Tonight’s game will test the technical skill and teamwork of the Owls, but also their emotional stability. Games between Forward Madison and Union Omaha are not friendly affairs and true grit is needed in order to gain three points. Without attempting to exaggerate, gaining three points against Forward Madison has been the toughest task for the Owls and to do so requires emotional intelligence and superiority in handling tough situations. Union Omaha fans have seen the players tested time and time again, both in the US Open Cup and League One play, so it isn’t unfamiliar territory. That familiarity could benefit them tonight.
Make sure to stay after the game to watch the second, and final, game between the Forward Madison and Union Omaha Special Olympic teams. The players have worked hard to be featured and to play in front of fans, so give them their proper praise and adoration. It’s going to be a great night of soccer at Werner Park, so get there early and don’t miss any of the action to come. As always…¡Viva Búhos!
Who Gives A Hoot? 