With two weeks left in the USL League One regular season, Union Omaha added more depth to the goalkeeper position, signing Christian Eduardo Olivares. Pending league and federation approval, Olivares could be available as soon as tonight, when Union Omaha travels to North Carolina FC.
The 6-foot-4 inch Californian joins the Owls just as the club engages in some intense matches before the end of the regular season. The highly-touted goalkeeper prospect brings with him valuable experience from the Real Monarchs – Real Salt Lake Academy and USL Championship club, as well as his collegiate career at Salt Lake City CC. While minding the net for the Monarchs, he helped the club win the USL Championship title in 2019.
The move to Union Omaha also reunites Olivares with former college teammate Ryen Jiba. In the two seasons that Olivares played for Salt Lake City CC, he recorded 72 saves, 13 clean sheets, and a goal-against average of 0.42 goals per game. After playing 28 games for the Bruins, Olivares only allowed a total of 11 goals and never allowing more than 2 goals in a single game.
Union Omaha Head Coach Jay Mims had plenty of kind words and enthusiasm for the new signing. In the club’s press release, posted yesterday, Mims said, “Christian is a talented young goalkeeper who comes from some great environments with Salt Lake City CC and Real Salt lake Academy.” He described Olivares’s potential by saying, “He will add immediate depth in that position for us and will be able to learn and grow with our current experienced players in a competitive professional environment.”
Olivares released a short statement for the same press release. In it, he said, “I’m super excited to be part of this group and help in any way to win a championship!”
The 20 year-old adds depth to the already-deep goalkeeper position and could provide some rest and respite to starter Rashid Nuhu, while inserting some competition for backup Kevin Piedrahita.
Union Omaha currently sits in third place in the USL League One standings and looks to continue its title defense as the club heads to North Carolina FC for a crucial match that could see the Owls lock up a playoff berth. After tonight’s match, the club has two remaining games in the season, both at home. With only two weeks left in the season, there’s sure to be some drama, so make sure you have your tickets for those home games. Playoff tickets have also started going on sale, so go to Union Omaha’s website to purchase those tickets, as well.
Keep checking in with Who Gives A Hoot Media for more content related to Union Omaha. We have new episodes of the podcast each week and great articles to read on the website, as well. With the regular season coming to an end, the action and drama are only starting to take off and we’ll keep you updated on everything you need to know.
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