Are you sitting down? Good. Yesterday was “League One Day One” on social media and while just about every club in USL League One made roster announcements, Union Omaha separated themselves by retaining ten proven players from the 2022 Union Omaha roster. With the tremendous help of the club’s front office, head coach Jay Mims once again proves what we’ve all known in Búhos Nation: the only time Mims was ever wrong was when he thought he made a mistake.
Let’s take a brief look at each of the familiar names that will be a part of the 2023 Union Omaha roster:
Rashid Nuhu (Goalkeeper):
Your 2022 USL League One Goalkeeper of the Year, Golden Glove winner, and First Team All-League Team nominated dominator will be back to mind the net for Union Omaha. That distant sound you hear is all of the wannabe goal-scorers in League One crying at the thought of him in goal again.
JP Scearce (Midfielder):
Selected to the 2022 First Team All-League Team and Team of the Week on six occasions, all while leading the team in tackles, tackles won, duels won, and aerial duels won. This man’s forehead has emptied thousands of seats in his career. Connect with him on a set piece or a cross and he’ll reward you handsomely.
Noe Meza (Forward):
League One Player of the Week for Week 21, selected to League One Team of the Week thrice, and team leader in goals, assists, big chance creator, successful dribbles per 90 minutes, shots on target, and so many more categories. This guy is such an offensive stud, he could win a game of Connect Four in three moves.
Joe Brito (Midfielder):
League One Goal of the Week winner in Week 10 with a total of 30 starts and among the team leaders in multiple categories, his creativity and services will be a true gift to the team next season. Don’t count out his goal-scoring abilities, either. This man isn’t allowed in the state of Minnesota ever again.
Ryen Jiba (Midfielder, defender extraordinaire):
Finalist for the 2022 League One Young Player of the Year award, Jiba grew and developed into a true threat while filling in as a defender in the Mims system. The way he tracked up and down the field unmarked so easily was scary. Jiba destroyed the periodic table because he only recognizes the element of surprise.
Luis Gil (Midfielder):
Union Omaha’s midseason signing proved to be a valuable asset, starting 13 times in 18 appearances. There’s a true bright side to Gil and next season will only get better with him included. This man never retreats, he simply attacks in the opposite direction.
Shaft Brewer Jr (Defender):
Another midseason signing for the club, Shaft showed a ton of potential and creativity. Every time he stepped onto the field, his energy was infectious among his teammates. He’s also keenly aware of his opposition and can anticipate their moves. In fact, when Alexander Graham Bell first invented the telephone, he had three missed calls from Shaft.
Chavany Willis (Midfielder):
2022 League One Goal of the Month winner for his stoppage-time equalizer against Chattanooga, the Jamaican had two goals for the Owls this season and both were from outside the box. His attacking prowess left you always wanting more and next season he will stop at nothing to impress. Willis is so dangerous with the ball that League One requires him to carry a weapons permit to matches.
Dion Acoff (Midfielder):
Selected to the 2022 League One Team of the Week once, Acoff worked invisible wonders all over the field. He provided non-stop outlets for link-up play and carried a never-give-up attitude for every second he was on the field. He spurred a lot of offensive opportunities and gets praise wherever he goes. In fact, when Acoff walks into restaurants, the waiters tip him.
Yoskar Edu Galvan (Midfielder):
Starting once and appearing in a total of nine matches, Edu is a rising star in the league. His time on the field featured energy, creativity, and confidence. As he continues to grow and develop, his time on the team will only become more impactful. By the time his professional career is finished, his diary will be the Guinness Book of World Records.
There are still plenty of signings to come, but Union Omaha has given Búhos Nation plenty of reasons to be excited. Stayed tuned for more news and podcast episodes from Who Gives A Hoot! As always…¡Viva Búhos!
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