Union Omaha doubled their Tuesday hype this week, signing midfielder Pedro Dolabella and goalkeeper Ian McGrane. Both players have quality histories and will bring plenty of competition to their already-deep positions.
The first signing announced was midfielder Pedro Dolabella. The 6’4” midfielder from Brasília, Brazil spent five seasons with Marshall University. Nicknamed “The Mayor,” Dolabella started for Marshall as “The Thundering Herd” took Indiana to overtime and scored a golden goal to win their first NCAA championship. By the time his collegiate career came to an end, Dolabella had scored 23 goals, 7 of which were game-winners, and added 16 assists. He was also the recipient of numerous awards, including 2021 Conference USA Player of the Year, 2021 Conference USA Offensive MVP, and was an academic recipient of both the Honor Roll (GPA > 3.0) and Academic Medalist (GPA > 3.75).
After graduating, Dolabella played the 2022 season with Rochester NY FC in MLS NEXT Pro. In his single season with the club, he had 24 starts, led the club in minutes, scored 5 goals, and tallied 5 assists, as well. On March 10th, Rochester NY FC posted a message on their Twitter account, saying, “It is with a heavy heart and a great sense of disappointment that we share with you Rochester NY Football Club will not participate in the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season. Union Omaha acted quickly to sign Dolabella in the days that followed.
In the club’s press release, Union Omaha included quotes from Head Coach Dominic Casciato, General Manager Peter Marlette, and Dolabella.
Head Coach Dominic Casciato:
“Pedro is a player I’ve been aware of for a couple of years now after he played an integral role in winning an NCAA Division I title at Marshall University for Chris Grassie and having been named to the MLS Next Pro Team of the Year last season. I think our fans will love what he brings to our midfield. He’s got a great attitude, has great quality and always gives 100 percent on the field. At 23 years old, his best years are ahead of him, and I’m delighted to see what he brings to our locker room this season.”
General Manager Peter Marlette:
“Pedro is a player I identified as a potential target last season. He’s a dynamic, creative player who can break down defenses in so many different ways. This signing has been a long time in the making, and I can’t wait for our fans to see what he brings to the game.”
Pedro Dolabella:
“I am delighted to join a winning team and am looking forward to helping bring a second star to Omaha,” Dolabella said.
The second signing of the day brought the announcement of goalkeeper Ian McGrane’s arrival to the club. The 6’5” goalkeeper from Kingston, Pennsylvania started his collegiate career at Monroe College in 2014, featuring in 9 matches and earning a 73.7% save percentage. Before the next season began, McGrane transferred to University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, but wouldn’t see any playing time in his next two seasons. McGrane spent the last two seasons of his collegiate career with the University of South Carolina. His senior year, McGrane appeared in 11 matches, starting 10 times, earned a 76.1% save percentage, and was featured on the honor roll on multiple occasions.
In 2021, McGrane signed with USL Championship side Tampa Bay Rowdies, who won the Regular Season title and ended the playoffs as the runner-up. Last season, McGrane played for St. Louis City SC 2 in MLS NEXT Pro. In 7 matches, McGrane allowed 7 goals and earned the highest save percentage for the club (68.2%).
Union Omaha’s press release also included quotes related to McGrane’s signing.
Head Coach Dominic Casciato:
“Ian is an experienced goalkeeper that’s proven to be a great professional. He is still young for a goalkeeper and joins us from a successful St. Louis City 2 team, where he played important minutes last year for John Hackworth. He’s a great locker room guy and will help develop our team culture, so I’m looking forward to him strengthening our group on and off the field.”
General Manager Peter Marlette:
“Ian is a quality keeper and a good pro. We improve immediately with him on our roster.”Ian McGrane:
“I’m excited for the opportunity to play for Union Omaha and to get to build on what last year’s squad has accomplished.”
Who Gives A Hoot? 
We will have a great season!
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