UO looks to head into a one week break with back-to-back results
Playing on consecutive weekends for the first time since early-mid April, Union Omaha will travel to a familiar foe in the Richmond Kickers on Friday. With the following weekend off not only does the team hope to make this a statement game before the midseason stretch begins, but UO fans would love a result as a statement against a team that has been a thorn in their side since entering the league. Of the five teams that have been in USL League One each season along with UO, Richmond has historically been the toughest out, with only 5 out of a possible 18 points. Richmond might also be desperate to find some kind of positive rhythm, as they’ve also started their 2023 season with inconsistent up-and-down performances.
Omaha’s win last weekend at home against Northern Colorado had lots of positives and negatives to take away; efficient and aggressive first half play, along with accurate passing seems to be a trend that has developed in the first quarter of the season. Meanwhile, sloppy defending in the second half suggests that fans are going to be holding their breath harder and longer than they’ve been accustomed to while holding leads. It was also the first game many new players played at Werner Park, where the dimensions, surroundings and wind patterns are obviously not easy to adjust to with limited experience. Obviously, these aren’t going to be a factor at City Stadium on Friday.
The past few seasons, Richmond has been a pretty predictable side; a team that got out of Emiliano Terzaghi’s way, doesn’t necessarily attempt the extra pass if they can take the shot in the moment, and a defense that essentially forced goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald to pay close attention for every one of the game’s 90 minutes. This year, while the roster for Richmond might look familiar their play has not been. Fitzgerald missed the middle three games of Richmond’s regular season so far, Terzaghi has scored only one of Richmond’s paltry five goals in five games, and Richmond have taken a league low 43 shots, a paltry 8ish shots per game. By comparison, UO have taken 70 shots in their first five league games.
If you’re looking for a sign early in the game to see which side might be influencing the pace of the game more, pay attention to play in the midfield. UO matches so far have seen more action in the pure middle of the pitch, while Richmond games feature much more possession in the wings, especially in both attacking thirds. UO’s fullbacks will probably need to be more prepared than usual to track back on defense, especially if Richmond play their expected 4-3-3 formation. Given the contrasting styles of the two teams, don’t be surprised to see an early goal that creates a frenetic pace afterwards.
Pregame Facts
| Richmond Kickers | Union Omaha | |
| Overall Record | 2-2-1 | 2-2-1 |
| Table Position | 6th | 5th |
| Recent Form | L-W-D-L-W | W-L-D-L-W |
| Last Match | W (3-1 @ TRM) | W (3-2 v. NCO) |
| Next Match | GVL (Away, 5/13) | CRW (Away, 5/20) |
| Leading Scorer | 5 players (1 goal) | Noe Meza (3 goals) |
Who Gives A Hoot? 