Union Omaha recommitted to the Tuesday tradition, announcing the signing of center back Ethan Dudley to the roster.
Image courtesy of Union Omaha Twitter: @Union_Omaha
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Ethan Dudley would go on to play high school soccer in St. Johns, Florida, which is about a 20-minute drive south of Jacksonville. During his time at Bartram Trail High School, Ethan received plenty of attention, even being named as a three-time All Conference selection and First Team All-State. When he signed his collegiate letter of intent, he committed to Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in Fort Myers, Florida.
While at FGCU, Dudley wasted little time in making an impact with the team. Even as a freshman, Dudley appeared in 11 games, starting in 5 of them, and helped his team earn 5 shutouts throughout the season, finishing with the fewest goals in conference play. At the end of his freshman season, he had already gained enough attention to be named to the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) All-Freshman team. Those accolades didn’t stop, either. By the end of his Junior year, he had been named to even more lists, including ASUN Defensive Player of the Year, ASUN First Team, ASUN All-Tournament Team, ASUN All-Academic, Academic All-American, and Team Co-MVP. Upon his graduation, Dudley decided to transfer to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, to continue his athletic and academic ventures.
Dudley played a single season with the Wildcats and while the team collected their fewest wins since 2001, he was successful in making a name for himself. He was the only player to start all 17 matches in 2022 and even led the team with 4 goals. His biggest individual highlight was probably the converted penalty kick against Michigan State that would send the Wildcats to the Big Ten Tournament. Even as a Graduate Transfer, he was awarded the captains armband in his lone season with Northwestern. After he finished playing at Northwestern, Dudley signed a contract with Major League Soccer’s Charlotte FC, where he made three appearances with the MLS NEXT Pro affiliate Crown Legacy FC.
His time with Crown Legacy wasn’t his only introduction to professional soccer, though. For two seasons during his collegiate career, he spent time with Armada FC, a professional soccer club based in Jacksonville who plays in the National Premier Soccer League. Dudley spent time with the U-23 and was a notable leader with the squad.
Now that his signing with Union Omaha is official, the 6’4” central defender can help the Owls as they make the final push toward the end of the regular season and carry that momentum into the playoffs, for which they have qualified after defeating Chattanooga Red Wolves last weekend. In the club’s press release, both Head Coach Dominic Casciato and General Manager Peter Marlette expressed their excitement for the signing.
“Ethan is a talented young center-back with a high ceiling,” Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato said. “He’s got good size and technical ability and impressed us with his team-first mentality during a recent trial. We are excited to add him to the group as we look to maintain our good form through these last five games of the regular season and into the playoffs.”
“I’m really happy we were able to work out a deal with Ethan,” Union Omaha General Manager Peter Marlette said. “He’s a quality player who fits the profile we were looking for, and I’m confident he’ll help us as we make our push towards a league title.”
Dudley even submitted a quote for the press release. “I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of such a great organization and push towards a championship to finish out the 2023 season,” Dudley said.
Union Omaha’s next match is this Saturday, as the Owls welcome Central Valley Fuego to town. The promotional theme that night is Oktoberfest, so make sure you arrive early to Werner Park to partake in the festive tailgates and themed merchandise, including an authentic stein. The parking lot opens at 4PM, gates open at 6PM, and kickoff is scheduled for 7PM.
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