Union Omaha carried their momentum with the first Tuesday signing announcement of the 2024 calendar year, following their first announcement with the addition of a familiar face in defender Blake Malone.
No stranger to success, Malone won the 2018 US Soccer Development Academy National Championship with his U16/17 Seattle Sounder FC Academy teammates. Before enrolling in college, he was the No. 2 defender of the 2019 class, according to Top Drawer Soccer. He made two appearances as a member of the U20 US National Team, named Team Captain of his U18/19 Seattle Sounders Academy Team, and was listed as a United Soccer Coaches All-American in 2018.
Soon after, he made a move across the country to play the 2019 collegiate season with the University of North Carolina. In his lone season with the Tar Heels, Malone started in 13 of his 15 matches and was named to Top Drawer Soccer’s Preseason Best XI team in August of 2019. Despite playing as a defender, he was still able to tally a goal against Notre Dame during the regular season. With his college career behind him, it wouldn’t take long for a professional club to reach out and sign him.
In March of 2021, Malone was signed by Orange County SC. Soon after being signed, he was loaned to Union Omaha ahead of the 2021 USL League One season. In that season, the 5’10” defender made 13 appearances with the Owls as they went on to win the USL League One Players’ Shield, as well as the Playoff Championship. At the conclusion of the 2021 season, Colorado Rapids 2 signed him for the 2022 MLS Next Pro Season.
While playing with Colorado Rapids 2, Malone earned plenty of minutes with the club, amassing over 2,000 minutes across the entire season. During the regular season, he started in 15 of his 17 appearances, scoring 4 goals and earning 3 assists along the way. Malone and his teammates went on to become Western Conference regular season title-winners.
Malone returns to the city he was born in, hoping to help the club climb the podium again. In the club’s press release, Head Coach Dominic Casciato expressed his excitement with the signing. “Blake is a top young defender who’s coming off an outstanding conference-winning season with Colorado Rapids 2,” Casciato said. “He’s familiar with our club, having been part of the 2021 double-winning team and has developed considerably in the two years since then. We look forward to welcoming the local lad back home for the 2024 season.”
The press release also included a quote from the 22-year old. “I’m thrilled to be back playing for the city I was born in,” Malone said. “Looking forward to the season and to, hopefully, winning another championship like we did in 2021!”
Union Omaha’s 2024 home opener is on April 20th as they welcome a rematch of 2023 USL League One Playoff Semifinals foe Charlotte Independence. Make sure you have your ticket for this much-anticipated match. Season ticket memberships and voucher packs are available at the club website or through the Ticket Office by calling 402-738-5100.
Stay tuned for more Union Omaha announcements ahead of the 2024 USL League One Regular Season. Who Gives A Hoot Media is here to give you all of the Union Omaha insights, announcements, profiles, statistical breakdowns, and new episodes of the podcast. As always…¡Viva Búhos!
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