It’s been a whirlwind of a week for Union Omaha fans, who are still celebrating the club’s stadium announcement. Yesterday, the Owls continued capturing the eyes of the media with the additions of two players to the 2024 roster: defender Mechack Jérôme and forward Aarón Gómez.
Mechack Jérôme walks into the Union Omaha locker room with a wealth of experience and a trophy case to match it. Most recently, the 5’10” Haitian spent time with USL Championship side Indy Eleven, amassing 55 appearances. In 2023, Jérôme had the second highest passing accuracy on the team (87.5%) for players who completed more than 550 total passes. Despite his tenacity and penchant for winning duels, he only collected a single yellow card and ranked as one of the lowest players in conceding fouls on his team.
Union Omaha fans will love to hear this stat: both times that Jérôme won a trophy, it happened during his first season with the club. In 2011, he won the USL Cup with Orlando City Soccer Club, prior to the club joining the MLS as an expansion side in 2015. Lightning struck a second time while he was competing with Sporting Kansas City in 2013, as the club went on to win the MLS Cup.
Look for Jérôme to provide plenty of veteran leadership on the backline, playing either at center back or right back. He shows good intelligence while playing in a given system, deciding to stay home, or showing pace as he moves up the field. Keep an eye out for his right foot, too. He has some power in that leg, which will come in handy as he clears threats or sends the ball up the field for a fast break. Don’t be surprised if he jumps in and takes a free kick or two, as well. With that power in his leg, he could turn heads if given the chance.
In Union Omaha’s press release, Head Coach Dominic Casciato expressed his excitement with the addition of Jérôme. “Mechack is an experienced player that has 80 caps for his country, and when watching him play, it’s easy to see why – his ability speaks for itself,” said Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato. “I worked closely with him in El Paso when we won the Mountain Division and Copa Tejas back in 2021, so I’m delighted to be able to bring him to Omaha this season. His defensive prowess and quality in possession will make him a great asset as we look to achieve success in 2024.”
Jérôme supplied his own quote for the press release, as well. “I’m excited to say that I’m officially part of the Union Omaha family,” said Jérôme. “This is going to be an amazing season and I can’t wait for what’s to come!”
The second signing of Union Omaha’s Tuesday tradition came with the announcement of Aarón Gómez.
After spending almost five seasons with USL Championship club El Paso Locomotive, Gómez heads north to pair up with Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato. During his two years as an assistant at El Paso Locomotive, Casciato was able to work with Gómez closely and helped shape him into the offensive threat that he is today. Gómez leaves El Paso Locomotive as the club’s all-time leading scorer and helped the club to back-to-back Western Conference Finals. In 2021, he tied for the club’s Golden Boot award after finishing the season with ten goals. During that same season, Gómez helped the club win the Copa Tejas, a trophy presented to the best professional soccer club in Texas. All in all, Gómez made 139 appearances with the club, scoring 34 goals and tacking on 18 assists.
Gómez will get a lot of Union Omaha fans standing this season, as he is a strong presence in the box, a clinical finisher, and has many tools in his arsenal to hit the back of the net. The 5’8” forward regularly loses his marker and is dangerous with his headers. Look for him to have a lot of direct runs at the goal and finish any loose balls in the box. Since he already knows Casciato, the two should be able to hit the ground running. Speaking of running, Gómez will also earn a lot of respect from the fans for his workrate, which jumps off the film when you watch him play.
Union Omaha included quotes from both Head Coach Dominic Casciato and Aarón Gómez in the club’s press release.
“Aaron is a tireless worker and a proven goalscorer who plays the game with an energy and enthusiasm that’s inspiring to all of those around him,” said Head Coach Dominic Casciato. “He’s a player that I know well, having worked with him for two seasons in El Paso where we formed a strong relationship. Having seen his ability firsthand, I’m excited to see the impact he makes in Omaha as we look to elevate our squad and on-field performances in 2024.”
“I am very happy to sign here and grateful to God,” said Gómez. “It’s going to be a great season and I’m very excited to see everyone on the field soon.”
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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