Union Omaha’s fifth season begins Saturday evening with a trip to Fresno, California to take on Central Valley Fuego. Both teams entered the season having to rebuild their cores for different reasons; Union Omaha’s offseason saw seven of their primary players move on to new clubs, five of whom will be playing their 2024 seasons at USL Championship clubs. As for Fuego, most of their core was replaced after the club hired new head coach Jermaine Jones. Only three players from Fuego’s starting XI in their season opening 2-1 victory at South Georgia Tormenta were returning players from Fuego’s 2023 side, which finished bottom of the table.
Fuego got off to a hot start in their opener, taking advantage of a Tormenta backline that played fairly high. They valued pace over possession in the first half, scoring both of their goals before the break. There’s obviously no look from UO in 2024 to reference, but if the end of last year is any hint they may give a similar look with the backline. The big difference, however, would be having two center defensive midfielders available to plug the gaps. With no match the following weekend, and an away trip to USL2 side Western Mass Pioneers in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup the following Thursday, look for UO to play their strongest available lineup, with the only considerations being player health.
Both teams are likely to have different means of motivation. UO ended 2023 without losing in regulation in 15 consecutive matches, going back to July; so having that impressive of a streak without ending the season lifting the cup should be fuel for all of the returning players. Fuego lost all three matches to UO last year, including two at home. Even with a heavily rotated side it’s safe to assume Fuego’s front office might share with the new technical staff the importance of impressing against a side like Union Omaha.
Union Omaha brought in four signings 29 years-old or older this offseason; Aarón Gómez, Mechack Jérôme, Nortei Nortey and PC. Expect all of them to have an impact this weekend, including the possibility that all four of them are part of the starting XI. With the exception of Gómez, these signings lean towards a more defensive philosophy this season, at least that’s where the veterans are expected to make their contributions.
The first game of the season always brings some baggage with it. There are so many things currently unknown, and coaches will still be tinkering with lineups, tactics and philosophies. Though unlike seasons past, Saturday is game 1 of only 22, as the in-season tournament has created a balanced schedule for USL League One’s regular season this year. Will games like Saturday be prioritized by the technical staff? Does eight teams making the playoffs this year take some of that pressure off? Only time will help answer these questions, as Union Omaha’s fifth season is set to get underway.
Disclaimer: This article was written before the announcement of Brandon Knapp
What’s every fan’s favorite thing to do during the preseason, no matter who their loyalties lie with? Well, besides going through the schedule and reaching the obvious conclusion that your favorite team will win the league and not understanding why fans of other teams can’t come to the same rational conclusion, it’s trying to predict which 11 players will be the ones that see the most playing time on their team’s path to inevitable glory. In a league with as much turnover as USL League One sees on an annual basis, making accurate predictions either means that fan is omniscient or has placed a listening device in the conference room. Either way, these fans aren’t to be trusted. I’m now asking you to ignore what you just read, and go on this journey with me!
First, we should recap last season’s typical lineup so that we can see who needs to be replaced and where. As most Union Omaha fans are aware, we didn’t really get the chance to put out a typical lineup. The first portion of the season saw manager Dominic Casciato trying different looks as he continued learning more about his roster. Once the team found its stride, injuries prevented them from putting out a consistent lineup. Pedro Dolabella, Marco Milanese, Luca Mastrantonio, Noe Meza and Conor Doyle all missed time at different stretches. Unlike with Meza and Doyle, who had already cemented their statuses as regular starters, Dolabella and Milanese suffered injuries as they had been submitting their cases. Make no mistake that other players made considerable contributions in their place, such as Joe Gallardo and Lagos Kunga. But for the sake of this process, let’s assume this was Union Omaha’s regular XI in 2023:
Goalkeeper: Rashid Nuhu
Defenders: Shaft Brewer Jr., Marco Milanese, Alexis Souahy, Dion Acoff
Midfielders: JP Scearce, Conor Doyle, Joe Brito, Luis Gil
Forwards: Noe Meza and Steevan Dos Santos
There are probably some names you expected to see on this list, but obviously only 11 players can start. Luca Mastrantonio is one example, he had some injury issues in 2023. This did create opportunities for both Milanese and Acoff to flex into new positions. Milanese became a dependable CB, while Acoff made the All-League Second Team as an RB. In the list above, seven players are no longer with the club, most notably the entire midfield.
If you begin building a new starting XI, it’s probably best to organize players in three specific groups: holdovers from last season that played a significant amount of the time, holdovers from last season that you can argue should see a significant increase in playing time, and new players. Let’s start with the first group:
Lucca Mastrantonio: started half of the league matches last season, a true center back
Pedro Dolabella: flexed into a more defensive role at the end of last season after Conor Doyle’s injury
Joe Gallardo: Played in all but four regular season matches, equaled both Brito and Dolabella in goals scored
The next group are holdovers that you can make a reasonable argument should receive significantly more playing time:
Anderson Holt: Signed professionally last summer after beginning on an academy contract. Faced strong depth ahead of him with other defenders, impressed in his limited playing time
Lagos Kunga: Late season addition from Des Moines Menace, was already a primary substitute by the end of the season in the midfield
And finally, the group of new players that have been announced. In order of announcement:
Adam Aoumaich: First year professional from Marshall University, appears to be able to play both forward and on the wings
Blake Malone: Loaned to UO from Orange County SC in 2021, returns after a successful stint with Colorado Rapids 2
Nortei Nortey: Primarily a defensive midfielder, was a part-time captain for Northern Colorado Hailstorm last season during an incredibly successful 2023 campaign
Aarón Gómez: Signed from Casciato’s old stomping grounds in El Paso, started 24 matches last seasons mostly as a forward and attacking midfielder
Mechack Jérôme: Also played for Casciato in El Paso, started about half of Indy Eleven’s matches last season at CB. The 33 year-old has 80 international caps representing Haiti, most recently playing against Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League last October
Victor Pagliari Giro: Known as PC, a midfielder that was essential to San Antonio FC’s championship in 2022. Had 15 goals+assists from 74 matches in his four seasons with the club primarily as a center midfielder
So listed above are eleven players with seven starting spots presumably available. Let’s work our way from the middle out, since the entire midfield above needs to be replaced. Here is the potential player pool, in alphabetical order:
Adam Aoumaich
Pedro Dolabella
Joe Gallardo
Aarón Gómez
Lagos Kunga
Nortei Nortey
PC
In my opinion, Dolabella and Nortey have the strongest chances of being regular starters. Dolabella was basically a starter if not for injuries in 2023, Nortey is an important piece replacing Scearce’s and Doyle’s combined seven years of service to UO, primarily along the spine in defense. I think Kunga has the highest upside of the other remaining players, while his movement off the ball helps create space for others. If you think Casciato will start the season with the same 4-2-3-1 formation that UO eased into at the end of last season, I believe this leaves a natural spot for Nortey to share the defensive midfield with PC. This also leaves a fifth spot for a midfielder, which I believe is up between Gallardo and Gómez. I don’t think you can go wrong with either, both have the ability to also flex up and play some forward. My gut tells me this spot belongs to Gallardo right now.
In defense, it’s hard to rationalize taking Acoff’s spot away just months after being named second team All-League. I also can’t see Jérôme being brought in as simply CB depth, his median FotMob rating of 6.8 in the Championship last season suggests he should be able to make a seamless transition to League One. Holt logged only 87 minutes last season, so seeing the 19 year-old penciled in as a starter to begin the season seems far-fetched. This leaves Milanese as the only LB remaining, and as starter #3. So the final CB starting position is between Malone and Mastrantonio. I liked what I saw when Mastrantonio and Milanese were able to play next to each other last season, and imagine that gives Mastrantonio the edge for now.
Since all of the above leaves room for only one forward, it’s hard to imagine anybody other than Steevan Dos Santos in that spot. Gómez and Aoumaich on the bench, along with PC and Dolabella’s ability to adapt positionally gives Casciato plenty of flexibility to change formations as needed. I shudder doing this, putting my prognostications on the record in graphic form, but here we go:
So there you have it: I’ve just guaranteed that on Saturday, March 16 in Fresno, California, Union Omaha will start in either a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formation. I barely have a vague understanding of the game, so why not have some fun with it!
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.
Credit to Union Omaha Twitter: @Union_Omaha
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.
Credit to Indy Eleven’s Matt Schlotzhauer
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.
Credit to Union Omaha Twitter: @Union_Omaha
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.
Credit to El Paso Locomotive
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!
It was another exciting Tuesday for the Owls, as Union Omaha signed defensive midfielder Nortei Nortey.
The 29-year-old Englishman comes to Omaha after spending two seasons with fellow USL League One club Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. In the last two seasons, Nortey was a consistent piece of Hailstorm’s midfield, collecting over 4,400 minutes across 50 starts and 56 appearances. 2023 was a particularly strong year, as he helped the club allow the fewest goals in the league while simultaneously amassing the greatest goal differential in the league, as well.
Image courtesy of Union Omaha Twitter: @Union_Omaha
Nortey is the first midfielder that Union Omaha has signed in 2024 and his talent should not be overlooked. While typically playing a more defensive role in the midfield, his passing is highly-rated, even in the opponent’s half. Most of his passes move forward, while also balancing his left to right distribution. With the midfield veterans returning to Union Omaha’s roster in 2024, the 5’11″ midfielder will provide a great layer of depth, allowing his teammates to progress up the field, utilize their individual strengths, and create chances in the offensive third.
Before arriving in America, Nortey started his playing career in Chelsea’s academy before moving on to play at other clubs throughout the United Kingdom. Some of those clubs include Wrexham, Dover Athletic, and Chorley. After playing a season in the Scottish Championship with Queen of the South, Nortey was signed by Northern Colorado and started playing in USL League One in 2022.
Image courtesy of Dover Athletic FC
In Union Omaha’s press release, head coach Dominic Casciato expressed his excitement for Nortey’s signing. “Nortei is a quality, experienced midfielder that’s got a good range of passing and great leadership skills,” said Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato. “He’s coming off a good second season with Northern Colorado, where he was a captain and established himself as one of the best midfielders in the league. We look forward to the impact he will have in our locker room, on the field and in our community as we work together to build on the success we achieved in 2023.”
The press release included a quote from Nortey, as well. “I’m very excited to be a part of the Union Omaha family,” Nortey said. “Already looking forward to working with my new teammates, the coaching staff, everyone involved at the club and, of course, meeting all our fans. I can’t wait to get started!”
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!
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.
Image courtesy of Union Omaha Twitter: @Union_Omaha
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.
Image Courtesy of University of North Carolina Athletics
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!
Keeping in line with tradition, Union Omaha celebrated their first Tuesday signing announcement with the introduction of forward Adam Aoumaich.
Image courtesy of Union Omaha Twitter: @Union_Omaha
After graduating from Jean de La Fontaine High School in Château-Thierry, France, Aoumaich used his French-American dual citizenship to cross the Atlantic Ocean and play soccer at the University of Albany. In the 2020-2021 season, Aoumaich appeared in nine matches, starting four times. By the end of the season, he led the team with 4 goals, 9 points, and 18 shots. The highlights of that season included an 87th-minute match-winning goal against Binghampton and being named America East Offensive Player of the Week. Before leaving the program in 2021, Aoumaich amassed 24 appearances, 6 goals, 3 assists, 2 match-winning goals, and a shot on goal percentage of 61.3%.
Image courtesy of University of Albany Athletics
His next collegiate stop took him to Huntington, West Virginia, where the 5’8” forward played for Marshall University. In his two years with The Thundering Herd, Aoumaich started in 31 of the 36 matches in which he appeared, scored 7 goals, and earned 15 assists. By the end of his collegiate career at Marshall University, Aoumaich had earned such honors as being named to the 2022 Second-Team All-Sun Belt Conference and 2022 Sun Belt Men’s Soccer Newcomer of the Year.
Image courtesy of Marshall University Athletics
Aoumaich also has experience under the USL umbrella, playing for USL League Two’s Manhattan SC. During his time with the club, he made seven appearances and tallied one goal with two assists during the 2021 season.
In the Union Omaha’s press release, Head Coach Dominic Casciato provided his thoughts on the 24-year old. “Adam is a talented young winger that’s both exciting to watch and mature enough to understand that the team comes first at all times,” Casciato said. “He’s been one of college soccer’s most creative players in the last few years, and joins us from Marshall University, one of the top programs in the country, under Coach Chris Grassie. We look forward to welcoming him to the club as he takes his first steps as a professional.”
The press release also included a quote from Aoumaich. “I’m so excited to be joining Union Omaha!” said Aoumaich. “I can’t wait to hit the field with my teammates and make our fans proud.”
Video courtesy of JSA Scholarships YouTube Page: @JSPscholarships
Union Omaha’s 2024 home opener is on April 20th as they welcome a rematch against 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. Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe for all of the action to come here at Who Gives A Hoot Media. As always…¡Viva Búhos!
Fate had cruel timing for Union Omaha fans as the Owls were knocked out of the playoffs by Charlotte Independence on Saturday night. Regulation and extra time weren’t enough to decide the victor in this outing, so the twisted machinations of the evening were settled by penalty kicks, where the Owls were defeated 4-5.
Image provided by Union Omaha Twitter: @Union_Omaha
On Saturday, Werner Park played host to the first USL League One playoff match since Union Omaha won the Final in 2021. As the gates opened, the stadium welcomed any and all fans willing to brave the freezing temperatures and over 2,200 fans did exactly that. Even with the frigid temps, the steady gusts, and chance of precipitation, Búhos Nation was loud from the opening whistle and the starting lineup matched that energy with their play in the first half.
For the first 45 minutes of the match, Union Omaha was the clear and obvious better side. The passes were crisp, players combined well to move up the field, and offensive opportunities were being created at a steady rate in the final third. The Owls, who usually rely on the wingbacks to streak up the sidelines, were unusually successful in their attempts to move the ball through the middle third of the field. That’s not to say Dion Acoff wasn’t included in the attacks because he was certainly utilized on a number of occasions.
Image provided by Union Omaha Twitter: @Union_Omaha
So many of Union Omaha’s scoring chances were services crossed into the box, but for every attempt on goal, Charlotte Independence goalkeeper Austin Pack was there to prove why he was a heavy contender for the Golden Glove award this season. Time and time again, Pack was seen going to ground, elevating to cover the corners, and providing that vital last line of defense for the Independence. At the end of the first half, the Owls had already logged 17 shots, 5 of which were on goal. With Union Omaha’s penchant for scoring second half goals, fans kept the faith for that elusive goal to happen in the second half.
With sides changed and tactics in mind, the second half whistle blew, commencing the proceedings. Fans were once again drawn to the edge of their seats in anticipation. One of Union Omaha’s adjustments in the second half seemed to draw offensive players higher up the field and drop Pedro Dolabella back farther, providing essential linkup play from the backline. The shift in personnel also created more space in the middle of the field for Dolabella to work with, resulting in more passing lanes, as well as the successful bait for Charlotte players to be drawn out of position. This resulted in a mismatch along the backline, which Union Omaha infiltrated over and over. Another result of this shift was less reliance on wingbacks Dion Acoff and Shaft Brewer Jr., keeping them home in case of a counter attack.
Seconds turned to minutes and the scoreless draw held true, even as the end of regulation time drew near. While the score remained the same, the opposite could be said of the support from the fans. The fervor inside Werner Park grew fierce with each attempt on goal. Frustration with each blocked shot on goal immediately turned into fans urging the team on. The vocal support raining onto the field continued to build and the team fed off the support. There may have been 2,200 fans inside the stadium, but the noise level was far greater than the physical presence. Passion met passion as fans kept the faith and the players fought until the end of regulation. For the second year in a row, Union Omaha faced extra time in a playoff match.
Image provided by Union Omaha Twitter: @Union_Omaha
Even in the first half of extra time, Union Omaha showed their superiority. In that first period of 15 minutes, the Owls carried an 83% passing accuracy rating, doubled Charlotte’s passing total, and took 5 shots. The home side was showing why they were the top-ranked team heading into the playoffs, but that cruel sense of humor from the metaphorical script writers continued to hold Union Omaha scoreless.
In the second half of extra time, Charlotte provided some heartstopping moments for the crowd. Both sides may have only had a single shot in the second period of 15 minutes, but Charlotte was able to find more touches in Union Omaha’s box. The further along the match proceeded, the louder the fans became, while at the same time resigning to the unfortunate fact that this match was likely to be settled from 12 yards away. Sure enough, the whistle blew and the final chapter of the match was about to be written.
As the teams built their penalty-shooting lineup, the referees and team captains stood at midfield to determine who would shoot first and which goal would be featured in the shootout. Ultimately, the goal in front of Section 119 and fans could be seen sprinting from one side of the stadium to the other. After fans had successfully filled the area, the atmosphere at that end of the field, directly behind the goal, was unlike anything ever seen at a match – dozens of flags waving, scarves held high, noisemakers going off, and even a handful of fans showed their mettle by removing the shirts and waving them in the air. The raucous atmosphere was a special moment to witness and completely matched the intensity of the penalty kicks.
When it was all said and done, Union Omaha fell short by one goal. The stunned silence washed over the fans as reality began to set in: Union Omaha’s season was over. The top-ranked club at the end of the regular season was finished. Emotions were very raw after the fact and it was clear to who all could see how much this match meant to the players.
Despite the season ending, there is so much to be proud of this season – the record-breaking turnaround in the middle of the season, all of the club and league records broken, the celebrations, and the continued legacy of this successful club. Let the offseason commence with the knowledge that this club, from the players to the technical staff to the front office to the ownership group, is going to do everything in their power to make 2024 even better. Always and forever…¡Viva Búhos!
Postmatch Quotes
General Manager Peter Marlette
Thoughts on the loss: “You know, incredibly disappointed, but also really proud of this team. Playoffs are tough. This was the best team. I think this was the best team I’ve seen in this league and they deserved a different result tonight, but they played great for 120 minutes. Just couldn’t put one in the back of the net. So, it’s disappointing to go out that way, but this team, our coaching staff and our front office staff deserve all the credit in the world because it’s going to hurt for a little bit and then a week from now we’re going to realize what happened this season and it was it was pretty good.”
Looking back on the high moments of the season (setting club and league records, etc.): “There are a lot of teams that I’ve been a part of over my life that, after that first third of the season, when you’re playing well and the results just aren’t going your way, that you pack it up. That you decide that’s the season. This team did the exact opposite of that. This team came together, they fought harder. They found a way to win. They found a way to keep those late goals out. Found a way to keep clean sheets. They kept a clean sheet for 120 minutes tonight. You know, those records reflect it. I don’t think teams are gonna pass that point total for a while. This league is only getting more competitive and the players and the level are getting better every year. This team, I think, in a few years will still be remembered as one of the better teams that has played in this league.”
Shoutout to the fans: “Oh, tonight, I mean, I’ve been out in the crowd, just thanking everybody for the past half hour. There were, you know, roughly 2,000 people in the stands tonight and it was probably the loudest I’ve ever heard this stadium. It was. The conditions were horrible. It was freezing tonight and they went for 120 minutes, as loud as they possibly could and completely supported the players. You know, flocking behind the goal for the penalties was awesome. They deserved better, but it’s penalties, you know. It’s a coin flip. They did everything they could. I will say, with about 15 minutes left right before the second half of extra time, I texted a few supporters group members and people in the stands and said, “Players need you for the next 15 minutes. You can’t sit down. You need to be as loud as you can possibly be.” And they clearly read those texts because it only amplified in the stadium in those last 15 minutes. It was amazing.”
What Union Omaha fans can look forward to in the offseason: “Well, one thing that we’ve done well is we’ve got a lot of players who were on this team tonight who are going to be back next year. We structured those contracts well and we created a place that players want to come and spend more than a year or however long, so I think the foundation is very strong. And you know, now we’ve got to go fill in the pieces that we’ll inevitably lose, whether it’s a player who’s going off to [USL] Championship, abroad, other leagues, whatever it may be. You don’t have a team that successful and not have some players garner some interest from higher levels. So, we’ll see, but the foundation is great. And listen, we’ve already got our list of players we’re gonna go after. So, frankly, we’ve had some conversations already, you know, and there’s gonna be a good team next year.”
Head Coach Dominic Casciato
General thoughts on the evening: “Yeah. Tough one to take. The guys have been so good all year and to end it like that… I feel for the guys, you know. I feel for all the guys because I think we didn’t deserve to go out that way. [I’m] just really proud of all the guys’ efforts over the course of the year. Tonight, in a one-off game, anything can happen and we obviously didn’t take our chances. We were made to pay for it in the end. I am really proud of all the guys, all the effort that they’ve put forward, you know. Disappointing one, but we’ll brush ourselves off and then get ready for next year now.”
Thoughts on fluky nights such as this one: “Sometimes we have these nights, right? Where the board doesn’t quite go your way or things don’t go in when you need them to go in and, you know, unfortunately it came tonight and cost us advancing on to the Final. So, disappointing, for sure, but that’s football.”
Insight to tactical changes made at halftime: “Yeah, look, we know Charlotte were a dangerous counter attacking team, so we could bait them to come centrally and expose them in wide areas once they did come central. That was a good tactic for us to exploit. I think we did get in a lot and we just couldn’t take our chances.”
Shoutout to the fans: “Look, I think we’ve got the best fans in the league. The support they’ve given us throughout the season, you know, not just when things were going well, when we were maybe having a few bumps in the road. It really means everything, right. Not just to me, but to the players, as well. And we really appreciate all of the support from the fans. The fact that they were out there tonight when it was freezing cold and urging us on. We’re really thankful for the support and can’t wait to see everyone next season.”
Team Captain JP Scearce
General thoughts: “Yeah, it’s a tough one to swallow. I think we completely dominated that game from start to finish and it was just one of those [games] where we couldn’t find the back of the net. We couldn’t finish our chances and that’s what hurt us at the end of the day. I mean, the penalty shoot out was 50/50, so we can’t really rely on that to win the game. So yeah, it’s a bitter one.”
Words exchanged in the huddles throughout the match: “Yeah, just a lot of encouragement from everyone. We knew we were the better team and it showed in the game. Yeah, it was just a lot of encouragement. Just to keep pushing, keep giving them everything, so that’s what we’re talking about.”
Shoutout to the fans: “We appreciate the fans for their support throughout the year, obviously. Even when times were tough, they were still there backing us and tonight was an amazing turnout, considering the cold weather. Thank you to all the fans for the support throughout the season.”
Match Summary
Attendance: 2,217
Scoring Summary: OMA PKs scored by #17 JP Scearce, #11 Joe Gallardo, #8 Joe Brito, and #6 Chavany Willis CLT PKs scored by #8 Joel Johnson, #3 Héctor Acosta, #90 Khori Bennett, #14 Luis Alvarez, and #4 Nick Spielman
Substitution Summary: 71’: OMA – #11 Joe Gallardo replaces #70 Lagos Kunga 71’: OMA – #8 Joe Brito replaces #7 Noe Meza 73’: CLT – #12 Brad Dunwell replaces #11 Tresor Mbuyu 90’: OMA – #6 Chavany Willis replaces #20 Luis Gil 96’: CLT – #21 Rayan Djedje replaces #27 Bachir Ndiaye 96’: CLT – #2 Fabrice Ngah replaces #7 Avionne Flanagan 105’: OMA – #4 Luca Mastrantoio replaces #26 Dion Acoff 105’: CLT – #14 Luis Alvarez replaces #56 Gabriel Obertan 112’: OMA – #12 Eddie Gordon replaces #9 Pedro Dolabella 119’: CLT – #5 Shalom Dutey replaces #10 Miguel Ibarra
Discipline Summary: 21’: CLT – #4 Nick Spielman (Yellow card) 30’: OMA – #17 JP Scearce (Yellow card) 90’: OMA – #11 Joe Gallardo (Yellow card) 90’: CLT – #56 Gabriel Obertan (Yellow card) 102’: OMA – #95 Alexis Souahy (Yellow card) 104’: CLT – #12 Brad Dunwell (Yellow card)
On Saturday evening, Union Omaha did something they hadn’t done since 2021 – defeat Forward Madison inside Breese Stevens Field..oh yeah, and win the Players’ Shield. Thanks to a second-half goal from Steevan Dos Santos, the Owls earned the road win, won the regular season title, and secured home field advantage throughout the upcoming playoffs.
Image courtesy of Union Omaha Twitter: @Union_Omaha
Usually, this match is preceded by the typical rivalry-laced hype, but this match took on a different meaning for both sides. For Forward Madison, a win would secure their place in the playoffs. For Union Omaha, a win would lock up the top seed in the playoffs, win more silverware, and pave a path to winning the Cup at home. While the rivalry took a backseat to the prime objectives, it certainly added some spice to the evening.
Union Omaha kicked off the match and faced early pressure from a high-pressing top line from the hosts. The Flamingos used the pressure to their favor, lodging the first shot of the match in the fourth minute of play. The Owls defense and midfield was able to stifle Forward Madison’s build-up play, resulting in the home side only having three shots in the first half. More to the point, the Flamingos only had 1 shot on goal in the first half and had no offensive threats after the 13th minute of the match. On the flip side, Union Omaha would go into the break with 10 shots, 4 of which were on goal.
The match winner came in the 64th minute when Noe Meza found space following a give-and-go passing sequence with Pedro Dolabella. After Meza was successful in drawing a defender, Lagos Kunga directed his path to the space left open by the defender and Meza fed Kunga a thru ball toward the penalty area. Kunga took one touch to get the ball into the penalty area and then sent a cross to the back door, where Steevan Dos Santos was able to find his 13th goal of the season. At the same time as earning his second assist of the season, Kunga also involved himself in three of the last four Union Omaha goals.
Union Omaha would end the match with a 1-0 victory over Forward Madison, splitting the season series with a win, loss, and draw for both clubs. Even the aggregate was tied at three a piece. More importantly, the Owls earned three points, securing the Players’ Shield for the second time in club history, locked up a bye week in the first round of the playoffs, will host a semifinal match, and will host the Final with a semifinal victory.
Image courtesy of Union Omaha Twitter: @Union_Omaha
Mark your calendar because Union Omaha will host the lowest remaining seed on Saturday, October 28th at 4:30PM CT. ESPN+ will carry the match broadcast, but that doesn’t matter since you’ll be inside Werner Park that day anyways. Head over to the club website to purchase your tickets, get some club gear from the team store, and get prepared for a special evening.
Image courtesy of Union Omaha Twitter: @Union_Omaha
Random Facts
Union Omaha is unbeaten in their last 14 matches, which is an ongoing club record, as well as ongoing league record. The previous club record was 11 matches, earned by the 2022 Union Omaha squad.
Union Omaha set a club record for most goals scored in away matches. The current record sits at 23 goals in 16 matches. The previous record was set by the 2021 squad, who scored 21 goals in 14 matches.
The Owls also set a club record for points collected on the road in a single season. The new record is 29 points in 16 matches. This beats the old record, which was 26 points in 14 matches from 2021.
Union Omaha raised the bar on previous club records, amassing 65 points in a single season. The previous club record was set in 2021 with 51 points, collected across 28 matches. The club has also surpassed the league record for points collected in a single season. North Texas SC collected 56 points across 28 matches in 2019.
Union Omaha has set a club record for average points collected per match. With 65 points collected across 32 matches, the Owls currently sit at an average of 2.03 points per match, surpassing the 2021 club record average of 1.82. The league record remains intact as the 2020 Greenville Triumph squad averaged 2.19 points per match.
The Owls continued an ongoing club record for most consecutive matches with a goal scored, with the new record set at 14. The previous record belonged to the 2021 Union Omaha squad, who scored in 10 straight regular season matches.
Union Omaha is still undefeated when scoring 2+ goals in a match.
The Owls went the entire regular season undefeated when leading at halftime.
Match Summary
Attendance: 4,740
Goal Summary: 64’: OMA – #10 Steevan Dos Santos (assisted by #70 Lagos Kunga)
Substitution Summary: 57’: MAD – #14 Mauro Cichero replaces #23 Aiden Mesias 68’: OMA – #8 Joe Brito replaces #20 Luis Gil 73’: MAD – #44 Pierre Da Silva replaces #28 Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu 77’: OMA – #11 Joe Gallardo replaces #7 Noe Meza 87’: OMA – #4 Luca Mastrantonio replaces #70 Lagos Kunga 90’: MAD – #3 Jason Ramos replaces #12 Sam Brotherton
Discipline Summary: 35’: OMA – #70 Lagos Kunga (Yellow card) 41’: OMA – #17 JP Scearce (Yellow card) 44’: MAD – #28 Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu (Yellow card) 75’: MAD – #9 Christian Chaney (Yellow card) 88’: MAD – #12 Sam Brotherton (Yellow card) 90’+1: MAD – #44 Pierre Da Silva (Yellow card) 90’+3: OMA – #11 Joe Gallardo (Yellow card) 90’+9: OMA – #24 Rashid Nuhu (Yellow card)
Union Omaha took advantage of a 10-man Tormenta in the second half, finishing the match with a 4-0 victory and a firmer grip on the Player’s Shield.
Picture courtesy of Union Omaha Twitter: @Union_Omaha
In front of one of the highest-attended home matches at Tormenta Stadium this season, Union Omaha and Tormenta FC lined up for a match that had heavy implications on both clubs. For Tormenta FC, it was all about survival and qualifying for the playoffs. Union Omaha needed the three points to continue setting the pace at the top of the table and inch closer toward the Player’s Shield.
The meaning of the match was not lost on the players either, as both sides battled intensely for the ball. Aerial challenges were especially punishing after multiple challenges saw players starting to leave limbs up to make space and gain an advantage.
Union Omaha had a chance on goal as early as the second minute, when midfielder Lagos Kunga tried to find forward Steevan Dos Santos in the box. The header from Santos traveled just over the bar and out of play for a Tormenta goal kick. Just over ten minutes later, the Owls would find their first goal of the night.
After a throw-in during the 13th minute of play, Tormenta was battling to clear the ball, but Union Omaha midfielder Pedro Dolabella was able to settle the loose ball and pass it to JP Scearce, who was wide open from a good distance outside the Tormenta penalty area. Without wasting a moment, Scearce unleashed a wicked strike from distance, dipping just before it reached Tormenta goalkeeper Pablo Jara. The late action on the ball meant Jara couldn’t get a firm grasp on the ball and deflected the ball instead. Fortunately for Union Omaha, the path of the deflection was directly into the path of an oncoming Steevan Dos Santos, who coolly lifted the ball past Jara and gave the visitors the early lead. That single-goal lead would carry them into the halftime break, but not without a dose of drama before the whistle was blown.
In the 39th minute, forward Noe Meza stole the ball from Tormenta’s Mukwelle Akale and quickly started the counterattack. Meza quickly passed the ball to midfielder Luis Gil, who turned and fed a thru-ball up to Steevan Dos Santos. As Dos Santos attempted to make his way around the Tormenta defender, former Owl team captain Daltyn Knutson, Dos Santos was brought down just outside the penalty area. Since the referee interpreted the play as Dos Santos being in an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, Knutson was given a straight red card and an early exit from the match. The subsequent direct kick went over the crossbar and the half finished with a 1-0 scoreline in favor of the Owls.
Knowing that Tormenta would be playing a man down for the entire second half, Union Omaha looked to make the necessary adjustments to capitalize on the opportunity at hand. Midway through the second half, the Owls would strike twice in the matter of a single minute.
Union Omaha took up residence in Tormenta’s corner, cycling players and passing to each other while looking for a proper channel to attack. Pedro Dolabella fed a pass outside to JP Scearce in the 60th minute and Scearce followed that up with a pass inside to Lagos Kunga, who gained the edge on the goal line and threaded a tight pass to Noe Meza inside the goal area for the tap-in. Meza’s 12th goal came after he slyly shadowed a run from Dos Santos into the goal area and was able to lose his marker. The assist from Kunga was his first of the season and followed up with his first goal of the season only seconds later.
Less than 90 seconds later, Kunga capitalized on an errant pass, carried it into Tormenta’s penalty area, and finished the drive with a goal. With his first goal of the season, Kunga became the 16th player on the Union Omaha roster to score a goal during the regular season, an on-going club record.
62' – 𝗢𝗪𝗟𝗦 𝗚𝗢𝗔𝗟! | 0-3
KING KUNGA! 👑
Two minutes after he put one on a platter to set up our second goal, he skips past two defenders to score his own – his first in our colors! 💪#OneMeansAll | #TRMvOMApic.twitter.com/pg1uUo2GeL
The Owls finished the scoreline with a goal in the 81st minute, after midfielder Joe Brito put on a masterclass of composure in the box. Despite fending off two defenders in a row, Brito was able to stay calm, cool, and collected as he delivered a simple pass into the net, all while sending Jara the opposite direction. The goal was Brito’s fifth of the season and Luis Gil’s ninth assist of the season.
Following the final whistle, Union Omaha captured an essential three points, which gets the Owls closer to hoisting the Player’s Shield and locking up home advantage throughout the upcoming playoffs.
The next match for the Owls is a road trip to regional rival Forward Madison. Kickoff is scheduled for 6PM CT on Saturday, October 14th. If you’re unable to make the trek north, ESPN+ will broadcast the match.
If you haven’t visited the club website yet, make sure to do so soon, as the playoff tickets are selling fast and you don’t want to miss out on seeing the Owls chase that second star.
Postmatch Quotes
Head Coach Dominic Casciato Thoughts on the victory: “Yeah, I think we’re all happy with the performance. I think, aside from maybe five minutes in the first half and five minutes in the second half, we were in complete control throughout. I think it’s a really professional performance and it’s a difficult place to come. Obviously, us being in the middle of the country, when we fly out to the East Coast, we lose an hour. [The] trip can be difficult. Yesterday, [we spent] two hours on a plane and three hours on a bus to get here. You think, perhaps that will have an affect on guys, but the level of professionalism and the ability to stick to the game plan you believe in and not to take their foot off the gas when Tormenta went down to 10 men, which is really really impressive. [I’m] just really, really proud of all the guys and really pleased with all of their performances and their attitudes. I thought everybody was superb and now we have one more target next weekend against Madison.”
On the physical battles throughout the match: “Yeah, I think anytime you play a team like Tormenta that are fighting for their lives, you’ve got to match that intensity. You’ve got to exceed that intensity because we’re fighting to get into the playoffs. I think they still have a chance, depending on what happens in Colorado, so we know that we’re going to come out all guns blazing. We had a plan. I think our identity and our style now is super, super clear. It’s just really pleasing for the guys to 1) match the intensity, bring our own level of intensity and 2) play the way that we did with or without a ball. I thought we were excellent.”
On adjustments at halftime, knowing they’d be playing up a man for the entire second half: “We made one tactical change and I think, sometimes, if you keep things the same when you’re playing against 10 men, the guys are going to drop 5%, but if you give them something tactical to think about, then all of a sudden, they’ve got be a little bit more switched on and maybe they don’t drop off at the center and I think that’s what ended up happening in the second half. So, [I’m] not taking credit for it, but I think that was one of the moves we made at halftime and it obviously paid off to good effects and it doesn’t always work. We don’t have all the answers, but tonight it worked and we’re really pleased that the guys are able to execute some.”
On individual, standout performances during the match: “Yeah, I think we speak about everybody contributing to the team’s success. That goes for the guys that maybe haven’t had the opportunities that they wanted so far this season. You know, they can still get opportunities in the playoffs. In the last game against Madison, there can still be opportunities that we’ve got to take. Take Lagos [Kunga]: he’s someone that obviously came in late, but we know the quality that he brings and we know that if we were bringing him off the bench or if he was starting games for us, he can have an impact like he did tonight. [I’m] just really pleased, first and foremost, with his ability to take on the information to execute our game plan and then you know, his individual quality and the goal he scored is what Lagos is all about. I think there’s a lot more to come from him tonight and in the rest of the season.”
On next weekend’s match at Forward Madison: “Yeah, we’re excited. That’s where our season began and I think if we look back on that game, we played with a little bit of the handbrake on. I think we were excellent that day and somehow they managed to beat us, so they’re the only team in the league that we haven’t beaten yet. As far as I think, rather than thinking about, you know, all the things that come with winning, because we all know what they are, I think we’re going to focus on making sure that we win the game because of what’s happened in the past against them. We’re a group that speaks all the time about getting better and better and the way to prove that we’ve gotten better is to go and beat Madison playing football on their turf and get three points. That’s what we will strive to do on Saturday night.”
Team Captain JP Scearce Thoughts on the victory: “Yeah, obviously we’re very happy about the three points. I thought it was a very professional performance from us. It was a very complete performance and we’re happy to get the three points and we’re one step closer to clinching that first playoff spot. So yeah, we’re all happy.”
On the physical battles in the midfield: “I’m a little banged up as you can see – my lip is a little busted and my ankle hurts, but we had to do whatever it took to win today. So if it took getting roughed up, then so be it.”
On the Decision Day matchup at Forward Madison next weekend: “We’re all motivated to clinch that first play spot and we know, next weekend, it’s obviously a big match considering we’re playing at Madison. It’s obviously a rivalry game. We haven’t beaten them this year and I think it’ll be special for us to win the Player’s Shield at Madison. So we’re all looking forward to that.”
Goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu (Clean sheet) Thoughts on the victory: “It was good. I’m just happy for the collective group, just grinding. It was a tough game today. We had to put in tackles. We had to stay focused for the whole game to get that clean sheet and that win. We did that tonight and I’m very happy for the whole group.”
On the tough challenges he faced in the box throughout the match: “You have to expect those kinds of [challenges] coming into this kind of game because they had to win to clinch and we want to stay on our road of winning to try to clinch the [Player’s] Shield, so we knew it was gonna be a battle. No one’s gonna come out and just roll over for us to beat them, so we were ready and we were lucky enough to get a victory. [I’m] just happy for the whole group to be honest. It’s great.”
On the next match at Forward Madison next weekend: “It’s going to be a tough one, for sure. We always have a hard time playing in Madison. It’s a great environment and we’re looking forward to it. Hopefully it’s gonna be one of the best games. We’re going to take it like a Final and just go after it. Hopefully the soccer gods are on our side.”
Forward Noe Meza (1 goal) Thoughts on the match: “I thought it was a really good performance by us, defensively and offensively. It was huge to get the goal early on and then get the second one in the second half, early on, as well.”
On his goal: “Yeah, I knew Lagos [Kunga] – he’s good at dribbling, so right when I saw him getting to the end line, I knew if I could be good in front of my defender, I was gonna get a good chance on goal and that’s what I did. I just tried, however I could, to put in an on target because it was coming in fast.”
On the physical challenges with Tormenta’s backline: “Feeling good. Yeah, I know there were some hard tackles, but I’m feeling good. No injuries. I’m feeling fit, so I’m ready to go for next weekend.”
On next weekend’s match at Forward Madison: “I think we’re feeling good. We have a strong team. Yeah, both offensively and defensively, we’re excited and up for the game. We know we have to win and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Random Facts
Union Omaha is unbeaten in their last 13 matches, which is an ongoing club record. The previous record was 11 matches, earned by the 2022 Union Omaha squad.
With the four goals scored in the match, Union Omaha set a club record for most goals scored in away matches. The current record sits at 22 goals in 15 matches. The previous record was set by the 2021 squad, who scored 21 goals in 14 matches.
Those same 4 goals scored also set a club record for most goals scored across 5 consecutive matches, which currently stands at 14 goals. The previous record was set by the 2021 squad, who scored 13 goals across 5 consecutive matches.
The Owls also tied a club record for points collected on the road in a single season. The current record is 26 points in 14 matches from 2021. The 2023 squad has 26 points in 15 matches and can break that record next weekend at Forward Madison.
Union Omaha raised the bar on previous club records, amassing 62 points in a single season. The previous club record was set in 2021 with 51 points, collected across 28 matches. The club has also surpassed the league record for points collected in a single season. North Texas SC collected 56 points across 28 matches in 2019.
Union Omaha has set a club record for average points collected per match. With 62 points collected across 31 matches, the Owls currently sit at an average of 2.00 points per match, surpassing the 2021 club record average of 1.82. Any result in Madison next weekend will maintain a higher average than the 2021 mark.
The Owls continued an ongoing club record for most consecutive matches with a goal scored, with the new record set at 13 and still going. The previous record belonged to the 2021 Union Omaha squad, who scored in 10 straight regular season matches.
The win over Tormenta FC means the Owls get the clean sweep in the regular season series, winning all three matches with an aggregate score of 9-2, including 2 clean sheets.
Union Omaha is still undefeated when scoring 2+ goals in a match.
The Owls are also still undefeated when leading at halftime.
This was the fourth time that Union Omaha has scored four or more goals in a single match this season, which ties a club record from 2021.
Match Summary
Attendance: 1,368
Scoring Summary: 13’: OMA – #10 Steevan Dos Santos 60’: OMA – #7 Noe Meza (assisted by #70 Lagos Kunga) 61’: OMA – #70 Lagos Kunga 81’: OMA – #8 Joe Brito (assisted by #20 Luis Gil)
Substitution Summary: 45’: TRM – #45 Kingsford Adjei replaces #27 Arthur Bosua 45’: TRM – #11 Jackson Khoury replaces #16 David Mason 45’: TRM – #25 Jake Dengler replaces #12 Deshawon Nembhard 70’: TRM – #6 John Murphy replaces #8 Pedro Fonseca 70’: TRM – #17 Elijah Amo replaces #9 Kazaiah Sterling 70’: OMA – #8 Joe Brito replaces #7 Noe Meza 70’: OMA – #4 Luca Mastrantonio replaces #26 Dion Acoff 81’: OMA – #6 Chavany Willis replaces #9 Pedro Dolabella 89’: OMA – #12 Eddie Gordon replaces #20 Luis Gil 89’: OMA – #44 Alex Steinwascher replaces #10 Steevan Dos Santos
Discipline Summary: 29’: OMA – #9 Pedro Dolabella (Yellow card) 39’: TRM – #13 Daltyn Knutson (Straight red card) 73’: TRM – #21 Chris Heckenberg (Yellow card)
After a first-half stalemate, Union Omaha forward Steevan Dos Santos exploded in the second half, scoring a hat trick and giving the Owls a 4-1 victory over the Charlotte Independence.
Photo courtesy of Union Omaha Twitter: @Union_Omaha
It was a perfect night at Werner Park for Union Omaha to conclude their regular season batch of home matches. Fans turned out early and spent time in lines to make sure they could collect the Rashid Nuhu bobblehead promotional gift, sponsored by Nebraska State Soccer. With the pregame energy from the crowd and a high-quality opponent like Charlotte Independence facing off against the homeside, there was little doubt that the action on field would rise to the occasion.
Seemingly immediately after the opening whistle, the competitive juices were flowing on both sides of the ball, as the referee had to contain some early shoving and redirect the focus back to the match at hand. Since both clubs had already clinched a playoff berth, these two teams could see each other again in a few weeks, a thought that wasn’t lost on a single mind inside Werner Park.
Midway through the first half, Union Omaha broke the deadlock with a goal from midfielder Joe Gallardo. After a defensive clearance sent the ball towards the midline, suddenly the Owls pounced on the clearance and turned it into an offensive opportunity. Dion Acoff carried the ball toward the goal line, spotted an open Gallardo and drove a low pass directly to his teammate. With one touch on the ball, Gallardo delivered his fifth goal, as well as Acoff’s third assist of the season. This goal was the first time these two players had connected on a scoring effort for the club this season. Fans hadn’t even found the comforts of their seats before Charlotte would return the favor.
After the visitor’s scored their goal in the 21st minute of the match, both sides settled back into the tactical battle. From the 25th minute to the 39th minute of the match, not a single shot from either club was recorded. Charlotte seemed to entice Union Omaha into battles along the flanks, depending greatly on the one-versus-one battles, while the Owls seemed convinced that a rush attack would enable them to prevail. Ultimately, both teams were sent to the locker rooms even on the scoreboard, still searching for answers.
Union Omaha found their answer and his name is Steevan Dos Santos. Over the course of the subsequent 45 minutes, Dos Santos would tally 3 goals, 2 of which would come in the 90th minute and later. His hat trick put him on a short list of Union Omaha players who were able to achieve such a feat, joining names like Evan Conway and Greg Hurst in Union Omaha lore. It’s also been a couple of years since a Union Omaha hat trick was witnessed inside the confines of Werner Park, not to mention the meaningfulness behind the goals, where it puts the club, and the opportunities it brings. Even though it was “Fan Appreciation Night,” Búhos Nation made sure to rain the applause and support upon the Union Omaha players as the match drew toward the final whistle.
With the victory and three points, Union Omaha ascended the throne of USL League One, taking control of their destiny with two matches remaining on their schedule. Next up is a clash on Saturday night against Tormenta FC, a team who hasn’t ever defeated Union Omaha, yet needs to in order to position themselves to jump into a playoff position.
While there are no regular season home matches remaining, Union Omaha has already clinched a home match for at least one playoff round. Pre-sales have already begun on those tickets and more information is coming regarding the date and time. Visit the club website to find more details about ticket arrangements. You don’t want to miss out on that opportunity to see the Owls in the postseason and vie for a second star above the crest.
Postmatch Quotes
Head Coach Dominic Casciato General takeaways from the match: “Yeah, I think in the first half, we might’ve been a little bit too awkward on the counter attacks. I think there was probably a little bit too much space between our backline and midfield, so we knew second balls and we probably didn’t kill their counters early enough. In the second half, we did a much better job and then obviously took our chances, as well. It was a real competitive game, but super pleased for the guys and I’m proud of the efforts they put forth.”
On Steevan Dos Santos, his play, and his impact on the match: “He was a great player. I think he’s gone from strength to strength. You know, the more he’s been with us he’s become a leader. He’s won everywhere he’s been and there’s a reason why. I think tonight he was butchered by the center backs on the other team. So, it’s good that the referee finally started to give us those decisions. But Steven, convenient in many different ways. Steven is really the somebody that symbolizes that really well.”
On beating Charlotte’s low backline setup: “Yeah, we switched to a back three a certain point in the second half and I think doing that just helped us control their counter attacks a little bit more and commit a little bit more numbers forward. I think we caused them a few more problems.”
On how he tactically managed to defend against their lone striker sitting up high in the second half: “Yeah, I think in the first half, we didn’t do very well. I think in the first half, they got hit on so many occasions with their quick counters because they play for that and they’ve got real quality and real good athleticism in the forward positions. They play for that and they do it really well. We knew that coming into the game. We knew that was going to be something we had to really control. I don’t think we did a great job of that in the first half. In the second half, we did much better. At halftime, we showed the guys a couple of clips, in terms of how we fix it and I think, credit to the guys, they took it on board and executed really well in the second half.”
On how Charlotte helps prepare the team moving towards the postseason: “Yeah, we knew there was gonna be a fight tonight and Charlotte are well coached. They’ve got very good players, as I mentioned. We knew this was going to be a tough game and a tough opponent. We haven’t scored against them before tonight, in the previous two games. You want to play the top teams, you want to see how you measure up because they can expose some of your weaknesses and give you areas that we need to continue working on. It’s a good confidence boost when you’re able to beat them.”
On being a part of so many records this season: “Yeah, it’s obviously pleasing, right? We spend a lot of time on making sure we’re dangerous in the attacking third and you know, credit to the guys again, for buying into our ideas and executing. Obviously, we’ve got top players, as well. That helps, but I think one of the things that the club spoke about when I first came in was being exciting to watch and making sure that the fans have plenty of goals to celebrate. So far this season, we’ve done it. Hopefully we can continue that in the next two games away from home and into the playoffs. I’d like to see a few more clean sheets, but you know, we’re always trying to get better and it’s something that we’re looking to improve on as well.”
On carrying tonight’s confidence into Saturday’s match at Tormenta FC: “I think tonight’s obviously been a tough game, a really competitive game with two good teams. So for us, it’s about building on tonight and making sure we freshen things up when we need to because some guys are going to be tired. And you know, the team goes through an evolution right throughout the course of the season. There are different things you need to improve and we speak about getting better all the time. Obviously, it was a little bit of an issue for us. Not the last game, but previous games before that: giving up late goals. So, now if we can focus on that, take that off, it’s okay. How can we be more solid defensively? How can we stop the account of attacks? You know, really making sure that we’re sharpening our senses and our skill set all the time.”
On balancing the mental dynamics in the locker room during this historic chase at the end of the season: “We just speak about taking it one game at a time. You start to think about, ‘Oh, we could do this or we could do that,’ then you get distracted, right? So, right now, we’re super happy with winning tonight, but our focus has to be on, ‘Okay, now we get ready for Tormenta and guarding those guys. Then, if we do that, we’ve got an opportunity to beat Madison the following week and we know what the consequences are, but we’ve got to stay focused on the moment, what’s right in front of us because if we lose sight of it, you can get surprised and you can slip up.”
Team Captain JP Scearce What it meant to get three points: “Yeah, it was an important win. Obviously, we win the race for first and we have to win this game in order to be top of the table. [I’m] happy to get the three points and focus on the next game.”
On staying composed during a difficult first half: “I think we started out very well. You know, we’re controlling most of the first half and, like you said, we get that goal, but we’re unfortunate to concede so quickly after the [restart] and it kind of deflated us a bit. I think we just started forcing the ball a little bit too much, made it difficult on ourselves, and I think we needed to come back into the locker room at half and just talk it out and get ourselves together. I think it was a good response to the first half. Obviously, scoring three goals.”
On the goal scorers and what qualities they brought to the match: “Shout out to Joe [Gallardo] for the first goal. But yeah, Steevan with a big hat trick obviously, getting us a win, and that’s that’s the kind of player he is. You know he could change the game for you. His hold up plays are the best in the league. He’s a big time player and he came up big for us today.”
On the midfield adjustments made during halftime: “There weren’t many changes. The biggest thing was just not to force the ball too much to the middle because they’re pretty compact and they’re very dangerous on the counter attack. They have very pacey wingers and forwards and that’s their game plan. So, we just said ‘don’t force it too much in the middle.’ [Head Coach] Dom likes to drop me in with the center backs to try to get on the ball and build out, so there wasn’t much of a change, just a change in how we’re playing.”
On the team’s offensive scheme to attack Charlotte’s low back line: “Yeah, I think that was a big takeaway when we were doing the scouting throughout the week – where their center backs tend to stay back and their fullback sometimes pressed up against our wingers. So, there’s space behind the play and that’s what we were trying to exploit and especially having Shaft [Brewer Jr.] and Dion [Acoff] on the wings, using their speed and their pace to get down the line and create our chances there. So, that was something we were looking at.”
On this weekend’s match at Tormenta FC: “Yeah, obviously we have a quick turnaround. We have to focus on that match, as well. They’re still looking to get a playoff spot, so they’re going to come out and try to win, obviously. We’re trying to stay in for it. So, it’ll be a tough match, but we’ve got two results against them. Hopefully, we do what’s necessary to get another one.”
On his confidence level heading into the weekend action: “Even though the win streak went away last Friday, I think we still have good momentum as a team and we’re playing with confidence. We know what our abilities are. We know we could beat any team in this league. I think we just have to keep going, keep playing the way we play and hopefully clinch first place.”
Steevan Dos Santos (3 goals) Thoughts on the win: “We are happy that we won the game. It was a tough game. In the first half, after we dominated the first 20-something minutes and scored, they tied the game. We didn’t do anything right away and it was kind of frustrating for us to go to halftime after that. We talked to each other in the locker room and we said to ourselves, ‘for us to end up at the top of the league, we have to win all three games and not depend on another team.’”
On starting the match with some feisty exchanges: “Normally, when they pass the ball back, the forwards end up running towards the defender or the goalie. One of the center backs started to come inside to block me and I was just running and he came in front of me. I hit him and he was like, ‘don’t do that.’ This is part of the game and I didn’t intend to hurt him, but it is what it is.”
On the advantages his size and physicality gives him in goal-scoring opportunities: “They are strong and it takes a lot to kind of move away from them, but I was lucky that the ball was perfect and I was able to hit the ball.”
On his mindset as he got closer to completing the hat trick: “I wasn’t even thinking as much about scoring a hat trick because I was happy with the three points. When I scored the third one, it was kind of like, ‘Okay, now it’s 3-2 and we’re ahead. It makes it easy on us, but the opportunity came for me to score the third goal and I was lucky to score the goal.”
On playing different roles in the match: “I do everything for the team. If I have to run back for safety, I will do it. I just don’t want to lose. I don’t like to lose and I’m happy that I could have the team scoring.”
On the Saturday’s match at Tormenta FC: “Yes, it’s tough. They are fighting for I think you’re the first team out of the playoffs. In their mind, they’re fighting for the playoffs. It’s going to be a tough game. They are fighting for a playoff spot and we are fighting for the first spot. We’ll see what’s going to happen, but we go there to win.”
Joe Gallardo (1 goal) Thoughts on the win: “I felt like the team did really well by getting four goals. I feel like we always talk about trying to get as many goals as possible and, thankfully, in the second half, we came out with a more positive mentality and I felt like we were more patient on the ball. It helped us create more chances. I feel like that’s what we did differently in the second half. In the first half, I feel like we were forcing it too much going forward. At halftime, we were talking and we just told ourselves to calm down a little bit more and try and play more through the relief parts of the field.
Thoughts on his goal: “Oh, it’s exciting. Obviously, [I’m] excited to score in front of the Union Omaha fans. You know, we’re always happy to score and help the team out.”
On what was working well during the highly-productive periods of play: “Probably not forcing it as much. I feel like after those 25 minutes, I feel like we were forcing it too much to the middle and we were just losing too many balls. When we would recover, we were just trying to counter attack too quickly and we were just going back and forth the whole time. So, I feel like that’s what we did differently in the second half. We just calmed down a bit more and started moving the ball back and forth in our backline then waiting for the right chance to go forwards.”
On keeping his composure in the midst of the congested middle portions of the field: “Yeah, like I said, moving the ball back and forth. I feel like that’s what helped us open up lanes in between in the midfield sometimes. When it was open, I feel like in the second half, we did a better job in picking and choosing when we should play those balls and then trying to get it out wide so we can get service in the box. So, I felt like we were just more patient and then trying to move the ball more and open up those gaps.”
On playing alongside Luis Gil and his impact on the match: “Yeah, he’s a very technical player. So, if we need someone to put it in a certain spot in a corner, he’s the man to do that job. So, I feel like it comes naturally to him. He’s played at the top level for a long time.”
On Saturday’s match at Tormenta FC: “I think we just have to go out there and just be positive and try and play our game. Obviously they’re a good team and they’re trying to fight for a playoff spot. Just look at it as a Final because we want it in the first place.”
Random Facts
Union Omaha is unbeaten in their last 12 matches, setting a club record. The previous record was 11 matches, earned by the 2022 Union Omaha squad.
The Owls are also unbeaten in their last 11 home matches, which sets a club record now that the regular season home matches are finished for the 2023 season.
The aforementioned home unbeaten streak included 10 straight wins, which also sets a club record now that the regular season home matches are finished for the 2023 season.
Union Omaha finished the 2023 regular season batch of home matches without being shut out, which is also a club record. Only three other USL League One clubs have managed to match this achievement. No club has been able to do so since the 2020 season.
The Owls continued other club records, as well. The most goals scored at home is now set at 38 goals across 16 matches.
Another extended club record was points earned at home, which is now at 36 points across 16 matches.
Union Omaha raised the bar on previous club records, amassing 59 points in a single season. The previous club record was set in 2021 with 51 points collected across 28 matches. The club has also surpassed the league record for points collected in a single season. North Texas SC collected 56 points across 28 matches in 2019.
Union Omaha is on pace to set a record for average points collected per match. With 59 points collected across 30 matches, the Owls currently sit at an average of 1.97 points per match, surpassing the 2021 club record average of 1.82.
The Owls continued an ongoing club record for most consecutive matches with a goal scored, with the new record set at 12 and still going. The previous record belonged to the 2021 Union Omaha squad, who scored in 10 straight regular season matches.
The win over Charlotte Independence means the club split the difference in the regular season series, with both clubs earning a win and a draw across three matches.
With the goals scored in this match, Union Omaha has now scored at least two goals against every other club in the league.
Union Omaha is still undefeated when scoring 2+ goals in a match.
This was the third time that Union Omaha has scored four or more goals in a single match this season. The club record is four times, which happened in 2021.
Steevan Dos Santos earned the fourth hat trick in club history and the first one since the 2021 season. The most recent hat trick was earned by Evan Conway in a home match against North Carolina FC on October 16, 2021.
Match Summary
Attendance: 3,002
Goal Summary: 20’: OMA – #11 Joe Gallardo (assisted by #26 Dion Acoff) 21’: CLT – #11 Tresor Mbuyu (assisted by #8 Joel Johnson) 66’: OMA – #10 Steevan Dos Santos (assisted by #20 Luis Gil) 90’: OMA – #10 Steevan Dos Santos converts the penalty kick 90’+5: OMA – #10 Steevan Dos Santos (assisted by #9 Pedro Dolabella)
Substitution Summary: 68’: OMA – #70 Lagos Kunga replaces #11 Joe Gallardo 68’: OMA – #8 Joe Brito replaces #28 Shaft Brewer Jr. 68’: CLT – #56 Gabriel Obertan replaces #9 Dane Kelly 68’: CLT – #90 Khori Bennett replaces #7 Avionne Flanagan 68’: CLT – #12 Brad Dunwell replaces #27 Bachir Ndiaye 80’: OMA – #4 Luca Mastrantonio replaces #20 Luis Gil 82’: CLT – #14 Luis Alvarez replaces #6 Omar Ciss 87’: CLT – #22 Luca Sowinski replaces #11 Tresor Mbuyu 90’+3: OMA – #6 Chavany Willis replaces #7 Noe Meza
Discipline Summary: 61’: OMA – #28 Shaft Brewer Jr. (Yellow card) 72’: CLT – #12 Brad Dunwell (Yellow card) 82’: OMA – #17 JP Scearce (Yellow card) 83’: OMA – #26 Dion Acoff (Yellow card) 88’: CLT – #3 Héctor Acosta (Yellow card) 90’+8: CLT – #4 Nick Spielman (Yellow card)
Who Gives A Hoot? 