OMAHA, Neb. (Saturday, September 19) – Union Omaha totalled ten more shots than their opponents, New England Revolution II, but unfortunately couldn’t capitalize, losing 2-0 in front of a sold-out Werner Park on Saturday, Sept. 19. The Owls remain in third place and will look to bounce back next weekend.
The Revolution started the scoring in the 11’ minute through former USYNT U-20 Justin Rennicks. Rennicks ran onto an inviting through ball and slotted the ball into the back of the net.
New England and Omaha each had chances to score throughout the rest of the game, but it would be the Revs who’d close it out in the 90 + 8’ minute on a counter-attack capped off by midfielder Nicolas Firmino.
“We’ve got a disciplined team, a mature team,” Coach Jay Mims said. “We’ve got good leaders, I expect my leadership and our older players’ leadership to get us through this and say, ‘This is what we’re made of.’ We’ve had some adversity and we’ve got one of the best teams in the league coming in here [next Saturday]. What are we made of?”
The next match will be massive in Los Búhos’ quest for a top-two finish. Omaha welcomes Richmond Kickers to Werner Park on Sept. 26.
Key Moments
7’ Ethan Vanacore-Decker whips in a very dangerous cross that finds the head of Elma Nfor, but Nfor’s effort goes over the bar.
11’ GOAL: Justin Rennicks opens the scoring for New England.
24’ Ethan Conway carries the ball into the box and earns Union Omaha a corner. Jake Crull then launches in a dangerous corner, but a New England defender heads it away.
30’ Ethan Vanacore-Decker creates some magic with his feet, dancing between Revolution defenders before getting off a shot that goes just wide of the goal.
44’ Evan Conway rips a shot from the top of the box, which almost sneaks in before the New England Revolution goalkeeper parries it away at the last second.
47’ Union Omaha start the second half brightly with a counter-attack. Conway receives the ball at the top of the box again but his shot flies wide.
50’ Ethan Vanacore-Decker smacks a laser of a free-kick through the Revolution, wall but the New England keeper is there to make the save.
61’ Rashid Nuhu makes an excellent save after a New England Revolution player launches a hard shot from long distance.
68’ Ferrety Sousa rushes down the wing and slides in a pass to Nfor who hits it first-time, but it goes over the bar.
69’ Ethan Vanacore-Decker receives the ball 25 yards outside the box and unleashes a long-distance strike, but it’s right at the keeper.
78’ Vanacore-Decker has another shot from around the same area, but this time, it rises high and over the goal.
82’ The ball is in the back of the net for Union Omaha, but the goal is not given. The New England goalkeeper was fouled during the play, and the goal is called off. Still 1-0 to New England.
86’ Jake Crull rattles the outside netting — Omaha so close to finding their equalizer.
90 + 8’: GOAL: Los Búhos bring everyone up for the last corner of the game, however, New England gets the ball on the break and slides home a goal to seal the win.
Game Notes
-
Ethan Vanacore-Decker and Jake Crull provided the spark up front for the Owls, leading the team in shots with five each.
-
Los Búhos captain Sebastián Contreras was dangerous in transition, creating three key chances for his side while also chipping in on the defensive side of the ball, with three tackles.
-
Nathan Aune did a great job stepping into the Owls back line, leading the team in interceptions (4) and touches (70).
-
Union won the possession battle (55%) and had more total shots (19) than their opponent tonight — unlucky.
-
The Owls stay in third place with 16 points, two behind Chattanooga Red Wolves with 18 points.
Next Game
Union Omaha will welcome Richmond Kickers to Werner Park on Saturday, September 26th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm C.T.
Union Omaha vs FC Tucson
August 29, 2020
Werner Park (Omaha, NE)
Goals by Half 1 2 F
Union Omaha 0 0 0
New England Revolution 1 1 2
Scoring Summary:
NE: Justin Rennicks 11’
NE: Nicolas Firmino 98’
Misconduct Summary:
NE: Orlando Sinclair (Yellow Card) 58’
OMA: Tyler David (Yellow Card) 60’
OMA: JP Searce (Yellow Card) 88’
OMA: Ethan Vanacore-Decker (Red Card) 91’
Lineups
NE: GK Rice, D Quinones, D Bell, D Verfurth ©, D Spaulding, M Firmino, M Naciel, M Presley (Tsicoulias 90’), F Sinclair (Rivera 66’), F Mendonca, F Rennicks (Malango 97’)
OMA: GK Nuhu, D Osumanu, D Crull, D Hauswirth (Sousa 66’), D Aune, M David (Searce 64’), M Boyce (Ibisevic 45’), M Contreras © (Knutson 74’), F Conway, F Vanacore-Decker, F Nfor (Panchot 80’)
All statistics contained in this box score are unofficial.
