Forward, midfielder, and two defenders added to the Owls’ roster
PAPILLION, Neb. (March 22, 2022) – Union Omaha announced today the signing of four new players for the 2022 championship-defending season, pending league and federation approval.
Gabriel Claudio started his collegiate career with junior college powerhouse Yavapai College, where he contributed four goals, two assists, and ten shutouts as a defender. In 2019, he was named NJCAA All-Region and Region Player of the Year Runner-Up. The Yuma, Arizona native then made the transition to UNLV, playing nearly every minute for the Rebels and earning All-WAC Honorable Mention for the 2020-21 season.
“Gabe is an athletic defender who is excited to come in and learn and develop,” said Union Omaha head coach Jay Mims. “He is a competitor who loves to be challenged and fight for the team. I am so happy to have Gabe joining our team as I know he is ready to learn and develop.”
“I’m excited to get started in Omaha and give everything I have for the organization!” said Claudio.
Phonetic pronunciation of name: [GAY-BREE-UHL CLAW-DI-O]
Position: Defender
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 185 lbs.
Born: Yuma, Arizona
Hometown: Yuma, Arizona
Joseph Brito joins Union Omaha after topping off an impressive collegiate resume at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. A two-time All-Conference USA First Team selection, Brito helped the 49ers to four straight NCAA tournament appearances. He took 29 shots, including two game-winning goals, on his way to third-team conference honors in 2019. In his senior season, he recorded five goals and ten assists as the team’s anchor in the midfield.
“Joe is a two-way midfielder who works hard defensively and can create opportunities in the attacking third,” said Mims. “I am excited to help Joe grow as a player and look forward to his development.”
“It’s a dream come true to sign my first professional contract with a club like Union Omaha,” said Brito. “I’m excited to play in front of our passionate fans and help defend the championship!”
Phonetic pronunciation of name: [JOE-SEF BREE-TOE]
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 155 lbs.
Born: Hartford, Connecticut
Hometown: Bolton, Connecticut
Forward Alex Bruce will begin his third season in USL League One with Union Omaha, bringing two years of playoff experience to the team. Bruce signed his first professional contract at 19 with USL Championship club San Antonio FC. He scored three goals in 13 appearances in his rookie season before transferring to former-USL League One member North Texas SC.
“Alex is a quality forward who can score goals and bring midfielders into the game,” Mims said. “I am thrilled to have a player of his experience within our team as he understands the amount of work and preparation it takes to succeed over the course of a USL season.”
“I’m excited for the opportunity to play in the stadium and to be able to play in front of the fans,” Bruce said.
Phonetic pronunciation of name: [AL-IKS BROOS]
Position: Forward
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 201 lbs.
Born: Newcastle, England
Hometown: Newcastle, England
Ghana native Isaac Bawa comes to the team after spending two seasons with USL Championship club LA Galaxy II. Before playing professionally, Bawa led the backfield at Azusa Pacific University where he was a two-time All American and PacWest Conference Player of the Year. In his freshman season, he was also named conference Freshman of the Year and conference Defender of the Year.
“Isaac is a good athlete with experience from LA Galaxy who is a very versatile player,” Mims said. “He is only a few years out of college and is eager to learn and grow to continue his development. We are so happy to have him in our championship, competitive environment.
“I’m super excited to win more championships for this great club,” Bawa said. “My faith in God makes me believe this is where He wants me to be for His glory. So it’s a blessing to be a part of this amazing family, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Phonetic pronunciation of name: [EYE-ZUHK BA-WA]
Position: Defender
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 150 lbs.
Born: Wa, Upper West, Ghana
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
The 2022 League One Championship defending campaign is set to begin on April 9 with a visit to Forward Madison FC. The home opener at Werner Park is set for April 23 vs. USL1 newcomer Central Valley Fuego FC. Season tickets and undated voucher packs for the 2022 season are currently available via UnionOmaha.com or the Werner Park Ticket Office by calling 402-738-5100.
ABOUT UNION OMAHA
Union Omaha, the 2021 USL League One Champion, is the only professional soccer team in the state of Nebraska. USL League One is a United States Soccer Federation-sanctioned professional men’s soccer league that occupies the third tier of the American soccer landscape, below USL Championship (tier two) and Major League Soccer (tier one). Union Omaha plays its home matches at Werner Park in Sarpy County, also home to the Omaha Storm Chasers of Minor League Baseball. The team is led by General Manager Peter Marlette in the front office and by Head Coach Jay Mims on the field.
