2022 MLS Next Pro Best XI selection joins 2023 campaign
PAPILLION, Neb. (March 14, 2023) – Union Omaha announced today the signing of midfielder Pedro Dolabella, pending league and federation approval. Dolabella joins the Owls’ midfield following a sensational first professional season in MLS Next Pro.
Dolabella created a decorated resume at Marshall University, logging 23 goals in 90 matches over the course of his collegiate career. The Brazilian midfielder helped the Thundering Herd lift the 2020 College Cup Trophy, the school’s first-ever NCAA Division I Championship. In his final season the following year, Dolabella tore through Conference USA in a year that saw him take home C-USA Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, and Co-Midfielder of the Year honors as well as becoming a Second Team All-American. He continued to shine in his first season as a pro with Rochester New York FC, contributing 5 goals and 5 assists in 24 appearances while being named to the MLS Next Pro Best XI.
“Pedro is a player I’ve been aware of for a couple of years now after he played an integral role in winning an NCAA Division I title at Marshall University for Chris Grassie and having been named to the MLS Next Pro Team of the Year last season,” Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato said. “I think our fans will love what he brings to our midfield. He’s got a great attitude, has great quality and always gives 100 percent on the field. At 23 years old, his best years are ahead of him, and I’m delighted to see what he brings to our locker room this season.”
“Pedro is a player I identified as a potential target last season,” Union Omaha General Manager Peter Marlette said. “He’s a dynamic, creative player who can break down defenses in so many different ways. This signing has been a long time in the making, and I can’t wait for our fans to see what he brings to the game.”
“I am delighted to join a winning team and am looking forward to helping bring a second star to Omaha,” Dolabella said.
Phonetic pronunciation of name: [PEH-DROH DOLE-AH-BELL-AH]
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6’4
Date of birth: 7/29/1999
Born: Brasília, Brazil
Previous Club: Rochester New York FC (MLS Next Pro)
Single-match tickets and season ticket memberships for the 2023 season are currently available via UnionOmaha.com or through the Werner Park Ticket Office by calling 402-738-5100.
ABOUT UNION OMAHA
Union Omaha, the 2021 USL League One Champions, 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 Head Coach Dominic Casciato on the field.
