Forward brings USL Championship and overseas experience
PAPILLION, Neb. (August 31, 2023) – Union Omaha announced today the signing of Lagos Kunga, pending league and federation approval. Kunga’s signing adds another attacking threat to Omaha’s offense ahead of a final push for the League One playoffs.
Kunga grew up playing in the academy system for MLS side Atlanta United, scoring 10 goals in 21 appearances for the U-18 squad. He played on loan with United’s then-affiliate Charleston Battery in 2017 before his Homegrown Player status went into effect with Atlanta. Kunga spent 2018 with Atlanta United 2, scoring five goals in the club’s inaugural season. The Angola native also spent time with USL Championship sides Memphis 901 and Phoenix Rising, winning the 2020 Western Conference Final with the latter. Most recently in 2023, Kunga helped USL League Two side Des Moines Menace reach the Central Conference Final. Internationally, Kunga made 4 caps for the U.S. Men’s U-20 National Team, scoring a goal at the 2017 U-20 World Cup.
“Lagos is a talented and hard-working player that will give us some extra quality in the final third going into the closing stages of the season,” Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato said. “He’s got a team-first attitude and is an exciting player to watch, so I’m sure our fans will take to him quickly as we welcome him to the squad.”
“Lagos showed a ton of attacking ability in his USL2 matches this season with Des Moines,” Union Omaha General Manager Peter Marlette said. “He comes in as an excellent reinforcement to help us push for a title this season and sets us up well for 2024.”
“Many thanks to the club for providing me this opportunity,” Kunga said. “I’m very excited to join such a wonderful club with a very good history in this league. Excited to meet everyone and the supporters, and I look forward to joining my teammates very soon and starting my campaign.”
Phonetic pronunciation of name: [LAH-GOHS KOON-GAH]
Position: Forward
Height: 5’8
Date of birth: 10/20/1998
Born: Luanda, Angola
Previous Club: Des Moines Menace (USL League Two)
The 2023 USL League One campaign will continue September 6 when Omaha hosts top-ranked North Carolina FC for $2 Night and Cancer Awareness Night presented by XCancer. Single-match tickets and final four packs 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.
