PAPILLION, Neb. (October 31, 2023) – USL League One announced Tuesday that Union Omaha midfielder JP Scearce and defender Alexis Souahy were named All-League First Team, and defender Dion Acoff and forwards Noe Meza and Steevan Dos Santos were named All-League Second Team. The quintet earns All-League honors after helping Omaha to the 2023 Players’ Shield and second playoff semifinal in club history.
JP Scearce, the club’s all-time leader in appearances, earns his second-straight USL League One First Team recognition after another successful season in the midfield. The Owls’ captain, who has been with Omaha since its inaugural season, played in 32 of 33 matches and recorded 6 goals and 2 assists in his 2023 campaign while leading the team in interceptions and tackles.
“JP has been a mainstay in our midfield this season and was the first player to reach 100 games for the club,” Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato said. “He leads by example on a daily basis and thoroughly deserves this recognition.”
Defender Alexis Souahy was also named to the First Team in his first season with Omaha. The Comoros international played every minute for Los Búhos, helping the defense to 9 clean sheets during the regular season. Souahy led the squad with 89 clearances and 16 blocks and scored one match-winner in 2023.
“Alexis played every minute for us this season and was a vital part of our success in winning the league,” Casciato said. “I’m happy he has been recognized for his efforts in marshalling our backline this year.”
Dion Acoff gets his first call-up to the League One Second Team, playing an important role in both the team’s offensive and defensive production. The 32-year-old defender tallied 3 assists and one match-winning goal in 1,596 minutes. He was tied on the team for most crosses with 68 and recorded 20 key passes and 23 tackles won.
“Dion’s ability to support our attack from the fullback position adds another dimension to our play and was a key reason why we were the top-scoring team in USL League One history this season,” Casciato said. “I am delighted that the quality he brings has been recognized by the league with this selection.”
Union Omaha all-time leading scorer Noe Meza earns Second Team honors after adding 12 goals to his total this season in 2,030 minutes of play. The second-year pro was 4th in the league with 65 shots and was tied on the squad for most League One Team of the Week appearances with 7, being chosen as Player of the Week twice.
“Noe has become a consistent goal-scorer at this level over the last two seasons, and he has established himself as one of the top forwards in the league,” Casciato said. “This selection is well-deserved, and I think there’s much more to come from him as he continues to work hard at developing his game.”
Steevan Dos Santos continued building upon his impressive scoring career in 2023, being named to the League One Second Team after leading the Owls in scoring with 13 goals, good for 4th in the league. He recorded the team’s only hat trick of the year, dropping a trio in the team’s regular-season finale against Charlotte Independence. Dos Santos earned five nods for Team of the Week and one Player of the Week recognition.
“Steevan was a key figure in our regular-season championship success this year, and he led our frontline, along with our entire team, with distinction during the latter stages of the season,” Casciato said. “He’s a reference point for all the guys in our locker room, and I’m delighted his quality and effort has been rewarded with this selection.”
