Former St. John’s stalwart was a four-time All-BIG-EAST selection
PAPILLION, Neb. (February 27, 2024) – Union Omaha announced today the signing of Brandon Knapp pending league and federation approval. Coming off a success-laden collegiate career at St. John’s University, the 23-year-old signs his first professional deal with the club.
A native of Abingdon, Maryland, Knapp spent five seasons with the Queens-based college as he pursued both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. He played over 7,000 minutes for the Red Storm and contributed 21 direct goal involvements, proving a reliable and regular starter throughout. Knapp captained his team in four consecutive campaigns.
Knapp’s first spell captaining the St. John’s side came in just his second season – as sophomore in 2019. His senior season in 2021 was his most impactful, after which he was named First Team All-BIG EAST, United Soccer Coaches All-East Region Third Team and United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-East Region Second Team. Knapp scored four match-winning goals that season as he led the Red Storm’s march to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. In 2022, he was given the St. John’s Institutional Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year honor by the BIG EAST Conference, earning a scholarship toward his graduate degree.
“Brandon is a player that has excelled under Dave Masur’s leadership at St. John’s University,” said Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato. “He’s a robust and dynamic player that can fill a number of different positions, so we are looking forward to him joining our squad as we look to strengthen the team ahead of the start of the season.”
“I’m very happy to be playing with Union Omaha this year,” said Knapp. “I’m looking forward to the start of the season with a great group of teammates and our great fanbase.”
- Name Pronunciation: [Brandon NAP]
- Position: Midfielder
- Height: 5’10”
- Weight: 155 lbs.
- Date of Birth: 4/19/2000
- Born: Abingdon, MD
- Previous Team: St. John’s University Men’s Soccer
Union Omaha’s home opener is on April 20 against Charlotte Independence at Werner Park. Season ticket memberships and voucher packs for the 2024 season are currently available via tickets.unionomaha.com or through the Werner Park Ticket Office by calling (402) 738-5100.
ABOUT UNION OMAHA: Union Omaha, the 2021 USL League One Champion and 2023 USL League One Players’ Shield Winner, 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 American soccer, 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 of Business Operations Alexis Boulos in the front office and Head Coach Dominic Casciato on the field.
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