News

PAPILLION, Neb. (January 14, 2022) – Union Omaha announced today the return of goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval.  The 2021 USL League One Golden Glove award winner joins five other returners from the 2021 championship squad. 

Nuhu finished the 2021 campaign with a 72% save percentage and recorded 10 clean sheets on the way to the title. Following a 2020 campaign where he lead the team in minutes played, while recording 6 clean sheets, and a USL1 Final appearance, Nuhu has emerged as one of the best goalkeepers in USL1.

“Rashid’s progress has been amazing to watch here,” said Union Omaha Head Coach Jay Mims. “He keeps on improving on and off the field.  We look forward to continuing his development here in Omaha and we are really excited for the next few years here for him!”

“I am very excited to be returning to such an amazing club that will continue to help with my development as a player and more importantly a better person” said Nuhu. “I am thrilled to be back in an incredible culture that has been formed within the team.  With the guidance and support of Union Omaha, I look forward to continuing to being the best professional player I can be in this wonderful environment that has been created.”

The 2022 Championship defending campaign is set to begin on April 9 with a visit to Forward Madison FC. The home opener at Werner Park 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 vip.sportsengine.com/unionomaha or through the Werner Park Ticket Office by calling 402-738-5100.

Phonetic pronunciation of name: [RAH – SHEED   NEW – HU]
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 185 lbs
Born:  Accra, Ghana
Hometown: Accra, Ghana

 

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.

PAPILLION, Neb. (January 14, 2022) – Union Omaha announced today the return of goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval.  The 2021 USL League One Golden Glove award winner joins five other returners from the 2021 championship squad. 

Nuhu finished the 2021 campaign with a 72% save percentage and recorded 10 clean sheets on the way to the title. Following a 2020 campaign where he lead the team in minutes played, while recording 6 clean sheets, and a USL1 Final appearance, Nuhu has emerged as one of the best goalkeepers in USL1.

“Rashid’s progress has been amazing to watch here,” said Union Omaha Head Coach Jay Mims. “He keeps on improving on and off the field.  We look forward to continuing his development here in Omaha and we are really excited for the next few years here for him!”

“I am very excited to be returning to such an amazing club that will continue to help with my development as a player and more importantly a better person” said Nuhu. “I am thrilled to be back in an incredible culture that has been formed within the team.  With the guidance and support of Union Omaha, I look forward to continuing to being the best professional player I can be in this wonderful environment that has been created.”

The 2022 Championship defending campaign is set to begin on April 9 with a visit to Forward Madison FC. The home opener at Werner Park 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 vip.sportsengine.com/unionomaha or through the Werner Park Ticket Office by calling 402-738-5100.

Phonetic pronunciation of name: [RAH – SHEED   NEW – HU]
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 185 lbs
Born:  Accra, Ghana
Hometown: Accra, Ghana

 

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.

PAPILLION, Neb. (December 22, 2021) – 2021 USL League One Champion Union Omaha announced today its 2022 regular season schedule. Coming off the 2021 championship, Union Omaha is scheduled to have 15 home matches as part of the full 30-match regular season schedule, the longest in USL League One history.

Union Omaha begins the home campaign when it welcomes USL1 newcomer Central Valley Fuego FC on April 23. The championship-defending campaign gets underway on the road a week earlier on April 9 with a visit to a familiar foe Forward Madison. Greenville makes a return trip to Werner Park for the first meeting of the season on June 18 in what will be a much-anticipated rematch of the 2021 Final.

Union Omaha will share the pitch with three new teams for the 2022 season as Central Valley Fuego FC, Charlotte Independence, and Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC all make their USL League One debuts. Central Valley is the first to visit Werner Park when it comes to town on April 23 for Union Omaha’s 2022 home debut. Charlotte and Northern Colorado make their inaugural visits to Omaha in the same week with a mid-week match against Charlotte on May 25 and a Saturday match against Northern Colorado on May 28.

Every USL League One team will make at least one trip to the Werner Park pitch. Greenville, Charlotte, Chattanooga Red Wolves, Northern Colorado, and Central Valley are all scheduled to make two trips to Omaha; FC Tucson, North Carolina FC, Madison, Richmond Kickers, and Tormenta FC will visit Werner Park only once during the 2022 regular season.

A full schedule can be found at vip.sportsengine.com/unionomaha or you can click here to view a 2022 schedule.  All match kick times are TBD, and any friendly matches that occur will be announced at a later date. Season tickets and mini plans for the 2022 season are currently available via vip.sportsengine.com/unionomaha or through the Werner Park Ticket Office by calling 402-738-5100.

 

2022 Union Omaha Home Matches

April 23 vs. Central Valley Fuego FC

May 25 vs. Charlotte Independence

May 28 vs. Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC

June 18 vs. Greenville Triumph SC

July 1 vs. Charlotte Independence

July 16 vs. FC Tucson

July 30 vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

August 13 vs. Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC

August 20 vs. North Carolina FC

August 31 vs. Forward Madison FC

September 3 vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

September 14 vs. Richmond Kickers

September 17 vs. Greenville Triumph SC

October 8 vs. Tormenta FC

October 15 vs. Central Valley Fuego FC

October 21-23 – USL1 Playoffs

October 28-30 – USL1 Playoffs

November 4-6 – USL1 Final

 

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.

 

###

PAPILLION, Neb. (December 22, 2021) – 2021 USL League One Champion Union Omaha announced today its 2022 regular season schedule. Coming off the 2021 championship, Union Omaha is scheduled to have 15 home matches as part of the full 30-match regular season schedule, the longest in USL League One history.

Union Omaha begins the home campaign when it welcomes USL1 newcomer Central Valley Fuego FC on April 23. The championship-defending campaign gets underway on the road a week earlier on April 9 with a visit to a familiar foe Forward Madison. Greenville makes a return trip to Werner Park for the first meeting of the season on June 18 in what will be a much-anticipated rematch of the 2021 Final.

Union Omaha will share the pitch with three new teams for the 2022 season as Central Valley Fuego FC, Charlotte Independence, and Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC all make their USL League One debuts. Central Valley is the first to visit Werner Park when it comes to town on April 23 for Union Omaha’s 2022 home debut. Charlotte and Northern Colorado make their inaugural visits to Omaha in the same week with a mid-week match against Charlotte on May 25 and a Saturday match against Northern Colorado on May 28.

Every USL League One team will make at least one trip to the Werner Park pitch. Greenville, Charlotte, Chattanooga Red Wolves, Northern Colorado, and Central Valley are all scheduled to make two trips to Omaha; FC Tucson, North Carolina FC, Madison, Richmond Kickers, and Tormenta FC will visit Werner Park only once during the 2022 regular season.

A full schedule can be found at vip.sportsengine.com/unionomaha or you can click here to view a 2022 schedule.  All match kick times are TBD, and any friendly matches that occur will be announced at a later date. Season tickets and mini plans for the 2022 season are currently available via vip.sportsengine.com/unionomaha or through the Werner Park Ticket Office by calling 402-738-5100.

 

2022 Union Omaha Home Matches

April 23 vs. Central Valley Fuego FC

May 25 vs. Charlotte Independence

May 28 vs. Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC

June 18 vs. Greenville Triumph SC

July 1 vs. Charlotte Independence

July 16 vs. FC Tucson

July 30 vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

August 13 vs. Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC

August 20 vs. North Carolina FC

August 31 vs. Forward Madison FC

September 3 vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

September 14 vs. Richmond Kickers

September 17 vs. Greenville Triumph SC

October 8 vs. Tormenta FC

October 15 vs. Central Valley Fuego FC

October 21-23 – USL1 Playoffs

October 28-30 – USL1 Playoffs

November 4-6 – USL1 Final

 

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.

 

###

PAPILLION, Neb. (December 21, 2021) – Union Omaha announced today the initial group of returning players for its 2022 campaign. Five players from the 2021 USL League One Championship roster make up the group of initial returners.  

The group of returning players is led by 2021 USL League One Finals MVP and All-League First Team member Damiá Viader. Viader, a Barcelona native, has been a part of Union Omaha since the club’s inaugural season in 2020 and was a force not often contained during the 2021 season.

Joining Viader will be Conor Doyle. Doyle was one of only three players to feature in every match during the 2021 season and was second on the team in assists during his first season with Union Omaha.

JP Scearce, who made his professional debut with Union Omaha in 2020, will also be returning for the 2022 season. Scearce logged the fourth most minutes played, tallying one goal and three assists during the 2021 campaign.

Daltyn Knutson will be returning for his third season with Union Omaha after appearing in 23 matches during the 2021 season and goalkeeper Kevin Piedrahita will also return after joining the squad just before the start of the 2021 campaign.  

Union Omaha is still in the midst of discussions with other members of the 2021 squad about returning and will utilize the free agent market to solidify its roster leading into the 2022 campaign, which is slated to begin in the spring of 2022. Additional player signing announcements will be made via press release and through the club’s official social media channels.

Season tickets and mini plans for the 2022 season are currently available via vip.sportsengine.com/unionomaha 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 by Head Coach Jay Mims on the field.

PAPILLION, Neb. (December 21, 2021) – Union Omaha announced today the initial group of returning players for its 2022 campaign. Five players from the 2021 USL League One Championship roster make up the group of initial returners.  

The group of returning players is led by 2021 USL League One Finals MVP and All-League First Team member Damiá Viader. Viader, a Barcelona native, has been a part of Union Omaha since the club’s inaugural season in 2020 and was a force not often contained during the 2021 season.

Joining Viader will be Conor Doyle. Doyle was one of only three players to feature in every match during the 2021 season and was second on the team in assists during his first season with Union Omaha.

JP Scearce, who made his professional debut with Union Omaha in 2020, will also be returning for the 2022 season. Scearce logged the fourth most minutes played, tallying one goal and three assists during the 2021 campaign.

Daltyn Knutson will be returning for his third season with Union Omaha after appearing in 23 matches during the 2021 season and goalkeeper Kevin Piedrahita will also return after joining the squad just before the start of the 2021 campaign.  

Union Omaha is still in the midst of discussions with other members of the 2021 squad about returning and will utilize the free agent market to solidify its roster leading into the 2022 campaign, which is slated to begin in the spring of 2022. Additional player signing announcements will be made via press release and through the club’s official social media channels.

Season tickets and mini plans for the 2022 season are currently available via vip.sportsengine.com/unionomaha 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 by Head Coach Jay Mims on the field.

PAPILLION, Neb. – It took a year to get this closure, but Union Omaha lifted the USL League One trophy in front of an absolutely raucous home crowd; which set a new USL League 1 Final attendance record. 

Before the match, Devin Boyce spoke about how Omaha needed to refocus for this season. “[Last season] left a bitter taste in our mouth, and from the jump we just knew that we needed to come together and put results together from the beginning.”

They did just that, and they couldn’t have finished with a better pair of results either.

Evan Conway got the Owls off to another soaring start, Greg Hurst doubled it up just before halftime, and from there Union Omaha showed immense grit to see off a season where they were best nearly wire-to-wire.

Omaha opened this match in a similar fashion to their semifinal dismantling of FC Tucson, with a head of steam and a load of pressure on Greenville’s goal. It paid off after only seven minutes. Abdi Mohamed was dispossessed at the center circle, indicative of the Owls’ swarming pressure to start, and Damià Viader drove all the way to the byline to chip in a lovely cross. Evan Conway had enough space at the back post to land a Cessna, and used it to nod home his 10th goal since the start of October.

Union Omaha has never lost after scoring first, and they kept the heat on for a good while. In fact, Greenville didn’t get a single shot in until almost 20 minutes into the match. The Triumph did settle in after that, going into the break with a 60-40 possession advantage. Still, top scorer Marios Lomis was left isolated up top in the 3-5-2 they trotted out to try and counter Union Omaha’s typical 4-4-2, and the few shots they mustered hardly troubled Rashid Nuhu in net.

That would be one thing if they went into the second half down a goal. Instead, Greg Hurst drove from midfield off an errant pass, then got into the box and redirected a scuffed Devon Boyce shot on goal. Bar-down. 2-0. 

There was little rhythm to the second half as both clubs dug in their heels and upped the competitive spirits… meaning, lots of fouls and arguments. At one point, three players were yellow carded in the span of about four minutes. What it did, though, was milk the clock, still with hardly any kind of threat to Omaha’s goal. 

Of course, that was too simple. Evan Conway decided to take an early shower, being shown a second yellow card in the 77th. After an accumulation of challenges, it was a matter of time before he made his way to the sideline, under Coach Mims’ accord or otherwise. That left Omaha down a man for the final moments of the match, when Greenville was just starting to heat up.

Really, the season was only ever going to end on the back of the Owls’ defensive prowess, with their cozy confines at Werner Park only accentuating their compact shape on defense. 

A pair of Greenville subs nearly linked up on a goal just a minute after coming on, but Alex Morrell’s point-blank header flashed wide. Only one shot of Greenville’s was on target as the match headed into stoppage time, though they then gave Nuhu something to do with a falling save off a corner that was dangerously close to crossing the goal line. 

The best chance late, though, fell to Tobias Otieno. He latched onto a throw-in looped over several Greenville players, ran into a nearly vacant box, and took his time to pick his spot in the far corner. That third goal would effortlessly put this match, this season, and the what-ifs of 2020 all to bed.

All respect to Greenville, who have reached the finals in all three seasons of USL League One. This was a match between, hands down, the two best teams in the league, in a rivalry that has been tight since the beginning. But this year, it’s the Owls flying high. 

They had the league’s best defense. They had the most goals in the league, with the best strike partnership. Defender of the Year (and Finals MVP). Coach of the Year. Five players on the two All-League teams. This was a complete squad, front to back. And with a 9-1 score over their two playoff matches, this was a complete championship run.

Viva Búhos.

 

———

 

Union Omaha vs Greenville Triumph

Werner Park (Papillion, NE)

Goals by Half                          1    2    F

Union Omaha                          2    1    3

Greenville Triumph                  0    0    0

 

Scoring Summary:

OMA: Evan Conway 7’, Greg Hurst 43’, Tobias Otieno 90+2’

GRE: 

 

Misconduct Summary:

OMA: Evan Conway (Yellow Card) 11’ and (Red Card) 77’, Illal Osumanu (Yellow Card) 62’, Damià Viader (Yellow Card) 63’

GRE: Max Hemmings (Yellow Card) 65’, Evan Lee (Yellow Card) 72’

 

Statistical Summary:

Shots (on goal): OMA: 15 (4); GRE: 13 (2) 

Saves: OMA: Rashid Nuhu – 2; GRE: Paul Christensen – 1 

Possession: OMA 35.3% – GRE 64.7%

Fouls: OMA 16; GRE 4 

Corner Kicks: OMA 4; GRE 3 

Attendance: 5,221 (USL League 1 Final Record) 

 

Lineups

OMA: GK, Nuhu; D, Crull; D, Knutson; D, Osumanu; D, Sousa (Otieno 86’); M, Doyle; M, Scearce; M, Viader; M, Boyce (Alihodžić 90’); F, Conway; F, Hurst

GRE: GK, Christensen; D, Lee; D, Hemmings; D, Fricke; M, Ibarra (Morrell 82’); M, Pilato; M, Walker; M, Polak; M, Mohamed (Booth 68’); F, Gavilanes (Brown 82’); F, Lomis (McLean 56’)

All game stats are unofficial.

PAPILLION, Neb. – It took a year to get this closure, but Union Omaha lifted the USL League One trophy in front of an absolutely raucous home crowd; which set a new USL League 1 Final attendance record. 

Before the match, Devin Boyce spoke about how Omaha needed to refocus for this season. “[Last season] left a bitter taste in our mouth, and from the jump we just knew that we needed to come together and put results together from the beginning.”

They did just that, and they couldn’t have finished with a better pair of results either.

Evan Conway got the Owls off to another soaring start, Greg Hurst doubled it up just before halftime, and from there Union Omaha showed immense grit to see off a season where they were best nearly wire-to-wire.

Omaha opened this match in a similar fashion to their semifinal dismantling of FC Tucson, with a head of steam and a load of pressure on Greenville’s goal. It paid off after only seven minutes. Abdi Mohamed was dispossessed at the center circle, indicative of the Owls’ swarming pressure to start, and Damià Viader drove all the way to the byline to chip in a lovely cross. Evan Conway had enough space at the back post to land a Cessna, and used it to nod home his 10th goal since the start of October.

Union Omaha has never lost after scoring first, and they kept the heat on for a good while. In fact, Greenville didn’t get a single shot in until almost 20 minutes into the match. The Triumph did settle in after that, going into the break with a 60-40 possession advantage. Still, top scorer Marios Lomis was left isolated up top in the 3-5-2 they trotted out to try and counter Union Omaha’s typical 4-4-2, and the few shots they mustered hardly troubled Rashid Nuhu in net.

That would be one thing if they went into the second half down a goal. Instead, Greg Hurst drove from midfield off an errant pass, then got into the box and redirected a scuffed Devon Boyce shot on goal. Bar-down. 2-0. 

There was little rhythm to the second half as both clubs dug in their heels and upped the competitive spirits… meaning, lots of fouls and arguments. At one point, three players were yellow carded in the span of about four minutes. What it did, though, was milk the clock, still with hardly any kind of threat to Omaha’s goal. 

Of course, that was too simple. Evan Conway decided to take an early shower, being shown a second yellow card in the 77th. After an accumulation of challenges, it was a matter of time before he made his way to the sideline, under Coach Mims’ accord or otherwise. That left Omaha down a man for the final moments of the match, when Greenville was just starting to heat up.

Really, the season was only ever going to end on the back of the Owls’ defensive prowess, with their cozy confines at Werner Park only accentuating their compact shape on defense. 

A pair of Greenville subs nearly linked up on a goal just a minute after coming on, but Alex Morrell’s point-blank header flashed wide. Only one shot of Greenville’s was on target as the match headed into stoppage time, though they then gave Nuhu something to do with a falling save off a corner that was dangerously close to crossing the goal line. 

The best chance late, though, fell to Tobias Otieno. He latched onto a throw-in looped over several Greenville players, ran into a nearly vacant box, and took his time to pick his spot in the far corner. That third goal would effortlessly put this match, this season, and the what-ifs of 2020 all to bed.

All respect to Greenville, who have reached the finals in all three seasons of USL League One. This was a match between, hands down, the two best teams in the league, in a rivalry that has been tight since the beginning. But this year, it’s the Owls flying high. 

They had the league’s best defense. They had the most goals in the league, with the best strike partnership. Defender of the Year (and Finals MVP). Coach of the Year. Five players on the two All-League teams. This was a complete squad, front to back. And with a 9-1 score over their two playoff matches, this was a complete championship run.

Viva Búhos.

 

———

 

Union Omaha vs Greenville Triumph

Werner Park (Papillion, NE)

Goals by Half                          1    2    F

Union Omaha                          2    1    3

Greenville Triumph                  0    0    0

 

Scoring Summary:

OMA: Evan Conway 7’, Greg Hurst 43’, Tobias Otieno 90+2’

GRE: 

 

Misconduct Summary:

OMA: Evan Conway (Yellow Card) 11’ and (Red Card) 77’, Illal Osumanu (Yellow Card) 62’, Damià Viader (Yellow Card) 63’

GRE: Max Hemmings (Yellow Card) 65’, Evan Lee (Yellow Card) 72’

 

Statistical Summary:

Shots (on goal): OMA: 15 (4); GRE: 13 (2) 

Saves: OMA: Rashid Nuhu – 2; GRE: Paul Christensen – 1 

Possession: OMA 35.3% – GRE 64.7%

Fouls: OMA 16; GRE 4 

Corner Kicks: OMA 4; GRE 3 

Attendance: 5,221 (USL League 1 Final Record) 

 

Lineups

OMA: GK, Nuhu; D, Crull; D, Knutson; D, Osumanu; D, Sousa (Otieno 86’); M, Doyle; M, Scearce; M, Viader; M, Boyce (Alihodžić 90’); F, Conway; F, Hurst

GRE: GK, Christensen; D, Lee; D, Hemmings; D, Fricke; M, Ibarra (Morrell 82’); M, Pilato; M, Walker; M, Polak; M, Mohamed (Booth 68’); F, Gavilanes (Brown 82’); F, Lomis (McLean 56’)

All game stats are unofficial.

PAPILLION, Neb. – Union Omaha’s first playoff match got off to a flyer, exploded midway through the first half, and saw them cruise to the 2021 USL League One Final in style.

Evan Conway’s first half brace took Union Omaha to the brink. With a man advantage and all the confidence in the world, Los Búhos put FC Tucson to the sword with the most goals they’ve ever scored in a match.

“Tonight was about Union Omaha,” said Head Coach Jay Mims, after taking the time to acknowledge FC Tucson’s season, especially their turnaround under fellow Coach of the Year finalist Jon Pearlman since July. “What an amazing effort our guys put on. From the first thirty seconds of the game, we were on the front foot with some great soccer being played.”

A harbinger of what was to come arrived not thirty seconds in, when first team All-League left back Damia Viader fired across the face of goal and just missed the sliding J.P. Scearce. From the outset, though, Union Omaha was assertive, aggressive, and full of swagger. 

It didn’t take long for that to pay off. Gorgeous one-touch and two-touch combination play down the right flank yielded a Devin Boyce blast that saw the goalpost’s life flash before its eyes. The rebound fell right to Evan Conway, who stabbed it home for an opener just over two minutes in. Having an undefeated record in 2021 when scoring first, this immediately gave the Owls the high ground.

From there came an entertaining half that went from 0 to 100 almost out of nowhere. Tensions had been high in the last matchup between these two clubs, but it was an innocuous little tussle in the 30th between Devin Boyce and Maxi Schenfeld that stoked some fires. 

A minute after the latter received a yellow card, Union Omaha’s high press paid off. They had been frustrating the Arizonans all match with it, and a giveaway in their own half allowed Conway to run at them again. His mazy run and flawless control begat a… less than picturesque dribbler that nonetheless doinked off the far post and in for 2-0. Devin Boyce took the time to include Schenfeld in his thoughts during the celebration, and the resulting scuffle saw Schenfeld given a straight red card. 

Omaha would nearly net a third just minutes later, capping off maybe the most eventful five minutes of the Owls’ season, but the first half ended without any more trouble. In fact, the visitors looked run-down once they went to 10 men, with only a couple sparks of life.

Coach Mims was clearly happy about this kind of start to the match. “So many times in games, you can play great and have all kinds of chances early on, but you don’t get that goal, and then the game swings. For us to get two goals early on, it set the tone for the rest of the night.”

Damia Viader threw a haymaker just four minutes into the second half, pouncing on a rebound from a Greg Hurst shot to slot it past Wallace Lapsley. And if that was a haymaker, then Devin Boyce’s absolute stunner of a volley in the 54th put Tucson down for the count.

Charlie Dennis gave Tucson the thinnest of lifelines with a 63rd minute strike owing to him manhandling Jake Crull. Omaha would come back to open up another salvo on Tucson’s goal. Not long after, Austin Panchot was played clear in on goal, beating an offside with precision and opening his body expertly to swerve it around Lapsley. 

Amir Alihodžić would later make it 6-1 off a Lapsley punch, as if the destruction wasn’t thorough enough. As if 28 shots, 16 on target, wasn’t enough.

It was vital for the Owls to show a reaction after Tucson defeated them back in September. This performance was everything they could have wanted and more.

“We’re not done yet,” said Coach Mims. “We need to bring back to Omaha what we’re looking for. The big trophy.” Mims put his hands out, clenched tight, miming holding a trophy. In a week’s time, that could be a reality.

After a victory in their first ever playoff match, Union Omaha will face either Chattanooga Red Wolves or, perhaps more tantalizingly, Greenville Triumph in the USL League One Final. It’ll be a showdown of two teams consistently near the top of the league throughout 2021, promising a stellar affair. Crucially, though, the final will be held in Omaha, at Werner Park, thanks to Union Omaha topping the regular season table. You can catch the action Saturday, November 20th, at 4:00pm CDT. Tickets are currently available at https://www.unionomaha.com. 

 

———

 

Union Omaha vs FC Tucson

Werner Park (Papillion, NE)

Goals by Half                          1    2    F

Union Omaha                          2    4    6

FC Tucson                               0    1    1

 

Scoring Summary:

OMA: Evan Conway 3’, 31’, Damia Viader 49’, Devin Boyce 54’, Austin Panchot 70’, Amir Alihodžić 83’

TUC: Charlie Dennis 63’

 

Misconduct Summary:

OMA: Devin Boyce (Yellow Card) 32’, Jake Crull (Yellow Card) 34’

TUC: Maxi Schenfeld (Yellow Card) 30’ and (Red Card) 32’, Charlie Dennis (Yellow Card) 44’, Manuel Ferriol (Yellow Card) 66’

 

Statistical Summary:

Shots (on goal): OMA: 28 (16); TUC: 8 (3) 

Saves: OMA: Rashid Nuhu – 2; TUC: Wallace Lapsley – 9

Possession: OMA 48.9% – TUC 51.1%

Fouls: OMA 10 TUC 12

Corner Kicks: OMA 9; TUC 2

Attendance: 3,607

 

Lineups

OMA: GK, Nuhu; D, Crull (Alihodžić 67’); D, Knutson; D, Osumanu; D, Sousa (Firmino 79’); M, Doyle (Murphy 79’); M, Scearce; M, Viader; M, Boyce (Otieno 60’); F, Conway (Panchot 60’); F, Hurst

TUC: GK, Lapsley; D, Schenfeld; D, Fox; D, Mastrantonio; D, Franke (Barnathan 64’); M, Bedoya (Knox 74’); M, Kone (Ferriol 45’); M, Dennis; F, Rodriguez (Calixtro 63’); F, Corfe; F, Adams (Diakhate 74’)

 

All game stats are unofficial.

PAPILLION, Neb. – Union Omaha’s first playoff match got off to a flyer, exploded midway through the first half, and saw them cruise to the 2021 USL League One Final in style.

Evan Conway’s first half brace took Union Omaha to the brink. With a man advantage and all the confidence in the world, Los Búhos put FC Tucson to the sword with the most goals they’ve ever scored in a match.

“Tonight was about Union Omaha,” said Head Coach Jay Mims, after taking the time to acknowledge FC Tucson’s season, especially their turnaround under fellow Coach of the Year finalist Jon Pearlman since July. “What an amazing effort our guys put on. From the first thirty seconds of the game, we were on the front foot with some great soccer being played.”

A harbinger of what was to come arrived not thirty seconds in, when first team All-League left back Damia Viader fired across the face of goal and just missed the sliding J.P. Scearce. From the outset, though, Union Omaha was assertive, aggressive, and full of swagger. 

It didn’t take long for that to pay off. Gorgeous one-touch and two-touch combination play down the right flank yielded a Devin Boyce blast that saw the goalpost’s life flash before its eyes. The rebound fell right to Evan Conway, who stabbed it home for an opener just over two minutes in. Having an undefeated record in 2021 when scoring first, this immediately gave the Owls the high ground.

From there came an entertaining half that went from 0 to 100 almost out of nowhere. Tensions had been high in the last matchup between these two clubs, but it was an innocuous little tussle in the 30th between Devin Boyce and Maxi Schenfeld that stoked some fires. 

A minute after the latter received a yellow card, Union Omaha’s high press paid off. They had been frustrating the Arizonans all match with it, and a giveaway in their own half allowed Conway to run at them again. His mazy run and flawless control begat a… less than picturesque dribbler that nonetheless doinked off the far post and in for 2-0. Devin Boyce took the time to include Schenfeld in his thoughts during the celebration, and the resulting scuffle saw Schenfeld given a straight red card. 

Omaha would nearly net a third just minutes later, capping off maybe the most eventful five minutes of the Owls’ season, but the first half ended without any more trouble. In fact, the visitors looked run-down once they went to 10 men, with only a couple sparks of life.

Coach Mims was clearly happy about this kind of start to the match. “So many times in games, you can play great and have all kinds of chances early on, but you don’t get that goal, and then the game swings. For us to get two goals early on, it set the tone for the rest of the night.”

Damia Viader threw a haymaker just four minutes into the second half, pouncing on a rebound from a Greg Hurst shot to slot it past Wallace Lapsley. And if that was a haymaker, then Devin Boyce’s absolute stunner of a volley in the 54th put Tucson down for the count.

Charlie Dennis gave Tucson the thinnest of lifelines with a 63rd minute strike owing to him manhandling Jake Crull. Omaha would come back to open up another salvo on Tucson’s goal. Not long after, Austin Panchot was played clear in on goal, beating an offside with precision and opening his body expertly to swerve it around Lapsley. 

Amir Alihodžić would later make it 6-1 off a Lapsley punch, as if the destruction wasn’t thorough enough. As if 28 shots, 16 on target, wasn’t enough.

It was vital for the Owls to show a reaction after Tucson defeated them back in September. This performance was everything they could have wanted and more.

“We’re not done yet,” said Coach Mims. “We need to bring back to Omaha what we’re looking for. The big trophy.” Mims put his hands out, clenched tight, miming holding a trophy. In a week’s time, that could be a reality.

After a victory in their first ever playoff match, Union Omaha will face either Chattanooga Red Wolves or, perhaps more tantalizingly, Greenville Triumph in the USL League One Final. It’ll be a showdown of two teams consistently near the top of the league throughout 2021, promising a stellar affair. Crucially, though, the final will be held in Omaha, at Werner Park, thanks to Union Omaha topping the regular season table. You can catch the action Saturday, November 20th, at 4:00pm CDT. Tickets are currently available at https://www.unionomaha.com. 

 

———

 

Union Omaha vs FC Tucson

Werner Park (Papillion, NE)

Goals by Half                          1    2    F

Union Omaha                          2    4    6

FC Tucson                               0    1    1

 

Scoring Summary:

OMA: Evan Conway 3’, 31’, Damia Viader 49’, Devin Boyce 54’, Austin Panchot 70’, Amir Alihodžić 83’

TUC: Charlie Dennis 63’

 

Misconduct Summary:

OMA: Devin Boyce (Yellow Card) 32’, Jake Crull (Yellow Card) 34’

TUC: Maxi Schenfeld (Yellow Card) 30’ and (Red Card) 32’, Charlie Dennis (Yellow Card) 44’, Manuel Ferriol (Yellow Card) 66’

 

Statistical Summary:

Shots (on goal): OMA: 28 (16); TUC: 8 (3) 

Saves: OMA: Rashid Nuhu – 2; TUC: Wallace Lapsley – 9

Possession: OMA 48.9% – TUC 51.1%

Fouls: OMA 10 TUC 12

Corner Kicks: OMA 9; TUC 2

Attendance: 3,607

 

Lineups

OMA: GK, Nuhu; D, Crull (Alihodžić 67’); D, Knutson; D, Osumanu; D, Sousa (Firmino 79’); M, Doyle (Murphy 79’); M, Scearce; M, Viader; M, Boyce (Otieno 60’); F, Conway (Panchot 60’); F, Hurst

TUC: GK, Lapsley; D, Schenfeld; D, Fox; D, Mastrantonio; D, Franke (Barnathan 64’); M, Bedoya (Knox 74’); M, Kone (Ferriol 45’); M, Dennis; F, Rodriguez (Calixtro 63’); F, Corfe; F, Adams (Diakhate 74’)

 

All game stats are unofficial.

It's Playoff time at Werner Park as your Union Omaha Owls welcome in FC Tucson for the USL Semi-Final match presented by Hudl. Gates will open at 3 p.m. with pre-match fun for the whole family and kick-off will be at 4 pm.  

Take a look at everything you need to know before you go and the special activities you can expect. 

DIGITAL TICKETING
Union Omaha ticketing is now 100% a digital experience. You can access and manage your tickets through your Account Manager on your smartphone or via the Union Omaha Mobile App.  
 
The Ticket Box Office will open at 3 p.m. on match days and is the only place where fans can get printed tickets. 

CLEAR BAG POLICY
Werner Park will enforce a Clear Bag Policy to expedite your stadium entry experience and reduce security screening interactions. 

• One clear bag – either a one-gallon Ziploc style bag or the 12" by 6" by 12" clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag – plus a small clutch approximately 4.5" x 6.5" in size.
• Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items and/or diaper bags after proper inspection and screening. 
• Guests can carry in blankets and jackets as long as they are readily available for screening at entry.

PARKING
Parking lots will open two hours prior to the start of each game and it will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. General handicap parking is available via Parking Lot Entrance A. 
 
Vehicles cannot leave and re-enter Werner Park lots without repayment and will lose original parking space. Fire and driving lanes must be kept clear at all times. 
 

Due to Werner Park hosting Santa's Rocking Lights again this season, parking for Saturday's match will be significantly impacted. Please see the below map that shows the different parking areas that will be available on match day. 
 
TAILGATING
Tailgating is permitted in all parking areas. However, tailgating festivities cannot extend into additional parking spaces. Alcoholic beverages are permitted at Werner Park lots. Please use plastic cups for beverages, glass is not allowed.
 
Grilling is limited to grass area in all lots. All cooking equipment must be situated away from crowds, buildings, and combustible material. A minimum clearance distance of three feet from cooking equipment is required. No grills are to be left unattended at any time. Any equipment (chairs, tents, grills, etc.) left overnight will be removed. Trash and recycling bins will be available throughout Werner Park lots. Please dispose of all trash and recyclables properly.

TEAM STORE
The Storm Front Team Store will open two hours before gates open on match day. Stop by to get your Búho swag — including our newest Cap Collection arrivals as part of a special collaboration with Talisman & Co. 

GATES & IN-STADIUM ENTERTAINMENT 
Gates will open at 3 p.m. for some pre-match fun that will go until 3:50 p.m. 

• Live DJ entertainment 
• $2 beers at the Bud Light Downdraught Bar
• Free admission to the Centris Family Fun Zone

Please arrive early to avoid long lines

CASHLESS
Werner Park is completely cashless. Only credit and debit cards are accepted. Cash can be redeemed for a gift card at the Advance Ticket Window.
 
MASKS & SOCIAL DISTANCING
Face coverings are not currently required inside Werner Park. There are options to achieve social distancing. Please see the advanced ticket window to discuss your options.

Social distancing will be enforced throughout the stadium. Please keep an eye out for floor markings at the restrooms and concession stands. Do not congregate on the concourse and keep your group seated appropriately within the seating bowl. 

MATCH DETAILS 

Date: Saturday, November 13, 2021  
Location: Werner Park 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE 68046
Opponent: FC Tucson
Kick Off Time:  4 p.m. CT
TV: ESPN+
Presenting Partner: Hudl 



Hashtags: #VivaBúhos #FlyWithTheOwls

It’s Playoff time at Werner Park as your Union Omaha Owls welcome in FC Tucson for the USL Semi-Final match presented by Hudl. Gates will open at 3 p.m. with pre-match fun for the whole family and kick-off will be at 4 pm.  

Take a look at everything you need to know before you go and the special activities you can expect. 

DIGITAL TICKETING
Union Omaha ticketing is now 100% a digital experience. You can access and manage your tickets through your Account Manager on your smartphone or via the Union Omaha Mobile App.  
 
The Ticket Box Office will open at 3 p.m. on match days and is the only place where fans can get printed tickets. 

CLEAR BAG POLICY
Werner Park will enforce a Clear Bag Policy to expedite your stadium entry experience and reduce security screening interactions. 

• One clear bag – either a one-gallon Ziploc style bag or the 12″ by 6″ by 12″ clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag – plus a small clutch approximately 4.5″ x 6.5″ in size.
• Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items and/or diaper bags after proper inspection and screening. 
• Guests can carry in blankets and jackets as long as they are readily available for screening at entry.

PARKING
Parking lots will open two hours prior to the start of each game and it will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. General handicap parking is available via Parking Lot Entrance A. 
 
Vehicles cannot leave and re-enter Werner Park lots without repayment and will lose original parking space. Fire and driving lanes must be kept clear at all times. 
 

Due to Werner Park hosting Santa’s Rocking Lights again this season, parking for Saturday’s match will be significantly impacted. Please see the below map that shows the different parking areas that will be available on match day. 
 
TAILGATING
Tailgating is permitted in all parking areas. However, tailgating festivities cannot extend into additional parking spaces. Alcoholic beverages are permitted at Werner Park lots. Please use plastic cups for beverages, glass is not allowed.
 
Grilling is limited to grass area in all lots. All cooking equipment must be situated away from crowds, buildings, and combustible material. A minimum clearance distance of three feet from cooking equipment is required. No grills are to be left unattended at any time. Any equipment (chairs, tents, grills, etc.) left overnight will be removed. Trash and recycling bins will be available throughout Werner Park lots. Please dispose of all trash and recyclables properly.

TEAM STORE
The Storm Front Team Store will open two hours before gates open on match day. Stop by to get your Búho swag — including our newest Cap Collection arrivals as part of a special collaboration with Talisman & Co. 

GATES & IN-STADIUM ENTERTAINMENT 
Gates will open at 3 p.m. for some pre-match fun that will go until 3:50 p.m. 

• Live DJ entertainment 
• $2 beers at the Bud Light Downdraught Bar
• Free admission to the Centris Family Fun Zone

Please arrive early to avoid long lines

CASHLESS
Werner Park is completely cashless. Only credit and debit cards are accepted. Cash can be redeemed for a gift card at the Advance Ticket Window.
 
MASKS & SOCIAL DISTANCING
Face coverings are not currently required inside Werner Park. There are options to achieve social distancing. Please see the advanced ticket window to discuss your options.

Social distancing will be enforced throughout the stadium. Please keep an eye out for floor markings at the restrooms and concession stands. Do not congregate on the concourse and keep your group seated appropriately within the seating bowl. 

MATCH DETAILS 

Date: Saturday, November 13, 2021  
Location: Werner Park 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE 68046
Opponent: FC Tucson
Kick Off Time:  4 p.m. CT
TV: ESPN+
Presenting Partner: Hudl 



Hashtags: #VivaBúhos #FlyWithTheOwls