Union Omaha 2023

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Mar 15, 2023 8:56 am

Union Omaha names Dominic Casciato as new head coach
Casciato replaces Jay Mims who resigned from the club in December.

Union Omaha announced today the hiring of Dominic Casciato as head coach. Casciato will look to lead the team to its fourth-straight USL League One playoff appearance after 12 years of coaching experience across multiple levels in both the United States and Europe.

Dominic Casciato comes to Omaha after spending the last two seasons as an assistant for USL Championship member El Paso Locomotive FC. Brought on ahead of the 2021 season as an attacking coach, Casciato took El Paso from 21st to 5th in goals scored across the league and assisted the team to a Western Conference runner-up finish and Copa Texas Championship. He also served as the head coach for the USL Academy U19 squad.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Mar 15, 2023 8:58 am

Meet Our New Head Coach: Dominic Casciato [FULL INTERVIEW]

Learn more from our new head coach, Dominic Casciato, as he talks through his coaching background, his hopes for his new squad and his favorite ways to spend his free time.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Mar 15, 2023 12:57 pm

Union Omaha releases its 2023 schedule

Union Omaha released its USL League One regular-season schedule Wednesday, which kicks off in March and features 16 home matches — including two at UNO's Caniglia Field. The Owls, league champs in 2021 and 2022 quarterfinalists, begin their quest for a fourth straight playoff appearance when they host Forward Madison on March 26 at Caniglia. Their first match at Werner Park will be April 29. Every USL League One team will make at least one trip to Werner, including two clubs in their first USL season: Lexington Sporting Club (Aug. 2) and One Knox SC (June 21).

March: 26, vs. Forward Madison (Caniglia Field), 2 p.m.

April: 1, at One Knox, 6 p.m.
8, at Central Valley Fuego, 9 p.m.
15, vs. North Carolina (Caniglia), 2 p.m.
19, at Charlotte, 6 p.m.
29. vs. Northern Colorado, 7 p.m.

May: 5, at Richmond, 6 p.m.
20, at Chattanooga, 6:30 p.m.
24, vs. Greenville.
27, vs. Forward Madison.

June: 3, at Charlotte, 4 p.m.
10, at Greenville, 6 p.m.
21, vs. One Knox, 7 p.m.
24, vs. South Georgia, 7 p.m.

July: 1, at Central Valley Fuego, 9 p.m.
8, vs. Richmond, 7 p.m.
15, at Northern Colorado, 8 p.m.
22, at Lexington, 6 p.m.
29, vs. South Georgia, 7 p.m.

August: 2, vs. Lexington Sporting Club, 7 p.m.
5, vs. One Knox, 7 p.m.
12, at Northern Colorado, 8 p.m.
19, vs. Chattanooga, 7 p.m.
26, at Greenville, 6 p.m.

September: 6, vs. North Carolina, 7 p.m.
9, vs. Richmond, 7 p.m.
16, at Chattanooga, 6:30 p.m.
23, vs. Central Valley Fuego, 7 p.m.
29, at North Carolina, 6 p.m.

October: 4, vs. Charlotte, 7 p.m.
7, at South Georgia, 6:30 p.m.
14, at Forward Madison, 6 p.m.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Mar 24, 2023 12:56 pm

Union Omaha season opener is this Sunday, what you can expect

Soccer season is right around the corner as Omaha's professional soccer team Union Omaha is about to begin its fourth season. The ball starts rolling at Caniglia Field on the campus of UNO at 2p.m. on Sunday March 26. “We're expecting to be exciting, we expecting to have the ball and to score some goals this season,” said Peter Marlette, General Manager of Union Omaha. Like every union Omaha game they expect the crowds to be electric and are ready to welcome new fans.

“As always at a Union Omaha game, you can expect an inclusive but very loud, very fun atmosphere,” said Marlette. I This year you will see some familiar faces as well as new ones on Los Buhos. “On the field we have built a largely new team but it's been an evolution of what we have done in the past. Not a complete change. We got a new coaching staff in and replaced 50 percent of our roster year over year,” he said.

The team has 16 scheduled home games this season. “This is your professional soccer team in the state, we are your team. You’re going to get a great product on the field,” said Marlette. The team has been in the playoffs all three years since its inception, and they believe they have built a team that is going to keep building that success.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 7:00 am

JP Scearce scores the first goal of the 2023 season for the Owls

PAPILLION, Neb. (March 26, 2023) – Union Omaha opened up its 2023 season and quest for its fourth straight USL League One appearance with a 1-1 draw against Forward Madison Sunday afternoon.

03.26.2023 | Union Omaha vs. Forward Madison FC - Game Highlights

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 6:54 pm

Union Omaha draws with Forward Madison in season opener

Union Omaha drew 1-1 with Forward Madison in its opening game of the 2023 USL League One season on Sunday afternoon at UNO's Caniglia Field. The game marked Omaha’s debut under new Head Coach Dominic Casciato, featuring a roster with plenty of new faces along with a solid returning core.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Mar 31, 2023 7:33 pm

Two-time Golden Glove winner Nuhu inks multi-year contract extension with Union Omaha

Union Omaha on Friday morning announced that goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu has signed a multi-year contract extension. The Reigning USL League One Goalkeeper of the Year and two-time Golden Glove winner has played an invaluable part in the club’s success in his three seasons with Omaha.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Mar 31, 2023 7:47 pm

2022 League One Goalkeeper of the Year looks to build on prior achievements

PAPILLION, Neb. (March 31, 2023) – Union Omaha announced today goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu has signed a multi-year contract extension with the club, pending league and federation approval. The Reigning USL League One Goalkeeper of the Year and two-time Golden Glove winner has played an invaluable part in the club’s success in his three seasons with Omaha. “This new contract definitely means a lot,” Nuhu said. “As a soccer player, you take any opportunity you get and just keep on doing what you love to do. It just shows the trust the club has in me to give me an extension, and I’m very grateful for that and hoping to keep the success going for the club.”

The 27-year-old is looking forward to the 2023 season and beyond, stating he hopes to try and bring another Goalkeeper of the Year award and League One title back to Omaha.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Apr 02, 2023 8:46 pm

One Knoxville SC's game against Union Omaha on April 1 postponed
The game is postponed due to travel related challenges for Union Omaha.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — One Knoxville SC's game against Union Omaha on April 1 has been postponed. The game will be rescheduled to a new date due to travel-related challenges for Union Omaha. The team is working with the USL 1 League and Union Omaha to reschedule the game that was supposed to be played at Regal Soccer Stadium in Knoxville.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Apr 08, 2023 5:29 pm

Newcomers Junior Palacios and Steevan Dos Santos score first goals for the club

OMAHA, Neb. (April 5, 2023) – The Owls kicked off their sophomore Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run with another “cup-set”, taking down USL Championship member El Paso Locomotive FC 2-0. It was a chilly night at Morrison Stadium and 365 days since the Owls began their inaugural Open Cup run, becoming the first third-division side since 2013 and first USL League One team to ever make the quarterfinals as they went on the road to take down MLS sides Chicago Fire and Minnesota United. Wednesday marked the first time the Owls had ever hosted a higher-division side in competitive play, playing a familiar foe for Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato, who coached as an assistant for the Locomotive from 2021-2022.

Union Omaha defeats Locomotive FC 2-0 in U.S. Open Cup

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Sat Apr 08, 2023 6:51 pm

Was there a specific reason they played at Morrison for that game?

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Apr 09, 2023 9:20 am

Noe Meza and Steevan Dos Santos score in first league win of the Casciato era

FRESNO, Calif. (April 8, 2023) – Union Omaha came away with a big three points on the road and its first win in USL League One play of the season Saturday as the Owls defeated Central Valley Fuego The Owls arrived in Fresno looking to avenge the loss at their last home game of the season by spoiling Central Valley’s home opener. Saturday marked the fourth all-time meeting between the sides, with Omaha taking the first two match-ups before Central Valley notched its first win in the series.

OmahaRedWing · Post by **OmahaRedWing** » Tue Apr 11, 2023 1:42 pm

I heard on the radio last night the Union Omahais playing their next game at UNO and then the rest of their games will be at Werner Park. I really hope they eventually get their stadium downtown that will be designed specifically for soccer.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Apr 16, 2023 9:35 am

Owls drop first loss of the Season to North Carolina FC
Former All-League One Selection Joe Gallardo scores first goal for Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. (April 15, 2023) – Omaha’s late comeback effort fell just short as the Owls suffered their first defeat of the season, falling 2-1 to North Carolina FC Saturday. The Owls came into Saturday looking to stay unbeaten in league play and against North Carolina, a 3-0-2 all-time series record against the visitors. The clubs drew twice in Cary last season, while Omaha unleashed a 4-1 win in the lone contest at Werner Park.

North Carolina FC downs Union Omaha for first time, hands Owls first loss of season with 2-1 victory at Caniglia Field.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Apr 23, 2023 7:13 am

Defensive showdown ends with Omaha and Charlotte sharing points

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 19, 2023) – Union Omaha peppered the goal Wednesday night against Charlotte Independence but was unable to find a breakthrough as the sides drew 0-0.

Omaha returns home for more League One action on Saturday, April 29 against Northern Colorado Hailstorm for Pups at the Pitch Night.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Apr 26, 2023 4:29 pm

Union Omaha’s 2023 U.S. Open Cup ends at St. Louis City SC

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (April 25, 2023) – The Owls’ U.S. Open Cup campaign ended in Third Round as Omaha fell to MLS side St. Louis City SC 5-1 Tuesday night.

With the Open Cup run ending, Omaha will now turn its attention back League One action, starting on Saturday, April 29 when it hosts Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC at Werner Park for Pups at the Pitch Night.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Wed Apr 26, 2023 8:36 pm

Tough loss, but STL is playing very well, let alone this being their inaugural year.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu May 04, 2023 4:59 pm

OWLS HAND HAILSTORM FIRST LOSS OF THE SEASON
Noe Meza becomes Owls’ top scorer in 2023 with his first brace of year

PAPILLION, Neb. (April 29, 2023) – Omaha handed Northern Colorado its first loss of the season Saturday as the Owls soared in their first match back at Werner Park, defeating the Hailstorm 3-2. Omaha came into the night searching for its first win at home and looking to snap the Hailstorm’s streak of three consecutive clean sheets to open the season. Luis Gil got things started in the 11th minute, ripping off the Owls’ first on-target shot of the night off a low cross through the box from Joe Brito.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun May 07, 2023 6:05 pm

Owls and Kickers battle to hard-fought draw

RICHMOND, Va. (May 5, 2023) – Omaha came away one point better Friday night as the Owls traveled a rowdy Richmond Kickers crowd and recorded a 0-0 draw.

The Owls will have a week off before taking the road again in a 2022 League One quarterfinal rematch against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Saturday, May 20. Following that, Omaha returns to Werner Park for two home matches, facing Greenville Triumph SC on Wednesday, May 24 for World Soccer Night presented by Family Fare and Forward Madison on Saturday, May 27 for One Means All Night.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Jun 25, 2023 2:05 pm

Conor Doyle becomes all-time Union Omaha assist leader

PAPILLION, Neb. (June 24, 2023) – Union Omaha cruised back into the win column with a 2-0 victory over South Georgia Tormenta FC Saturday night. It was another busy week at home for the Owls, who were fresh off a hard-fought 1-1 draw against One Knoxville SC. Although the Owls were unbeaten in their last two matches, they were hungry for much-needed win in order to stay in playoff contention and had a prime opportunity to do so against defending League One Champions South Georgia Tormenta, which the Owls have never lost to in three seasons.

6.24.2023 | Union Omaha vs. South Georgia Tormenta FC - Game Highlights

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Jun 26, 2023 5:03 pm

We attended our first Union Omaha match on Saturday. They absolutely need they're own space. While it was fun to watch the match, the baseball stadium setup is absolutely horrible. I know it's been said before, but this is my first time experiencing it and it is bad. It was kind of embarrassing too when the teams' seating areas blew over right before the match started because of strong winds.

Also, I live near Oakview and find that driving to Werner Park is worse than driving downtown. It takes almost as long, surprisingly. The future stadium would do well do be downtown and I hope ownership and the City finds a way to build a facility for this team sooner rather than later.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Jul 08, 2023 10:52 pm

7.8.2023 | Union Omaha vs. Richmond Kickers - Game Highlights

Union Omaha win league-record seventh match after earning a red card, dismantle Richmond Kickers in biggest Owls victory over Roos in four-year series, 4-1.

Union Omaha beats Richmond with only ten men 4-1

The game was up for grabs late in the first half in a 1-1 tie when Union Omaha went down to ten men for the final 50 minutes. From that point, the Owls outscored Richmond 3-0 and won 4-1. John Scearce scored the first goal of the game in the 24th minute, a header off a corner kick that was high enough to clear the goalie but still drop below the crossbar.

Richmond tied it up in the 39th minute with a goal by Emiliano Terzaghi. In the second half, Noe Meza scored off of another header by the Owls to make it 2-1 and Steevan Dos Santos came off the bench to score the final two goals. Union Omaha will return next Saturday, July 15th with a trip to Northern Colorado.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Mon Jul 10, 2023 8:14 am

Definitely a fun game, even a little chippy at times. Referees were handing out cards like candy! Noe Meza became the Owls' all time leading scorer after his second half goal.

Like Ita, I really wish this club would get their own stadium. I'd rather have them at Werner than nothing at all, but it's definitely not ideal.

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Jul 10, 2023 9:06 am

almighty_tuna wrote: Mon Jul 10, 2023 8:14 am Definitely a fun game, even a little chippy at times. Referees were handing out cards like candy! Noe Meza became the Owls' all time leading scorer after his second half goal.

Like Ita, I really wish this club would get their own stadium. I'd rather have them at Werner than nothing at all, but it's definitely not ideal.

We are bummed we missed this weekend's game especially with the nice weather. We'll likely go to their next home match. I saw a FB post that they had a season high attendance of 3500. I am sure they could average significantly higher attendance with a soccer specific facility.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Mon Jul 10, 2023 9:59 am

Yeah, it was gorgeous out! I think we'll be heading to the game on 7/29 next.

Definitely season high attendance that game. Idk if a bespoke stadium would garner significantly higher attendance but it wouldn't hurt, especially if it's in a more centralized location.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Mon Jul 10, 2023 10:01 am

almighty_tuna wrote: Mon Jul 10, 2023 9:59 am Yeah, it was gorgeous out! I think we'll be heading to the game on 7/29 next.

Definitely season high attendance that game. Idk if a bespoke stadium would garner significantly higher attendance but it wouldn't hurt, especially if it's in a more centralized location.

I'm sure a better location would increase attendance.

Mjs5050ss · Post by **Mjs5050ss** » Wed Jul 12, 2023 3:22 pm

Admittedly don't follow soccer much, but I would imagine this would be a good thing for Union, correct?

ita · Post by **ita** » Wed Jul 12, 2023 3:43 pm

Mjs5050ss wrote: Wed Jul 12, 2023 3:22 pm Admittedly don't follow soccer much, but I would imagine this would be a good thing for Union, correct?

Here's some more information:

https://theathletic.com/4684339/2023/07 ... on-system/

Tom Bogert and Jeff Rueter
The vote will not be on a specific and finalized framework for promotion and relegation, the sources said. Rather, the topic up for a vote will confirm whether ownership at the leagues’ clubs has enough collective interest to merit further work toward implementing an open system among the USL’s professional competitions.
...
While the specifics of the plan are still up for deliberation before being finalized, the league is exploring creating an additional tier between the Championship and League One’s current standing; expansion teams may step into this new middle tier pending payment of fees greater than those necessary for entry into League One. One source said the current asking fee for entry into League One is around $5 million.

Sporting merit would dictate some clubs dropping from the Championship to the new circuit. One source said they were not aware of any way in which a pre-existing club could move up or down the initial pyramid beyond on-field performance. This would eliminate the potential for an existing League One club to buy their way into the levels above them.
...
Pending interest and the ensuing vote, the new three-level structure could be implemented as soon as 2024; alternatively, next season could be used to determine which clubs will be at which level of the newly split Championship.

Union ownership had aspirations of getting into the USL top tier Championship league along with building the new stadium pursuant to those required by that league. If there is a three tier system, I think Union could be in a position to be part of the highest tier, at worst the 2nd tier, because of it's performance in its initial seasons.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Wed Jul 12, 2023 7:48 pm

ita wrote: Mon Jun 26, 2023 5:03 pm We attended our first Union Omaha match on Saturday. They absolutely need they're own space. While it was fun to watch the match, the baseball stadium setup is absolutely horrible. I know it's been said before, but this is my first time experiencing it and it is bad. It was kind of embarrassing too when the teams' seating areas blew over right before the match started because of strong winds.

Also, I live near Oakview and find that driving to Werner Park is worse than driving downtown. It takes almost as long, surprisingly. The future stadium would do well do be downtown and I hope ownership and the City finds a way to build a facility for this team sooner rather than later.

We’ve been going to Werner Park for years from NW Omaha. Never really had issues by talking 144th to 370.

I do hope they eventually get a soccer specific stadium.

Omahomie · Post by **Omahomie** » Wed Jul 12, 2023 8:27 pm

Really cool idea to float. I’ll definitely be interested to see where this goes especially how it makes every game interesting with the threat of relegation. One thing to note is USL is eyeing to try and compete with MLS with division 1 status which I think is a long shot. One of the criteria is to have a stadium with at least 15k.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Jul 18, 2023 10:25 pm

7.18.2023 | One Knoxville vs. Union Omaha - Game Highlights

A tight battle in Knoxville ends with a stoppage time score from Dion Acoff to lift a 10-man Union Omaha side over One Knox SC!

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Wed Jul 19, 2023 7:28 am

We actually watched that game on one of the ESPNs. My middle child attended one of their camps this summer and is absolutely hooked on them. Glad to see them on TV

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Jul 22, 2023 10:33 pm

7.22.2023 | Lexington vs. Union Omaha - Game Highlights

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Jul 30, 2023 9:47 am

Union Omaha vs. South Georgia Tormenta FC

Union Omaha move to 6-0-3 all-time against South Georgia Tormenta FC with riveting, last-minute 3-2 victory at Werner Park.

BN1 · Post by **BN1** » Sun Jul 30, 2023 3:26 pm

Big drop off in Union Omaha attendance this year.

Any idea on what's causing this? Venue, prices, the teams record?

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Mon Jul 31, 2023 9:07 am

Idk, but I was there Saturday and it was definitely an exciting finish!

There's a $2 ticket sale for berm seats on Wednesday I believe.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 7:31 am

Union Omaha vs. Lexington

Here you will find all the latest videos from the USL Championship, USL League One, USL League Two, and USL Academy including highlights from across the leagues, full-length matches, special features and much more.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Aug 06, 2023 9:46 pm

Union Omaha vs. One Knoxville

Union Omaha continue ascent with 3-1 victory over One Knoxville SC at Werner Park, enjoy best position in table since Oct. 2022.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Aug 12, 2023 10:21 pm

Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC vs. Union Omaha

Union Omaha continue ascent, earn first win in Windsor with 3-2 victory over Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC to close out Week 22.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Aug 19, 2023 9:27 pm

Union Omaha vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

Union Omaha sets club record with fifth consecutive victory, evens all-time series against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC with 2-1 win at Werner Park.