PAPILLION, Neb. (February 10, 2022) – Union Omaha announced today that forward Ricky Rivera will return to the club for the 2022 campaign. The club also announced the new signing of forward Giovanni Montesdeoca. Both signings are pending league and federation approval.
Rivera, the Puerto Rico National Team player, joined Union Omaha in August of 2021 from Villamarxant CF, part of Spain’s fifth-tier Tercera División. He has also recently featured in the Caparra FC beach soccer team in his native Puerto Rico. Rivera received his first international call-up in 2012, joining the Puerto Rico squad at the age of 15 for the U-17 World Cup Qualifying campaign. He has scored four times for the senior national team since making his debut in 2016, including goals in Olympic and World Cup qualification matches.
“We are happy to have Ricky back this season as he showed some great qualities playing as a striker,” said Head Coach Jay Mims. “Now with a full season ahead of us, I know Ricky will have a chip on his shoulder and be eager to work for the team and help us have a great year.”
“I am really excited to continue my professional career with this great organization and the support of the Búhos fans,” said Rivera. “I am healthy and ready to show what I am capable of to the team, the staff and the fans! Last year we were champions and we are going to work hard to achieve nothing less than that. Counting on your support to go the whole way! Viva Búhos!”
Phonetic pronunciation of name: [RICK-EE REE-VEH-RAH]
Position: Forward
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 180 lbs
Born: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Montesdeoca, a Dallas, Texas native, joins Union Omaha by way of USL Championship Club Loudoun United FC. Montesdeoca, a college standout while attending the University of North Carolina, earned third team All-American honors and made three Final Four appearances during his collegiate career. Montesdeoca is also is a two-time national champion with the FC Dallas Academy. Montesdeoca’s uncle, Jose Luis Burciaga, played eight seasons in Major League Soccer for the Kansas City Wizards and Colorado Rapids.
“I love Giovanni’s background and I know he will fit in culturally within our team,” said Mims. “He had a great youth career with FC Dallas and was able to really excel at UNC. He is excited to get to work and we are eager to start coaching him.”
“I am extremely blessed and thankful for this opportunity to join Union Omaha,” said Montesdeoca. “The club’s success recently has shown this is a winning culture! I will give everything for this club and to add positive value to the team in any way possible. I’m looking forward to meeting the staff, my teammates and most importantly the fans!”
Phonetic pronunciation of name: [JEE-OH-VAH-NEE MON-TESS-DEE-OH-CAH]
Position: Forward
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 167 lbs
Born: Dallas, Texas
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
The 2022 League One Championship defending campaign is set to begin on April 9 with a visit to Forward Madison FC. The home opener at Werner Park is 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 UnionOmaha.com or the Werner Park Ticket Office by calling 402-738-5100.
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.