USL League One Final MVP set to join USL Championship contender
PAPILLION, Neb. (March 2, 2022) – Union Omaha announced today the transfer of defender Damià Viader to Sacramento Republic FC of the USL Championship league for an undisclosed fee. Viader, who has been a member of the club since its inception, featured in all 30 matches during the 2021 USL League One championship campaign and earned Finals MVP honors after being named the 2021 USL League One Defender of the Year.
Viader has spent both of his professional seasons with Union Omaha and has collected numerous additional accolades during his career, including the USL League One September 2021 Player of the Month and 2021 USL League One All-League First Team honors. Scoring seven goals during the 2021 campaign, Viader was also a vital contributor to the league’s best defensive unit.
“Dami was a vital piece of our success last season,” said Union Omaha General Manager Peter Marlette. “As much as we’d love to have him on the team again in 2022, it is clear that he’s ready for his next challenge. It was important to us that we receive significant compensation for this transfer, and in the end Sacramento valued him as much as we did. This transfer is a big step for us as a club and USL League One as a whole. I’m excited to see Dami take the next step in his career and am confident this won’t be his last.”
“Dami is a special player, and it is easy to see why there are so many clubs that have shown interest in him,” Union Omaha Head Coach Jay Mims said. “He was the very first player I identified for the club more than two years ago and was a huge part of our championship run this past season. It was easy to work with Sacramento as I personally know both Todd Dunivant and Mark Briggs and I know they both will do a great job on Dami’s continued growth. He keeps on improving every year and his best years are still ahead of him. Although we will miss him with our team and it will be a huge hole to fill, we are always looking for creative pathways for players to continue their professional development.”
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.