Owls’ two all-time appearance leaders rewarded for outstanding 2022 performances
PAPILLION, Neb. (October 26, 2022) – Union Omaha midfielder JP Scearce and goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu were named to the USL League One First Team, the league announced Wednesday. The pair have been with the club since its inaugural season, with their leadership and experience helping the team to its first USL League One Championship last season and return to the playoffs in 2022.
“Both of these players have improved tremendously each season, and I am so excited to see their continued growth,” Union Omaha Head Coach Jay Mims said.
JP Scearce, Union Omaha’s all-time appearance leader, led the Owls this season with six League One Team of the Week selections. The 24-year-old midfielder was the team’s second-highest scorer with seven goals, recording his first two professional braces in league competition. Playing a key part in both Omaha’s offensive and defensive production, Scearce took the second-most shots on the squad, was third in total passes, led the team in tackles and won the most duels in the entire league.
“JP came into camp this season as the most prepared player and it showed throughout the year,” Mims said. “He has learned so much in all aspects of the game.”
“JP is a leader in the midfield and the type of two-way player that every team needs,” Union Omaha General Manager Peter Marlette said. “He has always contributed immensely through his leadership and work-rate, but adding seven goals this season made him a truly special player in 2022.”
Goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu makes his first appearance to the League One First Team after being named All-League Second Team the past two campaigns. The Ghanian shot-stopper won his second consecutive Golden Glove award this season with a 0.98 goal-against average mark. He racked up 52 saves with a 69 percent save percentage, and his nine clean sheets were good for second in League One and third-most in a single season in league history.
“Rashid has developed this incredible presence and has established himself as a true leader this season,” Mims said.
“Rashid is the type of keeper who steals points for a team,” Marlette said. “The confidence we have knowing that he’s in goal for us is invaluable.”
Season tickets for the 2023 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.