Joe Brito and Steevan Dos Santos score in rivalry win at Greenville
GREENVILLE, S.C. (August 26, 2023) – Omaha matched Lansing United’s all-time USL League One win streak record Saturday, prevailing over rival Greenville Triumph SC 2-1 at Paladin Stadium.
The League One powerhouses met for the final time of the season in a late-season match that could prove crucial to either side clinching their playoff spots in the coming weeks. Omaha was looking for its first win against Greenville since the 2021 League One final after drawing twice against the Triumph previously this season.
The connection of the Joes found a spark for the opening goal, with Joe Gallardo finding the ball near the endline and bending it back for Joe Brito, floating into the box unmarked, to tuck in the back of the net in the 31st minute.
Brito looked poised to add an assist to his stat line in the 39th minute, finding Dion Acoff for a quick break, the latter pushing past the Greenville defense to set up a one-on-one at goal, the ensuing shot just saved by the goalkeeper.
Omaha pounced yet again on another defensive miscue from Greenville, with Pedro Dolabella dribbling just inside the box and turning for another on-target shot that was punched away in the 40th minute.
The Owls headed into the break feeling confident after a solid first 45 minutes, still undefeated on the year when scoring first and leading at halftime.
Omaha fended off some early pressure in the half from Greenville’s offense before getting another quality chance to double the lead.
A free kick from just outside the box set the Owls up beautifully, with Alexis Souahy putting his head to a shot that ricocheted off the crossbar, and Steevan Dos Santos was able to prey off the scramble to put the Owls up 2-0 in the 62nd minute.
The defense held Greenville scoreless for 90 minutes of action, with Ian McGrane making 4 total saves on the night in his third start of the season, before the Triumph was able to cut into Omaha’s lead. The Owls held strong defensively to claim another three points on the road and slide within one point of first place in the standings.
“Great result tonight,” Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato said. “I know this was a big one for the club … Obviously, there’s a great rivalry here. John [Harkes] does a great job with Greenville. They’re well-coached, they’re well-organized and it’s a tough place to come. I know our fans are happy they get to keep the [supporters’ group rivalry] belt for the year so we’re super happy for the fans and I’m just super proud of our guys.”
Up next, the Owls host a huge top-of-the-table battle, taking on North Carolina FC Wednesday, September 6 for Cancer Awareness Night presented by XCancer to take sole possession of first place and break the all-time League One win streak record. Omaha will then host Richmond Kickers Saturday, September 9 for Hometown Heroes Night presented by Woodmen Life.
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 Dominic Casciato on the field.
