Former ASUN Defensive Player of the Year joins the Owls’ back line
PAPILLION, Neb. (September 19, 2023) – Union Omaha announced today the signing of defender Ethan Dudley, pending league and federation approval. Following a successful college career, Dudley joins the Owls ahead of the team’s 2023 League One playoff run.
The 23-year-old comes to Omaha after spending time with Crown Legacy FC, the MLS Next Pro reserve team of Charlotte FC. Before turning pro, Dudley began his collegiate career at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he was named Atlantic Sun Conference Defensive Player of the Year and earned a spot on the ASUN First Team and All-Tournament Team in 2021. He then moved to Northwestern University, leading the Wildcats in 2022 with 4 goals and 1,522 minutes played. Dudley also spent two seasons with National Premier Soccer League Jacksonville Armada FC, recording 3 goals in 17 starts.
“Ethan is a talented young center-back with a high ceiling,” Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato said. “He’s got good size and technical ability and impressed us with his team-first mentality during a recent trial. We are excited to add him to the group as we look to maintain our good form through these last five games of the regular season and into the playoffs.”
“I’m really happy we were able to work out a deal with Ethan,” Union Omaha General Manager Peter Marlette said. “He’s a quality player who fits the profile we were looking for, and I’m confident he’ll help us as we make our push towards a league title.”
“I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of such a great organization and push towards a championship to finish out the 2023 season,” Dudley said.
Phonetic pronunciation of name: [EE-THAN DUHD-LEE]
Position: Defender
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 200 lbs.
Date of birth: 4/11/2000
Born: Indianapolis, Indiana
Previous Club: Crown Legacy FC (MLS Next Pro)
The 2023 USL League One campaign will continue at Werner Park September 23 when Omaha hosts Central Valley Fuego FC for Oktoberfest. Single-match tickets for the 2023 season are currently available via UnionOmaha.com or through the Werner Park Ticket Office by calling 402-738-5100.
ABOUT UNION OMAHA
Union Omaha, the 2021 USL League One Champions, 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 Head Coach Dominic Casciato on the field.
