21-year-old appeared in MLS, U.S. Open Cup & MLS NEXT Pro with his hometown club
PAPILLION, Neb. (March 14, 2024) – Union Omaha announced today the season-long loan signing of Missael Rodríguez pending league and federation approval. He advanced through the Chicago Fire FC academy beginning in 2017 before eventually signing a first-team MLS Homegrown Player contract in 2021.
For the majority of the last two seasons, Rodríguez played his minutes with Chicago Fire FC II in MLS NEXT Pro. In 39 league appearances, Rodríguez scored 9 goals and contributed one assist. A versatile forward, he played mainly as a central striker while also spending time in midfield and on the attacking wings. Rodríguez’s first international call-up came in November 2022 when he traveled to the Revelations Cup with the U.S. U-20 National Team squad.
Rodríguez’s most blistering run of form came in 2021 when he scored the goal that won the MLS NEXT U-19 Championship. This capped off a stretch that saw him notch eight goals in five playoff matches, earning the tournament’s Golden Boot award.
“Missael is a hard-working young player that will bring energy and quality in the final third,” said Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato. “He’s willing to work for the team and understands that the needs of the group will always come first. We’d like to thank Alex Gomer and Eddie Rock for their cooperation in getting this loan deal done, and we look forward to seeing Missael positively impact our team.”
“I’m super excited for the opportunity to be part of this club and look forward to learning and developing here,” said Rodríguez. “I’m excited to meet the fans and give it all for this team.”
- Name Pronunciation: [MIH-sah-ill rod-REE-guez]
- Position: Forward
- Height: 5’9”
- Weight: 162 lbs.
- Date of Birth: 2/9/2003
- Born: Chicago, Illinois
- Previous Team: Chicago Fire FC
Union Omaha’s home opener is on April 20 against Charlotte Independence at Werner Park. Season ticket memberships and voucher packs for the 2024 season are currently available via tickets.unionomaha.com or through the Werner Park Ticket Office by calling (402) 738-5100.
ABOUT UNION OMAHA: Union Omaha, the 2021 USL League One Champion and 2023 USL League One Players’ Shield Winner, 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 American soccer, 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 of Business Operations Alexis Boulos in the front office and Head Coach Dominic Casciato on the field.
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