Former MLS NEXT Pro Best XI player brings more attacking output from New Mexico
OMAHA, Nebr. (June 29, 2026) – Union Omaha has signed midfielder Marlon Vargas on loan, pending league and federation approval. Vargas will add more depth and dynamism to the Owls’ midfield, and brings more USL Championship to the pitch as well.
Marlon Vargas arrives from New Mexico United, who are coming off a Western Conference Final appearance in the USL Championship last season. He was initially loaned to New Mexico for the latter part of the 2024 season, before signing with them permanently once his contract with Colorado Rapids 2 expired. Vargas went on to tally five goals and six assists for New Mexico in his first full season with the club in 2025. This included a goal and assist against Union Omaha in their 2025 USL Cup matchup.
“We’re excited to add a player of Marlon’s caliber to our midfield on loan. He brings a dynamic, attacking mindset both on and off the ball, and we’re eager to welcome him into the group as he helps us push onward,” said Sporting Director Jamie Henderson.
Vargas hails from Bakersfield, California, and has come up as a player across the west. He developed with Seattle Sounders’ academy, then their reserve side Tacoma Defiance. After being named to the MLS NEXT Pro Best XI in 2022 off the back of a 12-goal, six-assist season, he moved to Colorado Rapids 2 for the 2023 season. Vargas had 31 goal contributions in 51 matches for them, piquing the interest of New Mexico United by late 2024. Vargas has represented the U.S. on the U-20 national team, as well as El Salvador on the senior level.
- Name Pronunciation: [MAHR-lon VAHR-gus]
- Position: Midfielder
- Height: 5’4”
- Weight: 140 lbs.
- Date of Birth: 01/12/2001
- Born: Bakersfield, California
- Previous Team: New Mexico United
2026 ticket packages are still available. The Owls have moved downtown to Creighton’s Morrison Stadium for the 2026 USL League One season, making for an electric new atmosphere in the heart of Omaha. Fans can call 402-884-8053 for more information.
ABOUT UNION OMAHA
Union Omaha, the 2021 and 2024 USL League One Champions, is the premier 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 the newly announced top-tier USL Premier, launching in 2028. Union Omaha will play its 2026 USL League One home matches at Morrison Stadium in downtown Omaha. The team is led by Chief Operating Officer Alexis Boulos in the front office and by Head Coach Vincenzo Candela on the pitch.
###
