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TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) announced today that its relationship with ESPN will extend to the esports realm, with the organization becoming the official streaming platform for USL eCup: Rocket League Edition, which will kick off on Wednesday afternoon on the ESPN app and ESPN.com.

The 32-team World Cup-style tournament features clubs from across the USL Championship and League One competing for bragging rights in the digital arena, and will also benefit local charities nominated by each club to receive donations from fans tuned into the broadcasts and the tournament over the next month.

Union Omaha will be playing to raise funds for the Omaha Community Foundation COVID 19 Fund.

“We are excited our first esports venture will be brought to fans on ESPN’s digital platforms,” said USL Sr. Vice President, Digital, Emerging Technology & Strategy Lizzie Seedhouse. “While we can’t wait to see our teams return to action on the field, this tournament will serve as a fun diversion that does a tremendous amount of good in communities across North America.”

READ HOW TO WATCH THE USL ECUP ROCKET LEAGUE TOURNAMENT

The ESPN app provides sports fans with exclusive content covering the National Football League, College Football, Major League Soccer and more since its launch. The service will give all fans of the USL and esports with a Pay TV subscription the opportunity to watch every game in the USL eCup: Rocket League Edition.

USL on ESPN Game of the Week broadcast team Mike Watts (PBP) and Devon Kerr (Color) will provide commentary for every game of the tournament. The tournament’s broadcasts will be produced by USL Productions, the league’s state-of-the-art broadcast production, broadcast and distribution facilities with VISTA Worldlink in south Florida.

The United Soccer League and teams from the USL Championship and League One are getting set to square off in a new arena.

On Wednesday, the USL announced the inaugural edition of the USL eCup: Rocket League Edition, which will see 32 teams from across the organization’s professional ranks meet in a month-long tournament featuring one of the most successful and highly-awarded games of all time.

“We just wanted to create something fun and entertaining,” said USL Senior Vice President of Digital Lizzie Seedhouse. “More than anything, this tournament will be a great way to give clubs and supporters the ability to come together, compete and have some fun.”

Launched in 2015, Rocket League has become one of the premier games in esports. With a head-to-head format that models soccer in many ways, the game sees players navigate their vehicles to drive the ball toward the net and score goals. Claiming Best Sports Game at E3 in 2015, Rocket League has continued to accumulate awards in the years since thanks to its immense playability.

The 32 clubs will square off in a one-on-one duel format and each team will be represented by a team captain, who will serve as the primary player, with two alternates available to each team over the course of the tournament. The clubs will be drawn into eight groups of four teams, which will be revealed later today, with the tournament’s group stage set to run between Tuesday, March 31 and Friday, April 10.

Each group stage match will be a best-of-three between the two players. Each team will play once during Week 1 of the group stage, and then twice in Week 2. The winner of each best-of-three series will receive three points in the group standings while the loser departs empty-handed.

The top two teams from each group will then advance to the knockout stage of the tournament, which will be held between Monday, April 13 and Saturday, April 25. Knockout round matches will be staged in a best-of-five series through the Round of 16, Quarterfinals and Semifinals, with the Final to be staged over a best-of-seven series to crown the winner of the tournament’s inaugural edition on the final day.

In addition to the action on the virtual field, the tournament will also offer the opportunity for each club participating in the tournament to have a charitable tie-in locally. Clubs will nominate a charity of their choosing and a link to a donation page will be available for fans to chip in and support throughout the Twitch streams and on club and league websites.

Every game of the USL eCup: Rocket League Edition will be streamed live on Twitch, the world’s leading live streaming platform for gamers, allowing fans to interact with teams and players throughout the action. Daily coverage will also be available on USLChampionship.com and USLLeagueOne.com following the teams and players throughout the event.

The United Soccer League announced today, following approval from USL League One’s Board of Governors, that the previously announced two-week delay to the start of the League One season will be extended in order to align with recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on restricting public gatherings of 50 or more people through Sunday May 10th.

For Union Omaha, this means the suspension will also affect our home game on April 25th against Orlando City B and away games on April 18th at Forward Madison, May 3rd at North Texas SC and May 9th at Greenville Triumph in addition to the previously affected events: March 20th against University of Nebraska Omaha Men’s Soccer team at Caniglia Field, March 27th at Fort Lauderdale CF, April 3rd against Bellevue University Men’s Soccer team at Werner Park, and our second round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match at Caniglia Field.

We want to thank League One fans across the country for your support during these extraordinary circumstances. As always, your safety, health and wellness are our top priority. We will continue to monitor ongoing events, receive guidance from local, state and national health authorities, and participate in a national task force comprised of other professional sports leagues and organizations from around the country. We also want to extend our support and best wishes to all the individuals and communities who have been impacted by COVID-19. 

We look forward to kicking off the new season with you soon.

FAQ

Is USL League One canceled for the 2020 season?
No, league play is suspended until May 10. 

Is the inaugural game on April 25 canceled?
The inaugural game will not take place on April 25, however, it has not been canceled. This postponed game will take place at a later date to be determined. 

I am a season ticket holder and my package includes 16 home games. How will my season be affected?
Union Omaha is scheduled to play 16 home games in 2020. Any tickets for a game that is postponed, will be honored for the new game date. 
 
All additional questions related to tickets can be directed to jamesc@https://www.unionomaha.com or call 402.884.8040

What if I have a ticket to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on April 9?If you purchased a ticket to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on April 9th at Caniglia Field, Ticket Master has issued refunds. If you have not yet, received a refund, please contact Baxter Arena‘s  ticket box office at 402.554.6200. 

 

 

Union Omaha introduces the ‘Búhos Beginner Pack’ which allows fans to secure tickets to the first three games of the 2020 inaugural season. The first three games include inaugural night on Saturday, April 25th versus Orlando City B, Saturday, May 23rd versus FC Tucson and Wednesday, May 27th versus Tormenta FC.

“The Búhos Beginner Pack is the perfect opportunity for fans to be a part of history and experience the passion and excitement of professional soccer in Omaha without having to commit to a full season” said James Cahilellis, Director of Sales.

In addition to Season Tickets, the Búhos Beginner Pack is the only other alternative to tickets for the first three games. Individual-game tickets will be available on March 14th. The Búhos Beginner Pack will also include a scrimmage game planned for Friday, April 3rd against Bellevue University at Werner Park.

The Búhos Beginners Pack is available as low as $40 for the Supporter’s Berm Section and can go as high as $85 for the Midfield Section.

For all questions about tickets contact James Cahilellis at 402.884.8039 or at james@https://www.unionomaha.com. Tickets are also available online at tickets.https://www.unionomaha.com

Union Omaha is excited to announce that it will be hosted by Creighton University and University of Nebraska Omaha men’s soccer teams as their spring exhibition game opponent.

The game against Creighton University men’s soccer team will take place on March 4, 2020 at 5 p.m. at Michael G. Morrison, S.J., Stadium and the game against University of Nebraska Omaha men’s soccer team will be on March 20, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Caniglia Field. Both games are free and open to the public.

“We are excited to showcase our club and players locally through two great universities,” said head coach Jay Mims. “It will be a great opportunity for fans to come out to watch and support local soccer.”

Union Omaha announced today three new members of the team, pending league and federation approval, including two outfield players and a goalkeeper. With these additions to the club, Union Omaha’s roster now sits at a total of 19 players in advance of its 2020 inaugural season.

“We continue to add important pieces to the team as we learn more about our current group, said Coach Jay Mims. This trio includes great experience, leadership, and athleticism while still integrating our core values.”

Tyler David joins the club from Hartford Athletic. David was a fourth-round MLS SuperDraft pick in 2016. He has made 55 USL Championship appearances over three seasons.
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 175 lbs
Born: 03/01/1994
Hometown: Lakeville, Minnesota, USA

John (JP) Scearce joins the club from Cornell University, where he made 30 appearances. Scearce was a first team All-Ivy conference recipient his senior year, as well as making the NCAA Division I Men’s All- Northeast Region second team.
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 170 lbs
Born 12/19/1997
Hometown: Nogales, Arizona, USA

Rashid Nuhu joins the club from New York Red Bulls II, where he made four appearances in the 2019 USL Championship season. Nuhu was selected in the third round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by the New York Red Bulls
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 175 lbs
Born: 12/07/1995 Hometown: Accra, Ghana

PAPILLION, Neb. (February 12, 2020) – Union Omaha is proud to announce the support of Bellevue University, Nebraska Medicine, Centris Federal Credit Union, Greenslate Management, Nike and CHI Health as six of twelve corporations to first join the club as corporate partners for its inaugural season. These corporations were announced as the first to support the club through a variety of levels and sponsorships.   

“Omaha has long been known for its leadership in business and that is evident by the interest and support we have received as the region’s only professional men’s soccer club,” said Union Omaha Chairman Gary Green. “The corporate partnerships we have created are about more than just a sports sponsorship; it is an investment in our workforce, civic amenities and Omaha community as a whole.”  

The three entities leading the way include Bellevue University, Nebraska Medicine and Centris Federal Credit Union to form the inaugural members of the Founder’s Circle. The Founder’s Circle represents the highest level of support for the club with multi-year commitments that will be limited to approximately a half dozen corporations. Bellevue University will also serve as the Official Education Partner, with components that include the co-hosting of community-based soccer clinics, a future practice scrimmage between Union Omaha and Bellevue University men’s soccer team and the enrollment of Union Omaha players into college courses.  

“Bellevue University is thrilled to help bring the exciting world of professional soccer to the Omaha metro community,” said University President Dr. Mary Hawkins. “As a Founders’ Circle Partner and the team’s Official Education Sponsor, Bellevue University will help Union Omaha players achieve their goals of earning a college degree by providing scholarships and all the support they need to be successful.” 

A summary of the corporate partnerships to date with Union Omaha: 

Founder’s Circle 
Bellevue University – Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 57,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military-friendly and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Nebraska Medicine – Recognized as one of the best hospitals in the nation, Nebraska Medicine covers metro Omaha and extends across the region providing access to more than 1,000 doctors and nearly 40 specialty and primary care health centers helping keep the Omaha region healthy. Nebraska Medicine includes two hospitals, Nebraska Medical Center and Bellevue Medical Center, more than 800 licensed beds to deliver their promise of “Serious Medicine, Extraordinary Care” and 8,000 employees. Nebraska Medicine will also serve as the official Medical Partner for Union Omaha providing care for players both on and off the pitch. Learn more.

Centris Federal Credit Union – Centris FCU is a not-for-profit financial organization. Founded in 1934 by Omaha telephone workers, it has grown into one of the larger financial institutions in both Omaha and Iowa, placing its members at its heart and soul. Learn more.

Platinum Level

CHI Health

GreenSlate Management (Blackstone)

Nike

Gold Level

Nebraska State Soccer Association

Rotella’s Italian Bakery

Soccer Internationale

Silver Level

Fanword

LingoDocs Marketing

Omaha Sports Complex

Additional corporate partners will be announced both prior and throughout the season, including the club’s official jersey partner. Union Omaha is also currently leading all USL League One clubs in season ticket numbers with nearly 1,800 seats secured by Union Omaha Season Ticket Holders. Individuals and companies interested in buying season tickets, may do so at https://www.unionomaha.com or contact Director of Sales, James Cahilales at: jamesc@unionomahaj.com