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December 30, 2020
To Our Union Omaha Family,
What a year it has been. Nobody could have predicted the twists and turns, the highs and lows we have faced in 2020. When we started this journey three years ago, we sought to create an inclusive soccer community in Omaha – to create excitement, an electric atmosphere at Werner Park and give back to our wonderful community. We never envisioned launching our club and playing our inaugural season during a global pandemic, but we did, and, despite the odds, managed to be successful in every way — on and off the pitch.
Our logo has three stars next to the owl. They represent people, place and purpose. The people in this community are amazing; our loud and passionate Omaha Parliament showed early on that a soccer team belonged here.
The place, Omaha and its metro area, has become a second home to me. When the pandemic hit, it was important for me to help “bend the curve” and give back to the first responders at Nebraska Medicine and CHI Health. To date, we have donated more than $250,000 in funds and assets. It makes me proud to know that we were able to make a difference in some way, even before playing a game.
Finally, and most importantly: purpose. We do everything with a purpose and strive to be authentic in every way. From day one, I’ve pledged to listen to you and I will continue to do that. Our purpose has never been clearer – to grow the beautiful game in Nebraska and win championships.
Despite the many challenges and restrictions, we sold out every game socially-distanced seating and led League One in attendance. We created a safe environment while maintaining an electric atmosphere that was unmatched anywhere.
It was a season to remember. We finished with an 8-3-5 record and made it to the League One Final before the season was called off due to COVID – just hours before the team were scheduled to board their flight to Greenville, SC. There were so many accomplishments on the pitch, highlighted by:
· Two All-League first-team players
· A Coach of the Year finalist
· A Goalkeeper of the Year finalist
· A total of 29 points over 16 matches
· Going unbeaten in our first eight matches
· Three Goals of the Week
· Two Saves of the Week
Before I brought this team to Omaha, I traveled across the country to meet with some of the most successful soccer organizations and their fans. I wanted to bring the same type of passion and authenticity back home. We’re creating something special here.
There are so many people who helped make this incredible season possible: Coach Jay Mims, President Martie Cordaro, CFO Laurie Schlender and many others. Also, a big shout out to our incredible local ownership group, led by Dan Houghton.
I couldn’t be more proud of our local soccer community. You stepped up and supported us in the toughest of times. I want to wish all of you and your families a safe, happy and healthy New Year. Things will get better, and together, we’ll come out on the other side. When we do, I look forward to seeing you over a pint or pitch-side. With the inspiration of our Hispanic community, we created a very appropriate hashtag this season: #VivaBúhos.
Long live the Owls.
Gary M. Green
CEO and Managing Partner
Union Omaha
PAPILLION, Neb. (December 3, 2020) – Union Omaha announced today its year-end roster moves for the 2021 season.
Returning Players (pending league and federation approval):
Evan Conway, Jake Crull, Devin Boyce, Daltyn Knutson, Christian Molina, Elma Nfor, Rashid Nuhu, Illal Osumanu, Tobias Otieno, Austin Panchot, JP Scearce, Panzani Ferrety Sousa, Ethan Vanacore-Decker, and Damia Viader
Non-returning Players
Nathan Aune, Sebastián Contreras, Tyler David, Xavier Gomez, Luke Hauswirth, Sam Howard, Elvir Ibišević, and Juan Ignacio Mare
“It was going to be a huge challenge for the team to compete this year knowing we were a first-year franchise,” said Head Coach, Jay Mims. “To add in what 2020 brought us and not only compete but come within 90 minutes of winning the USL League One Final, was an amazing accomplishment. This team was a special group with every single player contributing on and off the field, which made for a one-of-a-kind incredible locker room. I will forever be grateful for this historic group that laid down a great foundation and something the community can be proud of. We look forward to what 2021 will bring and will continue to develop and improve on what has been built.”
The club thanks these players for being part of an exciting, challenging and overall outstanding inaugural season and wish them the best in their careers.
Union Omaha 2021 Roster as of December 3, 2020
Goalkeepers (1) – Rashid Nuhu
Defenders (5) Jake Crull, Daltyn Knutson, Illal Osumanu, Panzani Ferrety Sousa, Damia Viader
Midfielders (6) Devin Boyce, Christian Molina, Tobias Otieno, Austin Panchot, JP Scearce, Ethan Vanacore-Decker
Forwards (2) Evan Conway, Elma Nfor
*Follow the club’s social media for player videos or Instagram takeovers throughout the next several days.
TAMPA, Fla. – Union Omaha forward Evan Conway has been voted USL League One’s Player of the Month for October after recording three goals and one assist in four games to lead Los Buhos’ final drive to a second-place finish in the league standings in the club’s inaugural season.
A first-year professional, Conway scored the first goal in Union Omaha history against North Texas SC but then came alive in the final weeks of the regular season to lead on an outstanding finish to the campaign. Conway’s three goals were all game-winners, including in the club’s 2-1 victory on the road against Greenville Triumph SC in the penultimate weekend of the regular season.
Conway also scored the decisive stoppage-time goal in Union’s 1-0 victory against Fort Lauderdale CF that lifted the club ahead of the Richmond Kickers and North Texas SC and into second place to close the campaign.
Conway received 62 percent of a weighted poll that included the USL League One Technical Committee and an online fan vote held at USLLeagueOne.com. Greenville’s Lachlan McLean finished second on 29 percent after recording four goals in four matches for the Triumph, while North Texas SC’s Arturo Rodriguez finished third as he recorded three goals and one assist over the month.
USL League One Player of the Month – October
Nominee |
Fan Vote |
Weight |
USL Technical Vote |
Weight |
Total Weighted Vote |
Evan Conway (OMA) |
37% |
22% |
100% |
40% |
62% |
Lachlan McLean (GVL) |
48% |
29% |
0% |
0% |
29% |
Arturo Rodriguez (NTX) |
7% |
4% |
0% |
0% |
4% |
Greg Hurst (CHA) |
5% |
3% |
0% |
0% |
3% |
Alex Morrell (GVL) |
4% |
2% |
0% |
0% |
2% |
First and foremost, Union Omaha would like to thank all of our fans who have helped make our 2020 inaugural season more successful than anyone could have imagined.
We’ve been amazed by your enthusiastic support at Werner Park and beyond. Our successes – including our streak of eight socially-distanced sell-outs, the longest unbeaten start to a season in league history, numerous individual awards as well as our resilient fighting spirit – would not have been possible without you. We are filled with hope and excitement for the things next season holds for our club.
We were honored to earn the chance to compete in the USL League One Final. It goes without saying that we’re heartbroken by the cancellation and we know we would have made our community proud in the league’s showpiece event.
The health and safety of our players, staff and community remains the most important concern for all involved. The unfortunate reality is that any postponement or rescheduling of the USL League One Final was impossible.
Once again, our ownership, front office staff, coaches and players extend their gratitude to everyone who has lifted the club to the heights we have reached this season. Everyone who has encouraged us on social media, worn our merchandise, followed us on the road or supported us from home. Everyone who has made the words “Union Omaha” mean so much more than they did a year ago.
Thank you. #VivaBúhos
SPANISH VERSION
Antes que todo, Union Omaha desea agradecer a todos nuestros fanáticos que ayudaron a que nuestra temporada inaugural 2020 haya sido más exitosa de lo que hubiésemos imaginado.
Su apoyo y entusiasmo dentro y fuera de Werner Park, nos ha sorprendido. Nuestros éxitos, tales como los ocho partidos con distanciamiento social y entradas agotadas, el inicio invicto más largo de una temporada en la historia de la liga, numerosos premios individuales y nuestro espíritu tenaz, no hubiesen sido posibles sin ustedes. Estamos llenos de esperanza y entusiasmo por lo que depara la próxima temporada para nuestro club.
Nos sentimos honrados de haber tenido la oportunidad de llegar a la final. No hace falta decir que estamos acongojados por la cancelación del partido más importante de la liga. Estamos seguros de que hubiésemos hecho que nuestra comunidad se sintiera orgullosa del equipo durante ese partido.
La salud y seguridad de nuestros jugadores, personal y comunidad sigue siendo la prioridad más importante para todos los involucrados. Desafortunadamente, la realidad es que cualquier aplazamiento o reprogramación de la final simplemente no era posible.
Una vez más, nuestros propietarios, personal, entrenadores y jugadores expresan su gratitud a todos los que han elevado al club hacia lo que hemos logrado esta temporada. Todos los que nos han animado en las redes sociales, han comprado nuestra mercancía, nos han seguido fuera de casa o nos apoyaron desde la comodidad de su hogar. A todos los que han hecho que las palabras “Union Omaha” signifiquen mucho más ahora de lo que significaban hace un año.
Gracias.
#VivaBúhos
TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One announced today that the 2020 League One Final scheduled for Friday, October 30 will not be played.
The cancellation comes after multiple individuals in Union Omaha’s covered persons list tested positive for COVID-19. All individuals have been immediately isolated at home, are recovering in good spirits under the care of team physicians and infectious disease experts, and all local and state health and wellness protocols are being followed.
USL HQ, in collaboration with the Greenville Triumph, Union Omaha, and the League One Board of Governors, determined prior to the resumption of play this season that if needed, points earned per game during the regular season would be implemented to determine its 2020 champion. With 2.1875 points per game, Triumph SC has been named 2020 USL League One Title-Winners.
“While we’re collectively very disappointed that the Final could not be played, we’d like to congratulate both clubs on a fantastic 2020 season,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “Union Omaha have been a wonderful addition to our league this season and we cannot wait to witness all of their future success. We also want to congratulate our League One Title-Winners, Triumph SC, who have been terrific throughout the 16-game regular season and have earned the trophy. We want to thank both clubs for their class and professionalism. The future of League One remains incredibly bright.”
TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One announced the Team of the Week Presented by Cleer Audio for Week 15 of the 2020 regular season on Tuesday, with Greenville Triumph SC’s Alex Morrell earning Player of the Week honors after leading his side to a season-ending victory against Orlando City B that primed the side for this Friday night’s League One Final.
Morrell recorded a pair of goals in the first half to set Greenville on the road to a 4-1 victory in Orlando and then played a role in Triumph SC’s two second-half goals while completing 36 of 42 passes overall and two key passes.
Morrell and his teammates will look to carry the momentum of their victory into Friday night’s clash with Union Omaha in the 2020 League One Final at Legacy Early College as the league crowns the second champion in its young history.
USL League One Team of the Week – Week 15
GK – Carlos Avilez, North Texas SC: Avilez recorded six saves across two outings, including a key five-save shutout against Forward Madison FC on Wednesday night that helped the side earn a 1-0 win to remain in contention for the League One Final until the final day of the regular season.
D – Jiro Toyama, Forward Madison FC: Toyama scored the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute as the Flamingos rallied for a 2-1 victory against the New England Revolution II on Saturday night and also completed 32 of 37 passes and made three interceptions and seven recoveries.
D – Evan Lee, Greenville Triumph SC: Lee recorded one assist, completed 25 of 30 passes overall and was solid on the Triumph SC back line winning 2 of 2 tackles and making two clearances in Greenville’s win against Orlando.
D – Derek Waldeck, North Texas SC: Waldeck put in two strong defensive performances as NTSC defeated Forward Madison FC and South Georgia Tormenta FC, winning 10 of 11 duels and 4 of 5 tackles while recording 15 recoveries across the two contests.
M – Devin Boyce, Union Omaha: Boyce provided the assist on Evan Conway’s late game-winner in Union’s 1-0 win against Fort Lauderdale CF and ended the game with five key passes while completing 22 of 32 passes overall.
M – Eddie Munjoma, North Texas SC: Munjoma recorded a 90th-minute winner to go with an earlier assist as North Texas rallied to a 2-1 victory against South Georgia Tormenta FC last Saturday night.
M – Alex Morrell, Greenville Triumph SC: Morrell scored twice in the first half, had three shots on target and two key passes while completing 36 of 42 passes overall in Greenville’s 4-1 win against Orlando City B.
M – Mutaya Mwape, Richmond Kickers: Mwape scored once and recorded three shots while completing 12 of 14 passes and winning 6 of 10 duels in the Kickers’ 3-1 victory against Orlando City B last Wednesday afternoon.
F – Josh Phelps, South Georgia Tormenta FC: Phelps had one goal and one assist, recorded two shots on goal and had two key passes in Tormenta FC’s 4-0 victory against the New England Revolution II last Wednesday night.
F – Greg Hurst, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Hurst scored the opening goal in the Red Wolves’ 2-1 victory against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday night and finished the game with seven shots overall and four on target for the visitors at City Stadium.
F – Evan Conway, Union Omaha: Conway scored the decisive goal in the 91st minute to lift Omaha to a 1-0 victory against Fort Lauderdale on Saturday night that put Los Buhos into this Friday’s League One Final