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Union Omaha
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Union Omaha Soccer Club is an American professional soccer team based in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. Nicknamed the Owls, the team made its debut in USL League One (USL1) in 2020. In the clubs first five seasons, the Owls finished in first place in the league three times and defeated two MLS sides during the 2022 U.S. Open Cup. Along with those achievements, Union Omaha won the league championship in just the second season of the club's existence and again in 2024.

Key Information

History

[edit]

In 2019, USL1 awarded a franchise to Alliance Omaha Soccer Holdings to begin play in the 2020 season.[1] The decision to bring the league to Omaha, Nebraska, came as part of the USL's initiative to bring teams to communities without professional soccer.[1]

An addition more than two years in the making finally became a reality in October 2019, when Alliance Omaha Soccer unveiled the team's name, colors and crest design.[1][2]

Prior to its inaugural season, Union Omaha named former University of Nebraska Omaha head soccer coach Jay Mims the club's first manager.[1][3] Mims took the Owls to the playoffs in all three of his seasons at the helm and managed to get the club to the League One Finals in both 2020 and 2021.[4] He remained in charge until his resignation on Dec. 16, 2022.[4]

Union Omaha finished the 2020 season in second place and qualified for the USL1 championship game. However, the match was canceled due to an outbreak of COVID-19 within the team's roster.[5]

By defeating the Richmond Kickers 2–0 in the second to last match of the 2021 season, the Owls became the USL League One regular-season champions and clinched the top seed for the playoffs.[6] Union Omaha then finished the season winning their first ever championship, beating defending champion Greenville Triumph SC 3–0 in the final.[7]

Union Omaha made a deep run in the 2022 U.S. Open Cup, entering in the second round and advancing to the quarterfinals as the last remaining third division team in the competition. In April, the Owls defeated Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire FC in a penalty shootout in the third round, becoming the first USL1 team to defeat an MLS team in U.S. Open Cup history.[8] After defeating fellow USL1 side Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, Omaha played Minnesota United FC of MLS in the Round of 16 and won 2–1. They were the first third division team since Orlando City in 2013 to advance to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals.[9][10] The club's run in the competition ended with a 6–0 defeat to hosts Sporting Kansas City in the quarterfinals; approximately 700 fans traveled from Omaha to attend the match at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.[11]

After slipping to fifth in the standings and losing in the quarterfinals in 2022, Mims stepped down and the club announced the hiring of Dominic Casciato to take his place. In his first season in charge, Casciato led Union Omaha to 14 consecutive wins to finish the season.[12] The Owls eventually lost in the semifinals of the playoffs, but their 14 straight wins helped them earn the USL League One Players' Shield given out to the team sitting atop the league standings at the end of the regular season.

On Jan. 25, 2024, the club announced their plans to build a dedicated soccer stadium in Downtown Omaha.[13][14] The team later paused development following the site's unfavorable position and cost.[15] Then, on Nov. 17, 2024, Union Omaha won its second USL League One title, defeating expansion team Spokane Velocity FC 3–0.[16] In front of the largest crowd in USL League One Finals history, the Owls became the first USL League One club to win a second championship.[17] Union Omaha also won their third USL League One Players' Shield in 2024. In November 2025, Union Omaha announced that they had found a new site for their stadium. The $114 million stadium will be located in North Downtown Omaha, Nebraska and is expected to be completed in 2028.[18]

Honors

[edit]

Four Owls' earned USL League One All-League honors in the club's first season. Out of the four, defender Damia Viader and midfielder Evan Conway made the All-League First Team.[19] Viader finished the season top three at his position in chances created and tackles won. Conway created 16 chances and won the most duels of any player in the league. Goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu and forward Ethan Vanacore-Decker made the All-League Second Team.

Union Omaha saw five players earn All-League honors after winning the championship in 2021.[20] Viader and forward Greg Hurst featured on the All-League First Team while Conway, Nuhu and midfielder Devin Boyce made the All-League Second Team. Hurst led the team with 13 goals, and Nuhu won the League One Golden Glove award given out to the goalkeeper deemed the best in the league.

In 2022, only Nuhu and midfielder JP Scearce earned All-League honors, but both appeared on the All-League First Team.[21] Nuhu won the Golden Glove award for the second straight season and finally the jump to the First Team. Scearce recorded 225 duel wins and led the league in that category.

The Owls bounced back in 2023 by putting more players than any other club on the All-League teams with five.[22] Scearce made a second consecutive appearance on the All-League First Team. Defender Alexis Souahy joined him and defender Dion Acoff, forward Steevan Dos Santos and forward Noe Meza all made the All-League Second Team.

After winning the league in 2024, Union Omaha only had one player make an appearance on the All-League teams. Midfielder Pedro Dolabella won 107 duels and recorded 14 goal contributions to make the All-League First Team.[23]

Both Mims and Casciato also earned honors throughout the club's first five seasons. The league awarded Mims USL League One Coach of the Year honors following the Owls 2021 championship season.[4] Two seasons later, Casciato earned USL League One Coach of the Year honors in his first season in charge of the team. Then, he led the Owls to their second league championship and won the award in back-to-back years.[12]

Club Icons

[edit]

Mims brought the Owls their first league championship and left a lasting impact as the first manager of a USL1 side to lead his team to victory over an MLS team in the U.S. Open Cup.[8] He did so twice during the 2022 season before resigning at the end of the year.

Casciato made his mark in each of his first two seasons in charge, winning the league and finishing first in the standings at the end of both regular seasons.[12]

Crest

[edit]

The team developed its name and crest through fan engagement including town halls, workshops, interviews and online polls to reflect the entire Omaha region.[1][24] In a bid to stay true to the roots of both the state and city, the team announced its new name on Oct. 3, 2019, in a nod to the Union Pacific Railroad.

The great horned owl, a species of owl native to Nebraska, is the prominent focal point of the club's crest. Designed by Matthew Wolff,[25] the three stars to the left of the owl represent the supporters, the city and the purpose of the club.[2]

The Owls' chose the color black as a symbol of power, white to represent new beginnings and lightning yellow as a representation of striking with speed.[2]

Club ownership

[edit]

Union Omaha is owned and operated by Alliance Sports. Founded in 2008 by Gary Green and Larry Botel, Alliance Sports owns multiple minor league baseball teams.[26] The Owls ownership group now also includes founder and chairman of Carson Group Ron Carson.[27] Carson officially joined the club in August 2024 and is now working with Alliance Sports, the ownership group formerly in charge of the Omaha Storm Chasers,[28] to run the club.

Stadium

[edit]
Werner Park Entrance
Caniglia Field in 2025. It is located on the University of Nebraska-Omaha's campus and occasionally the site of Union Omaha home games.

The team plays at Werner Park, a baseball park located southwest of Omaha in the suburb of Papillion.[1][29][30] The Sarpy County owned stadium opened fifteen years ago in 2011 and is shared with the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The ballpark cost $36 million to construct and is located near 126th St. and Highway 370, less than three miles (5 km) west of Papillion in unincorporated Sarpy County.[31] During the 2022 U.S. Open Cup, the team hosted Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC at Caniglia Field, located on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Omaha.[32]

On October 30, 2025, Union Omaha announced that it would begin playing at Creighton University's Morrison Stadium for the 2026 season.[33]

New stadium

[edit]

In January 2024, the team announced plans to build a dedicated 7,000-seat stadium in the Riverfront area of east downtown Omaha along the Missouri River, southeast of the intersection of Abbott Drive and Riverfront Drive near the CHI Health Center and Charles Schwab Field. The stadium, with an estimated cost of $60 million, was originally intended to be part of a planned $300 million housing and entertainment district, and was scheduled to open in spring 2026.[13] In January 2025, team owner Gary Green stated that plans had changed and the Riverfront site was no longer under consideration but also said that the team was still “fully committed to building a downtown professional soccer stadium for Omaha.”[34]

In November 2025, Union Omaha chose a different site in North Downtown Omaha. Construction is expected to begin next year and will be completed in 2028.[35]

Sponsorship

[edit]
Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor
2020 Nike CHI Health (home)
Nebraska Medicine (away)
2021–2022 XCancer
2023 Hummel
2024–present Centris Federal Credit Union

Uniform evolution

[edit]

Home: 2020–present

2020
2021–2022
2023
2024

Away: 2020–present

2020–2021
2021–2022
2022–2023
2023–2024
2024-

Players

[edit]
As of February 15, 2026[36]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
3 DF  USA Blake Malone
4 DF  GHA Samuel Owusu
5 DF  USA Jamie Orson
6 DF  ALG Sami Guediri
7 MF  GER Adrian Billhardt
8 MF  BRA Gabriel Cabral
9 FW  MEX Pato Botello Faz
10 FW  GHA Prosper Kasim
11 FW  USA Dylan Borczak
14 DF  USA Brent Kallman
15 MF  USA Brandon Knapp
No. Pos. Nation Player
16 MF  ENG Laurence Wootton
19 DF  USA Camron Lawrence
20 FW  ESP Sergio Ors Navarro
21 FW  MEX Aarón Gómez
22 FW  GER Kempes Tekiela
23 DF  MAR Younes Boudadi
24 GK  GHA Rashid Nuhu
27 DF  SSD Ryen Jiba
28 MF  USA Edrey Cáceres
99 GK  USA Cole Jensen

Staff

[edit]

Current staff

[edit]
Coaching staff
ColombiaVincenzo Candela Head coach
United StatesLars Eckenrode Assistant Coach
EnglandOllie Richardson Assistant Coach
EnglandLuke Baxter Goalkeeper Coach
Front Office
United States Martie Cordaro President
United States Alexis Boulos General Manager
England Jamie Henderson Sporting Director

Statistics and records

[edit]

Year-by-year

[edit]
As of November 9, 2025
Season USL League One Playoffs US Open Cup Top Scorer
P W D L GF GA Pts PPG Position Player Goals
2020 16 8 5 3 20 15 29 1.81 2nd F Cancelled United States Evan Conway 6
2021 28 14 9 5 44 22 51 1.82 1st W Cancelled Scotland Greg Hurst 14
2022 30 10 13 7 34 33 43 1.43 5th QF QF United States Noe Meza 9
2023 32 19 8 5 61 41 65 2.03 1st SF Third Round Cape Verde Steevan Dos Santos 13
2024 22 15 3 4 47 24 48 2.18 1st W Ro32 Brazil Pedro Dolabella 11
2025 30 13 7 10 51 39 46 1.53 5th QF Ro32 Spain Sergio Ors 10
Total 158 79 45 34 257 174 282 1.78 - -

Head coaches record

[edit]
As of November 2, 2025
  • Includes Regular Season, Playoffs, Jägermeister Cup, U.S. Open Cup. Excludes friendlies.
Name Nationality From To P W D L GF GA Win%
Jay Mims  United States May 1, 2019 December 16, 2022 82 38 27 17 115 82 046.34
Dominic Casciato  England January 17, 2023 July 8, 2025 91 49 18 24 160 117 053.85
Vincenzo Candela  Colombia

July 8, 2025

Present 21 11 6 4 40 20 052.38

Average attendance

[edit]
Year Reg. season Playoffs
2020 2,500
2021 3,354 4,414
2022 3,911
2023 3,030 2,217
2024 3,206 3,716
2025 3,043

Honors

[edit]
  • USL League One playoffs
  • USL League One Regular Season

Individual honors

[edit]
Year Player Country Position Honor
2020 Evan Conway United States United States Midfielder All-League First Team
Damià Viader Spain Spain Defender All-League First Team
Ethan Vanacore-Decker United States United States Forward All-League Second Team
Assists Champion
Rashid Nuhu Ghana Ghana Goalkeeper All-League Second Team
2021 Damià Viader Spain Spain Defender Defender of the Year
All-League First Team
League Finals MVP
Rashid Nuhu Ghana Ghana Goalkeeper Goalkeeper of the Year
Golden Glove Award
All-League Second Team
Greg Hurst Scotland Scotland Forward All-League First Team
Devin Boyce United States United States Midfielder All-League Second Team
Evan Conway United States United States Forward All-League Second Team
2022 Rashid Nuhu Ghana Ghana Goalkeeper Golden Glove Award
Goalkeeper of the Year Award
All-League First Team
JP Scearce United States United States Midfielder All-League First Team
2023 Dominic Casciato[37] England England Coach Coach of the Year
JP Scearce[38] United States United States Midfielder All-League First Team
Alexis Souahy[38] Comoros Comoros Defender All-League First Team
Steevan Dos Santos[38] Cape Verde Cape Verde Forward All-League Second Team
Noe Meza[38] United States United States Forward All-League Second Team
Dion Acoff[38] United States United States Defender All-League Second Team
2024 Dominic Casciato[39] England England Coach Coach of the Year
Pedro Dolabella[40] Brazil Brazil Midfielder All-League First Team

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Union Omaha is an American professional soccer club based in , that competes in , the third division of the . As the only professional soccer team in the state of , the club is represented by a emblem symbolizing fierceness and intelligence, and it has established itself as one of the league's most successful franchises since joining as its eleventh member. Founded in 2019 by a group of local investors led by CEO Gary Green and President Larry Botel, Union Omaha announced its name and branding in of that year, with plans for an inaugural season in 2020 at in . The 2020 season was shortened due to the , but the club quickly rose to prominence, capturing the championship in its first full season of 2021 and repeating the feat in 2024, becoming the only team with multiple titles in the league's history. Additionally, Union Omaha has won the Players' Shield for the best regular-season record in 2021, 2023, and 2024, underscoring its consistent excellence. The club operates under the motto "One Means All," which emphasizes inclusivity and community unity, and it retired the number one jersey in 2021 to symbolize this commitment. Currently led by President Martie Cordaro, Alexis Boulos, and Vincenzo Candela, Union Omaha plays its home matches at , a multi-purpose venue in Sarpy County with a capacity of approximately 9,000. Looking ahead, the team will relocate its home games to Creighton University's Morrison Stadium starting in the 2026 season to accommodate growing fan support and enhance the matchday experience. Through its achievements and community focus, Union Omaha has played a pivotal role in growing soccer's popularity in the Midwest.

Club identity

Crest and colors

The crest of Union Omaha, introduced in October 2019 ahead of the club's inaugural season, which was shortened due to the , centers on a stylized , a native predator to the Omaha region symbolizing wisdom, intuition, cunning, and fierce competitiveness. The owl's distinctive yellow eyes and powerful grip—capable of exerting over 25 pounds of pressure—evoke the team's predatory style on the pitch, while the overall pays homage to the club's nickname, the . Additional elements include an outline of the state of to anchor the club's geographic roots, railroad tracks nodding to Omaha's historic role as a railroading hub and the city's blue-collar heritage, and a central representing unity and collective purpose among players, staff, and fans. The crest's shape draws inspiration from the U.S. Soccer Federation's badge, underscoring Union Omaha's commitment to growing the domestically, with three stars above denoting the core pillars of people, place, and purpose; additional stars above the crest represent titles won (one for and a second for ); an integrated image of an original leather soccer ball further celebrates the game's history. Designed by of Matthew Wolff Design in collaboration with input, the was unveiled with its symbolic integrity intact. Union Omaha's official color palette consists of black, white, and lightning yellow, established with the crest's unveiling and carried through to the present day. embodies power, , , and the of the local community; white signifies heroic ideals and fresh starts, aligning with the club's foundational ethos; and lightning yellow captures energy, optimism, and the swift, forceful strikes of the , mirroring the team's dynamic play. These hues appear prominently in kits—a black-and-white primary paired with a lightning-yellow secondary—allowing for versatile branding that highlights the owl's piercing eyes and the crest's bold lines. The palette has remained consistent since adoption, with no major evolutions reported, though special editions like the 2024 primary featuring a glow-in-the-dark crest have incorporated the colors for fan engagement.

Nicknames and mascot

Union Omaha's primary nickname is the "Owls," derived from the emblem on the club's crest, which symbolizes fierceness, competitiveness, and intelligence as a native predator. The Spanish equivalent, "Los Búhos," is also commonly used in official communications and by fans, highlighting the team's inclusive appeal to Omaha's diverse community. These monikers were adopted upon the team's professional debut in the 2020 season, quickly becoming central to the club's identity. A secondary nickname, simply "Union," underscores the club's emphasis on community solidarity and draws from Omaha's deep-rooted , particularly the railroad industry's role in shaping the city's working-class ethos through companies like Union Pacific. The nicknames originated in the founding announcements of October 2019 and were reinforced through early marketing campaigns that tied the owl imagery to local pride and unity, fostering immediate fan adoption during the pre-launch period of 2019–2020. The official mascot, Hoot the Owl, brings the owl theme to life and boosts supporter engagement. Hoot plays a key role in matchday entertainment at , leading cheers, interacting with crowds, and participating in halftime activities, while also appearing at community events like library storytimes, hospital visits, and youth programs to promote soccer and team spirit across the Omaha region.

History

Establishment and founding

Union Omaha was founded on May 1, 2019, when the (USL) awarded a franchise to Alliance Omaha Soccer Holdings, a of the sports management company Alliance Sports. Led by CEO Gary Green and President Larry Botel, the group aimed to establish Nebraska's first professional soccer club, marking Omaha as the 11th team in the league's expansion. This milestone brought professional soccer to the state for the first time, with the club positioned to represent the community's spirit and foster growth in the sport across the Midwest. In the lead-up to its debut, Union Omaha focused on building its foundational elements during 2019 and early 2020. On the same day as the franchise announcement, the club hired Jason "Jay" Mims as its first head coach, drawing on his extensive experience in Omaha's soccer scene from prior roles at and the . Roster development began in earnest in January 2020, with the signing of an initial group of 13 players, followed by additional acquisitions that expanded the squad to 19 by February, pending league approvals. These efforts emphasized assembling a competitive team capable of embodying the club's vision for inclusive, community-driven soccer. The significantly disrupted pre-season preparations, postponing the club's inaugural match originally scheduled for April 25, 2020, against at . League play was suspended until May 10, 2020, ultimately shifting Union Omaha's debut to July 2020 after nearly three months of delays, allowing time for adjusted health protocols while maintaining momentum toward a shortened season. Throughout this period, the organization continued to prioritize its goals of building local excitement and expanding soccer's presence in the region, navigating the challenges to ensure a strong entry into professional competition.

League One era and achievements

Union Omaha's entry into USL League One was marked by challenges from the outset, with the club's inaugural season in delayed due to the , postponing their planned debut match and reshaping the league's schedule. Despite these disruptions, the played a condensed 2020 campaign, finishing with a strong record that advanced them to the league final against , though the match was ultimately canceled after multiple players tested positive for the virus, denying them a chance at an early title. The team rebounded in 2021, securing both the Players' Shield for the best regular-season record and their first championship in a decisive 3-0 victory over in the final at , with goals from Evan Conway, Greg Hurst, and Steevan Dos Santos, marking a triumphant full debut year. In 2022, Union Omaha made headlines in the , becoming the first club to defeat two teams in a single tournament run by knocking out 2-1 in the third round and 2-1 in the round of 16, before falling 0-6 to in the quarterfinals. This achievement highlighted the club's growing competitiveness against higher-division opposition and boosted their profile nationally. The 2023 season represented a pinnacle of regular-season dominance for Union Omaha, as they clinched the Players' Shield with a league-record 65 points, fueled by a remarkable 14-match unbeaten streak that included 13 wins under head coach Dominic Casciato, the longest such run in league history at the time. Although their playoff campaign ended in the semifinals, the season underscored the ' tactical evolution and defensive solidity. Union Omaha repeated their regular-season success in 2024, again winning the Players' Shield before storming to the with a 3-0 final win over Spokane Velocity FC, earning their second title overall and becoming the first team in history to claim multiple championships. The victory, played before a record Finals crowd of 5,849 at , solidified their status as a dynasty in the third-tier league. The 2025 campaign brought challenges, with Union Omaha finishing fifth in the regular season standings after a mid-season coaching change on July 8, when Dominic Casciato departed and assistant Vincenzo Candela was appointed interim head coach, later named permanent on November 4. In the playoffs, they advanced to the quarterfinals but were eliminated by FC Naples in a 0-0 draw decided by a 4-3 penalty shootout on November 1. Throughout their League One tenure, Union Omaha has played a pivotal role in expanding professional soccer in the Midwest, drawing consistent crowds that grew from an average of 3,177 in 2021 to over 3,400 by 2022, with peaks like the 2024 final setting league attendance benchmarks and fostering a dedicated fanbase in a region traditionally dominated by other sports. This growth has helped establish the club as a cornerstone for soccer development, attracting talent and supporters while contributing to the league's footprint in non-traditional markets.

Management and ownership

Ownership structure

Union Omaha is primarily owned by Alliance Sports LLC, a sports management and ownership company founded in 2008 by Gary Green and Larry Botel. Gary Green, the CEO of Alliance Sports, brings extensive experience in sports management, having previously built Alliance Building Services into one of the largest privately held building maintenance companies in the United States before transitioning to sports ownership in 2009, where he acquired teams and expanded into soccer. Larry Botel serves as President of Alliance Sports and co-founder, sharing a vision with Green to establish professional soccer in , aiming to foster an inclusive community atmosphere and strengthen the sport's presence in the Midwest by launching Union Omaha as the state's first professional team in 2020. In August 2024, Ron Carson, founder and chairman of the firm Carson Group, joined as a minority owner, bringing his local Omaha roots and commitment to community-building initiatives to support the club's growth. The ownership structure is governed by Sports' leadership, with Green and Botel at the helm, supplemented by a local investment group led by figures like Dan Houghton to ensure regional ties and stability. This framework emphasizes investments in community programs, such as inclusive soccer initiatives and youth development, to build excitement and give back to Omaha. A key financial milestone came in 2024 with secured funding for a $60 million project through public-private partnerships, enabling construction to begin that fall and reinforcing the club's long-term vision. As of November 2025, there have been no major ownership shifts since Ron Carson's addition, maintaining stability under Alliance Sports amid the sale of other portfolio assets like the Omaha Storm Chasers to focus resources on Union Omaha.

Coaching history

Union Omaha's coaching history began with the appointment of Jay Mims as the club's inaugural head coach on May 1, 2019, a role he held until his resignation on December 16, 2022. Under Mims, the team navigated the challenges of its founding years, achieving a 38-17-27 record across all competitions during his tenure, which included a 62 percent win percentage in league play. His leadership culminated in the 2021 USL League One championship, marking the club's first title after securing the regular season crown with the league's best record that year, along with a USL League One Coach of the Year award. Mims' era focused on building a stable foundation, with playoff appearances in 2021 (as champions) and 2022 (reaching the conference finals). Following Mims' departure, Dominic Casciato was named head coach on January 17, 2023, serving until July 8, 2025, when he left to join the in . Casciato, in his first head coaching role, transformed Union Omaha into a dominant force, earning Coach of the Year honors in both 2023 and 2024—the first coach in league history to achieve this consecutively. In 2023, his squad claimed the Players' Shield with a league-record 65 points from 32 regular season matches (19 wins, 8 draws, 5 losses), powered by a 14-match unbeaten streak to close the campaign and setting marks for most goals (61) and points in a season. The 2024 season brought further success, including another Players' Shield, a league-high goal differential of +23, and the Final victory for the club's second championship, with a regular season record of 15 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses (48 points) before the playoffs. Over his tenure, Casciato oversaw 37 regular season wins in 66 matches, ensuring annual playoff berths. Vincenzo Candela succeeded Casciato as interim head coach on July 9, 2025, before being promoted to the permanent role on November 4, 2025, making him the club's third . At 31 years old, became the youngest professional in North American soccer history upon his appointment. A former player with over 144 professional appearances and 8,000 minutes across a 10-year career, Candela joined Union Omaha's staff in January 2024 as an assistant under Casciato, bringing familiarity with USL systems from his time with clubs like and . In the 2025 season, under Candela's interim leadership from July, the team achieved a 10-4-5 record in league play and advanced to the playoffs. The progression of Union Omaha's head coaches reflects a shift from foundational stability under Mims, who posted a 46 percent overall win rate and secured the club's initial playoff success and 2021 title, to the high-achieving era of Casciato, with consecutive Coach of the Year awards, two Players' Shields, a 2024 championship, and consistent playoff runs. Candela's appointment introduces a youth-infused continuity, building on prior successes within the USL ecosystem as the team enters the 2026 season.

Facilities

Current stadium

Union Omaha's current home venue is , located in . Opened in 2011, the stadium has a seating capacity of 9,023 and serves as a multi-purpose facility owned by Sarpy County and operated by the baseball club. The park is shared with the , the Triple-A affiliate of the in , and has been adapted for professional soccer since Union Omaha's inaugural season in 2020. Adaptations include a retractable hydraulic pitcher's mound to accommodate the soccer field layout, allowing seamless transitions between baseball and soccer configurations. Werner Park features a natural grass playing surface, energy-efficient LED lighting for evening matches, and extensive fan amenities including 15 luxury suites, a 360-degree , family entertainment zones with inflatables and a , and diverse concession options ranging from traditional fare to local . These elements contribute to an engaging atmosphere for spectators, with the venue also hosting community events such as charity walks, corporate gatherings, and concerts throughout the year. Since moving to , Union Omaha has maintained a strong home performance, exemplified by an undefeated postseason record in league finals and a cumulative home win rate that has supported two championships ( and ). The stadium's record attendance for a soccer match was 5,849, achieved during the 2024 Final victory over . The club intends to relocate to a dedicated soccer in starting in the 2026 season.

Planned venues and relocations

On January 25, 2024, Alliance Sports, the ownership group of Union Omaha, announced plans for a new 7,000-seat in , positioned as the centerpiece of an 18-acre, $300 million along Abbott Drive near the Riverfront. The project included retail spaces, residential units, a , and outdoor amenities, with the stadium's hard cost estimated at $60 million and initial focused on an open green space adjacent to the Gallup campus. This development aimed to create a vibrant , fostering through public-private partnerships and enhancing the club's community integration. In January 2025, Union Omaha revised its stadium plans due to urban development challenges at the original Abbott Drive site, which was no longer viable for the project. The club issued a statement indicating that while the previous location was abandoned amid negotiations with stakeholders, positive momentum continued for identifying an alternative site to maintain the vision of a centrally located venue. This shift prompted a renewed site selection process, emphasizing compatibility with existing urban infrastructure and community needs without altering the overall scope of the mixed-use initiative. On October 30, 2025, Union Omaha announced it would play its 2026 USL League One home matches at Creighton University's Morrison Stadium, a soccer-specific facility with a capacity of 7,500 seats located in downtown Omaha. This move serves as an interim solution following the expiration of the club's lease at Werner Park and delays in the permanent stadium project, allowing continued operations in a central urban setting while the new site search progresses. The arrangement is expected to improve fan accessibility through its proximity to public transit and downtown amenities, though its long-term status remains tied to the resolution of the dedicated stadium development. Funding for the permanent stadium involves significant investments from Alliance Sports, supplemented by public incentives such as up to $25 million in state support over 20 years through the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act, alongside potential city tax increment financing approvals. Originally slated for groundbreaking in fall 2024 and opening in spring 2026, the timeline has been extended due to the site revisions, with current efforts focused on securing a new location to expedite construction and deliver an enhanced fan experience centered on soccer-specific design and urban vibrancy.

Players and staff

Current roster

As of the conclusion of the 2025 USL League One season on November 10, 2025, Union Omaha's active roster consisted of 24 players, blending experienced returnees, new signings, and youth academy products for a balanced squad with an international contingent of at least eight foreign players from countries including , , , and . The team announced its initial group of returning players on December 20, 2024, including defenders Dion Acoff, Blake Malone, Anderson Holt, and Charlie Ostrem, midfielder Brandon Knapp, forward Mark Bronnik, and utility player . Additional returnees were confirmed on January 7, 2025, such as Rashid Nuhu, back Marco Milanese, forward Aarón Gómez, defensive midfielder , and forward Pedro Dolabella, though Dolabella later departed for . Subsequent additions through midseason included international signings like forward Prosper Kasim from (Ghana), center back Brent Kallman from , midfielder Chelo Martinez from , and winger Sergio Ors from . Departures during the offseason and summer window featured forward Missael Rodríguez (loan expired), defender Will Perkins (to Texoma FC), and midfielder Pedro Dolabella (to ), alongside retirements of defender Isaac Bawa and forward Steevan Dos Santos. Youth integrations highlighted academy graduates like forward Mark Bronnik and defender Anderson Holt, who secured multi-year deals emphasizing the club's development pipeline. The roster is structured as follows:
PositionPlayerNationalityNotes
GoalkeepersRashid NuhuMulti-year returnee; primary starter.
Cole JensenSigned on short-term from Inter Miami II.
DefendersBlake Malone (CB)Option exercised; Omaha native.
Marco Milanese (CB)Re-signed for third season.
Anderson Holt (CB)Multi-year deal; academy product.
Brent Kallman (CB)Signed from .
Samuel Owusu (CB)Signed March 2025.
Charlie Ostrem (LB)Multi-year returnee.
Ryen Jiba (LB)/Option exercised; versatile.
Dion Acoff (RB/MF)Option exercised; wing-back role.
MidfieldersBrandon Knapp (DM)Option exercised; defensive anchor.
Max Schneider (DM/CM)Signed full contract from .
Joe Gallardo (AM)/Re-signed.
Chelo Martinez (MF)Signed from .
Sergio Ors (RW/MF)Signed from .
Laurence Wootton (MF)Signed 2025.
Ryan Becher (MF)Signed 2025.
ForwardsAarón Gómez/Re-signed; key attacker.
Mark Bronnik/Signed from academy.
Lagos Kunga (RW)/Re-signed.
Prosper KasimSigned from .
Benjamin BarjoloSigned 2025.
Stefano PinhoSigned July 2025 from Aparecidense.
Pato Botello FazSigned 2025.

Current technical staff

As of November 2025, Union Omaha's technical staff is led by Vincenzo Candela, who was appointed to the full-time role on November 4, 2025, following his stint as interim since July 9, 2025. Candela, a former professional player with over a decade of experience in the and other leagues, joined the club in 2024 as an assistant and played a key role in the team's tactical setup before assuming leadership amid the mid-season departure of previous Dominic Casciato. The assistant coaching staff includes Jeyhan Bhindi, hired in February 2025 as a first-team assistant with a focus on tactics and video analysis. Bhindi, a Canadian coach holding a A license, brings extensive experience from roles in the Canadian Premier League, including assistant positions with and , where he emphasized analytical contributions to match preparation. Complementing this is goalkeeping coach , also appointed in February 2025, who specializes in goalkeeper development after several years in collegiate soccer programs. Crawford holds a US Soccer D License and a III diploma from the United Soccer Coaches, drawing from his time as an assistant at institutions like . Support staff enhancements since 2024 have bolstered the team's operational structure, particularly in performance analysis and player welfare, as part of a broader 2025 organizational restructuring triggered by the mid-season coaching transition. This included Bhindi's integration for analytical duties, reflecting the club's emphasis on data-driven decision-making post-Casciato, though specific appointments in athletic training remain aligned with ongoing partnerships like Nebraska Medicine without recent public changes noted.

Records and statistics

Season-by-season results

Union Omaha has competed in USL League One since its inaugural 2020 season, achieving notable success with two regular season titles and two playoff championships in its first six years. The following table summarizes the club's performance in league play and playoffs for each season.
YearPositionPlayedWinsDrawsLossesGoals ForGoals AgainstPointsPlayoff Outcome
20202nd16853201529Canceled (COVID-19)
20211st281495442251Champions (def. Greenville Triumph SC 3–0 in final)
20225th3010137343343Lost in First Round (0–1 a.e.t. vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC)
20231st321985614165Lost in Semifinals (0–0, 4–5 pens. vs. Charlotte Independence)
20241st221543472449Champions
20255th3013710513946Lost in Quarterfinals (lost 3–4 on pens. vs. FC Naples)
In addition to league and playoff campaigns, Union Omaha has participated in the U.S. Open Cup each year, with a standout run in 2022 reaching the quarterfinals before a 0–6 defeat to ; other seasons saw earlier exits, including a Round of 32 loss to in 2025.

Head coaching records

Jay Mims was the inaugural of Union Omaha, serving from 2019 to 2022 and compiling an overall record of 38-17-27 across all competitions. Under his leadership, the team captured the 2021 championship, marking the club's first title. Dominic Casciato took over as in 2023 and departed in July 2025, achieving a regular season record of 37-16-13 during his tenure. His teams secured two regular season titles via the Players' Shields in 2023 and 2024, along with the 2024 league championship. Vincenzo Candela assumed the head coaching role on an interim basis in July 2025 before being appointed permanently in November 2025, posting a 10-4-5 record in the 2025 regular season. Across all head coaches, Union Omaha has accumulated approximately 86 total wins in league and playoff matches. The longest unbeaten streak in club history is 14 games, achieved in 2023 under Casciato.

Attendance figures

Union Omaha has demonstrated strong fan support since its inception in 2021, with home figures consistently ranking among the highest in . The club's average home attendance began at 3,177 in its inaugural 2021 season, reflecting early enthusiasm in the Omaha market despite the lingering effects of the on live events. Attendance grew to an average of 3,407 in 2022, coinciding with Union Omaha's first championship, which helped solidify the team's place in local sports culture. By 2023, the average dipped slightly to 3,030 amid a transitional season without playoff success, but it rebounded to 3,333 in 2024, buoyed by another title-winning campaign and effective promotional efforts such as themed nights and community partnerships. In 2025, as of November, the average stands at approximately 3,021, maintaining a robust turnout even as the team finished outside the top playoff spots.
SeasonAverage Home AttendanceLeague Average
20213,1771,772
20223,4072,268
20233,0302,453
20243,3332,632
20253,0212,794
These figures are derived from official league reports and media trackers. The club's record attendance occurred during the 2024 Final at , drawing 5,849 fans for the championship victory over Spokane Velocity FC, which set a new benchmark for playoff crowds in the league. For regular-season games, the peak remains 3,911, recorded in 2022 against a divisional rival, highlighting the draw of high-stakes matches within 's soccer configuration, which accommodates up to around 7,000 spectators. Attendance trends show a clear with on-field success, particularly championships in 2022 and , which boosted subsequent season turnouts by fostering community pride and repeat . Werner Park's multi-purpose setup, shared with the team, has facilitated growth through shared infrastructure and targeted promotions like packages and local business tie-ins, contributing to year-over-year increases despite occasional dips. The playoff run provided a lasting boost into 2025, with crowds remaining 8-20% above league averages, underscoring Union Omaha's position as a leader in .

Honors and records

Team achievements

Union Omaha has established itself as one of the most successful clubs in since its inception in 2021, achieving multiple championships and regular-season titles that highlight its dominance in the third tier of American soccer. The club became the first in league history to win multiple playoff championships, securing the title in both 2021 and 2024. In 2021, Union Omaha defeated 1-0 in the final to claim its inaugural championship, marking a strong debut season. The 2024 triumph came with a 3-0 victory over Spokane Velocity FC in the final at , drawing a record crowd of 5,849—the largest attendance in Finals history—and solidifying the Owls as the first multi-title winner in the competition. The team has also excelled in the regular season, capturing the Players' Shield—a award for the best overall record—three times in 2021, 2023, and 2024, more than any other club in league history. These victories underscore Union Omaha's consistent performance, with the 2021 and 2023 Shields earned through top finishes in points totals, and the 2024 title clinched after a dramatic comeback win against South Georgia Tormenta FC. As Nebraska's first professional soccer team, these accomplishments represent pioneering successes for the state in the sport. In the , Union Omaha made a historic run to the quarterfinals in 2022, becoming the first club to defeat opposition and achieving the rare feat of upsetting two MLS teams in a single tournament. The Owls advanced by defeating on penalties in the third round and then edging 2-1 in the round of 16, before falling 6-0 to in the quarterfinals. This deep run highlighted the club's ability to compete against higher-division foes.

Individual honors

Union Omaha players and staff have earned numerous individual accolades in USL League One since the club's inception in 2020, recognizing standout performances in regular season play, defensive excellence, and coaching leadership. These honors, voted on by league executives, coaches, and media, highlight personal contributions to the team's success. In the club's inaugural 2020 season, forward Evan Conway was named to the All-League Second Team after scoring 9 goals and providing 5 assists in 15 appearances, contributing to Union Omaha's strong attacking output. Conway also earned Player of the Month honors for October 2020, recording 3 goals and 1 assist during a pivotal stretch. The following year, in 2021, Conway secured another All-League Second Team selection with 10 goals and 1 assist across 23 matches. Defender Damia Viader claimed the 2021 Defender of the Year award after leading the league with 58 key passes and 56 interceptions while adding 6 goals and 5 assists from defense; he was also named to the All-League First Team. Viader further received Player of the Month recognition for September 2021. Goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu earned the Golden Glove for the fewest goals allowed (0.75 goals-against average) and a Second Team All-League nod in 2021, saving 44 shots at a 71% rate. Nuhu continued his dominance in 2022, winning Goalkeeper of the Year honors alongside his second consecutive (0.91 goals-against average, 72 saves) and earning All-League First Team selection. JP Scearce joined him on the 2022 First Team after contributing 6 goals and 2 assists with strong defensive metrics, including 230 duels won. In 2023, Union Omaha led the league with five All-League selections: First Team honors for defender Alexis Souahy (149 recoveries, 89 clearances) and Scearce (6 goals, 2 assists); Second Team nods for defender Dion Acoff (3 assists, 21 chances created), forward Steevan Dos Santos (13 goals), and forward Noe Meza (12 goals). The 2024 season saw Pedro Dolabella named to the All-League First Team for his 14 goal contributions, including 8 goals and 6 assists in 30 matches. As of November 2025, the 2025 All-League Teams included midfielder on the First Team and defender Charlie Ostrem on the Second Team, reflecting strong performances during Vincenzo Candela's tenure, which began on an interim basis in July 2025. Defender Charlie Ostrem also won the Golden Playmaker award in 2025 for recording a league-high 10 assists. Forward Mark Bronnik won the Young Player of the Year award in 2025 after a breakout season with 6 goals and 4 assists in 28 appearances. On the staff side, head coach Jay Mims was named 2021 Coach of the Year for guiding Union Omaha to the league's best regular-season record (14-4-4) and the USL League One title. His successor, Dominic Casciato, earned the award in 2023 after leading the team to the Players' Shield with a league-high +23 goal differential. Casciato repeated as Coach of the Year in 2024, becoming the first in league history to win consecutively, as Union Omaha set records for goals per match (2.12) en route to another Players' Shield and championship.
YearPlayerHonor
2021Damia ViaderDefender of the Year
2021Rashid Nuhu
2022Rashid NuhuGoalkeeper of the Year,
2025Charlie OstremGolden Playmaker
2025Mark BronnikYoung Player of the Year
2021Jay MimsCoach of the Year
2023Dominic CasciatoCoach of the Year
2024Dominic CasciatoCoach of the Year

References

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