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USL1 Union Omaha

Owls Extinguish Fuego with 10th Consecutive Win

September 24, 2023 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Union Omaha News Release


PAPILLION, Neb. - The winning ways continue at Werner Park, this time into double digits as a late match-winner pushed Union Omaha over Central Valley Fuego FC 2-1 Saturday.

A week after locking in their fourth-straight USL League One playoff bid, the Owls returned home with more work to do to try and get closer to locking up a playoff-hosting position. Despite being eliminated from playoff contention, Fuego still had plenty of dangerous pieces to try and play spoiler on the night.

Both defenses were tested early, as Omaha's explosive offense went straight to work first, as Dion Acoff sent a header to Joe Brito that just skimmed over the net.

A brilliant kick-save by Rashid Nuhu in the 8th minute denied the visitors the opener to keep the score level. The defense continued to stun in the 19th minute, as Rashid Nuhu made another close-range save, while Marco Milanese was able to block a tough second effort on the rebound.

Despite some early promising connections, the teams went into the locker room still deadlocked at the half.

The second half gave way to some adversity, as Owls fell behind for the first time in two months. Despite an initial save from Nuhu, Fuego was able to slide the second-chance ball for the 1-0 lead.

Despite being in unfamiliar territory, the Owls continued to apply pressure to find their offensive breakthrough. Alexis Souahy headed the ball to Steevan Dos Santos, whose header was just barely bumped over the crossbar by the Fuego goalkeeper.

Another corner kick connection between Conor Doyle and JP Scearce nearly broke through, requiring a tough goal line save from a Central Valley defender.

As he has in the two prior match-ups against Central Valley, it was Noe Meza who found the scoresheet again for los Búhos. The squad's leading scorer netted his 11th of the season thanks to some crafty team build-up play and backheel assist from Pedro Dolabella in the 77th minute.

"I knew going in I was going to get a chance," Meza said. "At least one for sure, because I know my teammates. All year we've been really good at creating chances, so going in and you know, I just had to do the most with the opportunities I got and luckily, I found the net."

Joe Gallardo came through clutch with the go-ahead banger in stoppage time to pull the Owls up 2-1 with his 4th score of the year.

"We went down and you know, I was on the bench, and thankfully I was able to come on and help the team win the game," Gallardo said. "I feel like sometimes games are going to get difficult but we keep pushing and believing in ourselves."

"I think looking at the game, we probably gave way too many big chances, but credit to the guys for showing the fight and the spirit and the quality to score the two goals," Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato said. "I think Noe's goal was exceptional. Joe G's is exceptional ... so we're really happy with those two making an impact off the bench."

With the win, Omaha completes the clean sweep of Central Valley for the season and further extends the league's longest win streak in history.

Omaha takes the road again Friday, September 29 for another top of the table match-up with huge implications in the race for the regular season title against North Carolina FC. The Owls will be back at home for the final time this regular season Wednesday, October 4 to take on Charlotte Independence for Fan Appreciation Night.

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