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USL1 Union Omaha

Union Omaha Adds Three Players to the 2021 Season Roster

April 22, 2021 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Union Omaha News Release


PAPILLION, NEB. - Union Omaha announced today three new additions to its 2021 roster, pending federation and league approval. The club has a total of 21 players ahead of the 2021 season set to begin on Saturday, April 24, at 6 p.m. against South Georgia Tormenta FC at Werner Park.

Emir Alihodžić - Joins the club having most recently played for Fresno FC 2019, where he made 21 appearances after coming back to the country in 2018 from Miadost Doboj Kakanj of Bosnia. Then, in 2017, Alihodžić signed with Saint Louis FC, formerly of the USL Championship. At the start of his career, Alihodžić signed his first professional contract with Seattle Sounders FC 2, of the USL Championship after he was selected in the third round of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by Seattle Sounders FC. Alihodžić was the first University of Nebraska Omaha-player to be drafted to MLS after playing under Coach Jay Mims for four seasons.

Phonetic pronunciation of last name: [AH-LEE-HOD-ZITCH)

Position: Midfielder

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 170 lbs

Born: September 2, 1993 (27 yrs old)

Hometown: Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

John Murphy - Joins the club after playing with Loudoun United FC during its inaugural season in 2019. Prior to that, he played for New York Red Bulls II. Murphy has also represented the U.S. National Team at the U-15, U-16 and U-17 levels. He has also trained with Ireland's U-18 National Team as he holds dual eligibility.

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 165 lbs

Born: April 19, 2000 (21 yrs old)

Hometown: Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Nicolas (Nick) Firmino - Joins the club from New England Revolution II after coming through the New England Revolution youth academy. Firmino made his professional debut on July 25, 2020 against Union Omaha. He played 1,362 minutes over the 2020 USL League One season, scoring three goals (including one against Union Omaha at Werner Park) and providing two assists. Also in 2020, Firmino was League One's Young Player of the Year award.

Phonetic pronunciation of last name: [FUR-MEE-NO)

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 160 lbs

Born: January 30, 2001 (20 yrs old)

Hometown: Mantena, Brazil

"I am excited to welcome these three guys to the club," said Union Omaha Head Coach, Jay Mims. "John is a young, tough midfielder who works hard every day. He will really develop in our competitive environment over time, and we are excited about his future. Emir is an experienced player who will help us right away. He has a great soccer IQ and is always trying to get better. Nick is a young, talented player who has a great upside. Since the first day Nick came here, he showed right away that he fits into our core values, style of play, and most importantly, club culture."

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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