May 29, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Union Omaha News Release
PAPILLION, Neb. – It’s been a long month on the road for the Owls, who were ready to get back into league play after a bye and a statement win on Wednesday, defeating MLS’ Minnesota United FC and booking their date in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals. Omaha is undefeated in league play following Open Cup wins and looked to build upon that streak in Saturday’s match-up.
Their opponent wasn’t all too unfamiliar, seeing as though a few weeks separated their last meeting. Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC returned to Omaha for the teams’ second match-up, ready to avenge their 2-0 loss to the Owls in the Open Cup Round of 32 on May 11.
The two sides played a physical match the first time out, and with both teams still hungry for points in the early part of the season, this match looked to be more of the same. The Owls would this time have to deal with the addition of Irvin Parra, who stands tied for second in the league’s Golden Boot race and who was suspended from play during the previous Open Cup outing.
The first minute of the game seemed to set the tone for the whole match. Omaha wasted no time waking up Hailstorm goalkeeper Johan Peñaranda. Ricky Rivera found Kemal Malcolm from just outside the box, the latter dribbling past two defenders to set up a shot right on target, but right into the hands of Peñaranda.
Northern Colorado, much like the first meeting, would find its first yellow card going not to a player, but to a coach, as goalkeeping coach Owain Fôn Williams was clocked in the 15th minute.
In Omaha’s goal, Rashid Nuhu, hoping to recreate his stellar night on Wednesday against Minnesota United FC, got his first save in the 17th minute with a headed attempt from Hailstorm’s Trevor Armann.
Acoff went off to create another chance in the 20th minute, trying to bend the ball back across the face of the goal to find Joe Brito, but with a tough angle, it ended up at the side of the net….
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