June 19, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Union Omaha News Release
PAPILLION, Neb. – Union Omaha vs. Greenville Triumph: the rematch everyone had been waiting for. The two League One heavyweights, being the last two standing in the previous two seasons, were ready to square off in a pivotal early season match-up Saturday night at Werner Park. It was the same site where, just seven months prior, Union Omaha shutout Greenville 3-0 en route to its first USL League One title.
The atmosphere was a little different Saturday in front of 3,662 fans, who were eager to watch the team hopefully continue its four-game unbeaten streak. In a crowded league table, Omaha and Greenville sat at 6th and 4th, respectively, each within a game of first place. With both teams tied in clean sheets and near the lowest in the league for goals conceded, it seemed apparent that scoring first would be the key to success.
The opening minutes were slow but steady for the Owls, who would end up holding on to 60% possession on the night.
Isaac Bawa looked ready to get his second assist in as many games in the 17th minute, zipping a low cross into the box that Hugo Kametani nearly put into the back of the net.
The first yellow card of the match was awarded to Greenville’s Noah Pilato in the 21st minute. Omaha would earn one of its own three minutes later with a challenge by Kemal Malcolm.
Bawa energized the crowd again in the 28th minute, with a fiery shot all the way out near the center circle that almost found goal but was palmed down by the Triumph keeper.
The Owls started to Institute pressure in the final minutes of the half, looking to find that crucial first breakthrough goal on the scoresheet. In the 43rd minute, they used their dangerous counterattack to create another challenge, with Joe Brito feeding Malcolm for a great look at the penalty arc that fell into the arms of the goalkeeper.
The Triumph struck first, as Christian Labovitz was able to slip the ball just past a diving Rashid Nuhu in goal. It was the first time the Owls trailed at the half in league play all season, and work had to be done in the second half if Omaha wanted to retain its unblemished record at home. Head coach Jay Mims made his first substitutions at the half, bringing on Yoskar Edu Galvan, Dion Acoff, and JP Scearce.
Jake Keegan put a dagger in the hearts of the Omaha faithful in the 57th minute, catching the Owls’ defense vulnerable after Nuhu came out of goal. The ball bounced over Nuhu’s head…