July 6, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Union Omaha News Release
PAPILLION, Neb. – Union Omaha, in partnership with Special Olympics Nebraska, unveiled today its first-ever Unified soccer team. The athletes were announced at Friday’s Media Day, where they were welcomed by fans as they signed their official contracts. The squad will play first in Madison surrounding Union Omaha’s visit to Forward Madison on July 26 and again on August 31 at Werner Park when Omaha hosts Madison. Tickets for the August 31 match can be purchased at UnionOmaha.com.
The Unified Soccer series was created in 2022 between Union Omaha and Forward Madison in conjunction with Special Olympics Nebraska and Special Olympics Wisconsin. The series is the first of its kind within the United Soccer League (USL) and joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team to foster social inclusion through sports training and competition.
“Union Omaha is so happy to see this group of athletes compete representing our club and our city,” Union Omaha General Manager Peter Marlette said. “I was at both of the tryouts and saw a lot of potential in each of the players that were selected. I can’t wait to see what the coaches can do with this group of athletes.”
“Special Olympics Nebraska is very appreciative of the relationship we have developed with Union Omaha,” Special Olympics Nebraska Vice President of Programs Nate Parks said. “The signing day event was very special, and Union Omaha has made all of our athletes feel like they are part of the club. We can’t wait to get after it against the team from Special Olympics Wisconsin and Forward Madison FC.”
2022 Union Omaha Unified Team Roster:
Jersey # Name Position Hometown
1 Adrian Ramos Goalkeeper South Sioux City, NE
2 David Montes Defender Dakota City, NE
3 Brian Garcia Defender South Sioux City, NE
4 Edson Irineo Midfielder South Sioux City, NE
7 Jack Irwin Defender Bellevue, NE
8 Connor Hoffman Defender Ashland, NE
10 Isiah Pope Midfielder Papillion, NE
11 Aldo Bravo Midfielder South Sioux City, NE
12 Matt Hoffman Forward Ashland, NE
13 Bailee Fought Midfielder Blair, NE
14 Osvaldo Magana Midfielder South Sioux City, NE
15 Devon Conley Utility South Sioux City, NE
19 Logan Tedrow Forward Bennington, NE
21 Seth Luesebrink Defender South Sioux City, NE
22 Marian Jazmin Oviedo Defender South Sioux City, NE
23 Seth Reisdorff Forward Papillion, NE
24 Carlos Magana Utility South Sioux City, NE
26 Garrett Stipke Goalkeeper Lincoln,…