Owls Secure Another Comeback Draw at North Carolina FC

July 11, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Union Omaha News Release

It was another point for Union Omaha on the road as the team recorded a 1-1 draw at WakeMed Soccer Park Saturday night.

The Owls were facing another team they had an unblemished record against in North Carolina FC, which they took all 6 points from in two meetings last season. In order to keep their form up and retain their recent road success, the Owls would have to deal with a lethal attacking duo, as North Carolina’s Garrett McLaughlin and Oalex Anderson have both solidified their names as solid threats on goal. In Week 15, the sides sit at the brink of playoff contention in 6th and 7th place, respectively, with all signs pointing to a tight competition on a Saturday night in North Carolina.

After a nearly 2-hour weather delay, the teams were finally given the clearance to kickoff.

Rashid Nuhu made back-to-back saves in the 21st minute, solidifying his reputation as one of the hardest goalkeepers to score on in League One. Showkat Tahir sent in a hard shot from outside the box with Nuhu pouncing to bat away the chance. He got right back up to deny Anderson, this time holding the ball just over the goal line to give Omaha the reset and get his team out of the defensive third.

Dalton Knutson helped keep a threatening home side off the board in the 31st minute, as Jaden Servenia sent a far shot that Knutson was able to deflect into a hard knock off the crossbar.

From there, it was right back the other way, as the Owls looked to capitalize off the counter-attack. Noe Meza, leading the team in assists, sent the ball up for Kemal Malcolm to try and make some magic happen. Malcolm, always a threat with his impressive speed, tried to chase down the long ball, which got scooped up before he could catch a foot on it.

Servenia was clocked in for the first caution of the night after a takedown on Joe Brito in the 32nd minute.

Ryan Jiba made a strong run, slashing between two navy blue jerseys and found Malcolm for another shot, which was captured by Will Pulisic in goal for North Carolina. The teams fell even in yellow cards just after, as Isaac Bawa was booked for a late challenge.

North Carolina ultimately found their opening in the 39th minute, with Servania slinging a tough low strike from outside the box past Nuhu. It was one of only a handful of times the Owls have trailed in league play this season, but with several minutes and another whole half to play, the visitors showed no early…