July 27, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Union Omaha News Release
MADISON, Wis. – It was another road contest and another point in the books for Union Omaha Tuesday night as the team came away with a 0-0 draw at Forward Madison FC.
The bird battle took place with the Flamingos and Owls sitting at 5th and 7th place in the standings, respectively. The two sides met back in April, recording a 2-2 draw to kick off the season.
It was a quick turnaround for Omaha, just coming off a hard-fought draw at first-place Greenville on Saturday. The short break meant the Owls depth would be tested and led to a few changes from the Owls’ normal lineup. Chavany Willis and Alex Bruce recorded their first league starts, and Daltyn Knutson took up the armband at captain while Conor Doyle was rested on the bench to start.
The Owls’ attack began quick and early in this one, with Ryen Jiba looking poised to deliver another assist to reigning Team of the Week selection Alex Touche in the 5th minute. The service found Touche for a dangerous chance, but his header sailed just wide of the frame.
In the 12th minute, Jiba sent the ball soaring up field to find Joe Brito, who was taken down with a push by Cyrus Rad, promptly earning the first yellow card of the night.
The physicality of the Midwest rivalry was apparent from the jump, with lots of fouls being conceded on both sides. The two sides traded yellow cards just minutes after each other, beginning in the 35th minute with Isaac Bawa earning Omaha’s first caution. Alan Torres earned another for Madison, taking down Jiba after a winding run, followed by Noe Meza for Omaha.
Brito continued the trend in the 43rd minute, evening up the match with three cards each.
The Owls went into the half still knotted at 0-0, but could find confidence in some strong build-up play and stout performance on the defensive end, protecting space and limiting any Flamingo chances.
Brito, the Owls’ set piece specialist, delivered another promising look in the 61st minute. The ball found touches off multiple attackers and was set up Willis for a prime opportunity in the middle of the box. He delivered a hard strike but was blocked by a Madison defender to prevent the go-ahead.
The first Owl swaps of the night came in the 67th minute, with Kametani and Willis making way for Dion Acoff and recent signee Luis Gil. Gil wouldn’t go long without being booked, earning a yellow card just a minute later.
The card barrage continued, with Madison earning two…
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