August 21, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Union Omaha News Release
PAPILLION, Neb. – It was a historic night on many accounts Saturday night as Union Omaha cruised to a 4-1 victory over North Carolina FC.
After obtaining 3rd place status on with a 2-1 win Wednesday night against Charlotte Independence, Omaha was ready to close out its homestand and busy week with a bang. North Carolina came into the night sitting in 10th place, looking to reenter the playoff conversation with its first win in the series against the Owls. The clubs met in June in North Carolina, battling to a 1-1 draw.
But it would’ve been hard to imagine a worse start for the visiting side in what was an absolutely dream for Union Omaha.
Kevin Piedrahita, getting just his third start of the year, made thousands of jaws drop just seconds into the match, letting off a bullet of a punt that bounced just over North Carolina goalkeeper Nicholas Holliday and into the net. It was a shot that lit up the stadium and the Owls’ sideline, who all ran over to celebrate their keeper’s ludicrous score. Not only was the first goal scored by a keeper in League One history, but it also was the fastest goal in club history.
“It’s still kind of surreal,” Union Omaha head coach Jay Mims said. “You don’t typically get to see goalkeepers score … For him to score that, what a special day for him.”
“It motivated all of us right away because that type of goal, to be a part of it, is something special,” Noe Meza said. “It just boosted our confidence.”
The fairytale start continued in the 6th minute, with Corey Hertzog showing off a clinical finish from outside the box slotted straight into the low corner, putting the Owls up double with his first goal for the club in just his second start.
“Corey’s just got a different quality than a lot of people in this league, and his experience shows,” Mims said.
The offensive onslaught just continued in the first ten minutes, with Meza just narrowly missing, hitting low post on a close shot and Conor Doyle’s banger attempt soaring just over the net.
The North Carolina defense would not catch a break after, either. Ryen Jiba, getting possession in Omaha’s box, launched a missile clear up field for Meza, who chested the ball down and sent a perfect floating chip shot over Holliday’s head. It was the third goal in three matches for Meza, who noted Wednesday that he feels like he’s found his form as of recently. The third mark on the scoresheet was a positive sign for…