Omaha Shares Points with Madison in Season Opener

March 26, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Union Omaha News Release

PAPILLION, Neb. – Union Omaha opened up its 2023 season and quest for its fourth straight USL League One appearance with a 1-1 draw against Forward Madison Sunday afternoon.

Hours after the pitch was cleared of the overnight snow at Caniglia Field and 155 days after their last match, the Owls suited up to face off against their closest rivals in league play for the first match of the year. The first bird battle of the season marked Omaha’s debut under new Head Coach Dominic Casciato, featuring a roster with plenty of new faces along with a solid returning core.

The first offensive attack of Omaha’s season came in the 5th minute, with new signing Stefan Mueller curling a beautiful cross into the box for Alex Steinwascher to try and head into the net, one which Bern Scheppman was able to calmly collect.

Madison’s Nazeem Bartman called Rashid Nuhu into action with a bending shot in the 17th minute, with the reigning Goalkeeper of the Year leaping into full extension and using his fingertips to keep the visitors off the scoreboard.

Noe Meza put Scheppman on notice in the 20th minute, the Owls’ leading scorer last season driving past a wall of defenders to put his first shot on goal of the year. The deflection set up the Owls with a prime chance to take the lead as Luis Gil stepped up to take the corner kick. Just as he did last season and picking right back up where he left off, JP Scearce rose above the sea of pink and black to head home the Owls’ first goal of the season in the 21st minute.

Joe Gallardo nearly doubled the advantage in the 24th minute, sending a rocket towards goal with a free kick that just narrowly missed over the top of goal.

Bartman again tested Nuhu, this time in 30th minute with a one-on-one battle which Nuhu was able to fend off for another brilliant save to keep the Flamingos scoreless.

A mistake by the Madison back line allowed Steinwascher to snag an interception and lead the counterattack, combining with Meza another dangerous chance, one that the latter lasered just wide of goal in the 39th minute.

The Owls were able to hold onto a clean sheet until the 55th minute, when Christian Chaney was able to sneak in a goal for the Pink and Blue and even the match at 1-1.

Much of the second half was spent on the defensive for the Owls, with the ‘Mingos holding more of the possession than the first half.

Two-time Golden Glove winner Nuhu proved himself once again in…