April 15, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Union Omaha News Release
OMAHA, Neb. – Omaha’s late comeback effort fell just short as the Owls suffered their first defeat of the season, falling 2-1 to North Carolina FC Saturday.
The Owls came into Saturday looking to stay unbeaten in league play and against North Carolina, a 3-0-2 all-time series record against the visitors. The clubs drew twice in Cary last season, while Omaha unleashed a 4-1 win in the lone contest at Werner Park.
Despite finishing last in the League One standings the previous two seasons, North Carolina made a number of noteworthy signings in the offseason to increase their playoff odds for 2023, recording a win and draw in its two previous league matchups.
Omaha faced some immediate adversity, with North Carolina being awarded an early penalty, with Rafa Mentzingen converting to give the visitors the early lead in the 3rd minute.
“Disappointing to start the game in the way we started it. I think we knew exactly how they were going to press us,” Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato said. “Just needed to start the game in a better fashion. You can’t give anyone in this league a one-nil head start in the first minute.”
Luis Gil recorded the first on-target shot of the match for the Owls, forcing Nicholas Holliday to make the save in the 16th minute after a cross from Joe Brito.
Gil threatened again in the 22nd minute, this time with a header, prompting a tough goal line stand from a Carolina defender after Holliday left an open goal.
Despite the Owls holding nearly 75% possession in the first half and peppering the goal with solid looks, Luis Perez was able to slip another goal in for North Carolina off an unlucky defensive deflection. The 2-0 scoreline marked the first time the Owls have trailed all season.
The offense looked to start clicking again to start the second half, with Joe Gallardo ripping a strong shot that hit the crossbar in the 53rd minute, just narrowly missing to put Omaha on the scoreboard.
The Owls’ comeback rally started in the 84th minute, when Gallardo slammed a free kick into the back of the net of a Holliday tip. The goal was the first of the season for former All-League First Teamer Gallardo, who scored 6 goals in his last season in League One.
Omaha had back-to-back corner kicks in the last minute to try and snag a late draw result but ultimately came up empty-handed as the whistles blew on the 2-1 defeat.
“With those two early goals, I feel like it got…