May 8, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1)
Union Omaha News Release
For the third time in this U.S. Open Cup run, Union Omaha will get a rematch. After defeating Western Mass Pioneers, they sidestepped a challenge from a supercharged Des Moines Menace and slipped by El Paso Locomotive on penalty kicks. Now comes a rematch with Sporting Kansas City, but they’re the ones now trekking up I-29. It’s the first time a MLS club has come to Nebraska for the beautiful game, and the Owls will be hoping it turns out quite ugly for SKC.
TOIL AND TROUBLE
It’s not been the prettiest start for Sporting, in all honesty. While they’ve not replicated the 10-match winless streak that marked 2023, there’s a more specific bugaboo plaguing the oldest squad in MLS. Out of a possible 24 points from winning positions thus far this season, Sporting KC have earned 10. This includes a 3-2 loss to LA Galaxy after being up 2-0, and a 3-3 draw to Portland after leading 3-0 sixty minutes into the match. With his squad having the second least touches in the attacking penalty area, Peter Vermes has switched away from his trademark 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1, in order to put bullish striker Willy Agada up top and play Alan Pulido behind him. Still, only two clubs (Inter Miami and Portland Timbers) are outperforming their xG totals by more; SKC has the 5th most goals in the league on the 6th worst xG, according to FBRef.
FOUR THE WIN
Make no mistake, Sporting are still a force. They’re an historic MLS club playing a still-fledgling USL1 side, and the talents of players like the aforementioned Pulido and German import Erik Thommy can carry them against any team in the nation. But the Owls are off to a flyer this season. The players that typify this combined for the fourth goal on Saturday. Loanee Missael Rodríguez has three goals in his last two matches, utilizing the pace and off-ball movement that earned him a USMNT U-20 call-up. Meanwhile, Joe Gallardo bagged a goal and two assists against Tormenta FC. After nine goal contributions last season, he’s already up to six in 2024. The hat trick against Western Mass was the highlight, but his directness was key over the weekend, and may help unlock Sporting’s defense here.
SERIES HISTORY
We know the brief history of this matchup: Union were on a tear in the U.S. Open Cup in 2022. Des Moines Menace were swept aside as with this year, followed by a pair of giant killings in Chicago Fire and Minnesota United. That run came to a screeching halt…