June 28, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1)
Union Omaha News Release
PAPILLION, Neb. – Union Omaha bounced back from their defeat in Madison to put the hurt on Chattanooga again, winning 4-2 to up the season series to 9-4 on aggregate.
On a night where the grey skies portended worse weather than we actually received, the signs of life displayed in the second half against the ‘Mingos came through on this matchday. The dynamic attacking line of Steevan Dos Santos, Lagos Kunga, and Missael Rodríguez created constant problems for Chattanooga, their varying strengths all meshing to create a deadly trident augmented by Joe Gallardo’s creativity.
Said Gallardo post-match, “I think the team started well today. Obviously we let in two goals where they came back and tied us, but we got a great response from the team, and we move forward happy for the three points.”
It took all of three minutes and forty-four seconds for that to see Omaha take the lead. Joe Gallardo floated a beautiful inswinging corner kick into the box, while Dos Santos backpedaled to meet it at the edge of the six-yard box. From there, the big man simply levitated up to nod it home at the far post to mark his return to the starting lineup.
Despite the early goal, the first minutes of the match were mostly played in Omaha’s half. Chattanooga possessed the ball about two-thirds of the time through the first 15 minutes. From there, though, Gallardo provided Rodríguez with a golden chance that he lifted past T.J. Bush but just wide of the far post. It wouldn’t take long for them to one-up that.
Once again Gallardo put a set-piece into the box, this time a deep free kick from the opposite side. Blake Malone got behind the backline to head it back across goal, and Dos Santos arrived just in time to stab it home.
After the match, Joe Gallardo talked about his role and his chance creation expanding. “I feel like Dom has expected more from me this season, and I’ve been trying my best to get goals and assists. I’m just happy to be able to help the team.”
Gallardo is Omaha’s top chance creator, and ranks in the top 5 in crosses delivered this season.
It seemed to be cruise control for Union Omaha after his second goal contribution, albeit this time a hockey assist rather than something that will go down in the scorebook. But little by little, the Owls let the Red Wolves back into the match.
They were made to pay for that in the 40th minute. On a break forward, Stefan Lukic displayed great patience…