Owls Teach Spokane a Lesson with 4-0 Drubbing

October 3, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1)
Union Omaha News Release

Papillion, Nebr. – Thousands of students at Werner Park may have ducked class for an afternoon, but they still got an education on the beautiful game as Union Omaha schooled Spokane Velocity to the tune of a 4-0 scoreline.

This marked the seventh time in all competitions that the Owls have put up four or more goals in a match; the next closest teams are at three of these attacking outbursts. This one was powered by dad energy as well, with Aarón Gómez securing a brace in front of his son, on the pitch as a ball kid.

“Good win today in front of a lot of members of the local community! It was great to have so many kids out at the game,” said Head Coach Dominic Casciato.

As one might expect from a match with a noon kickoff (10am in Spokane’s neck of the woods!), the match had a bit of a chaotic start. Maybe the most notable highlight early on came when the visitors’ Andre Lewis seemingly tried to shoot on his own net with the outside of his boot, forcing his goalkeeper to head the ball clear.

After Spokane’s initial run of possession, Omaha spent more time setting up in Spokane’s half, with Velocity hoping to hit on the break. Without star midfielder Luis Gil, however, their attack was visibly blunted.

Just as it looked like the match would go into the break without anything to give the legions of onlooking kids something to cheer about (besides Hoot the Owl making an appearance), a 43rd minute goal sparked the students to life. A long ball into the box from Mechack Jérôme started the move, and the ball was laid off to Joe Gallardo to weave through traffic and test goalkeeper Brooks Thompson. While he made the stop, Gómez was first to react and punch it home for the halftime lead.

“I’m really pleased with Aarón Gómez,” said Coach Dom. “I think his workrate deserves goals, and today he was excellent [in getting two goals].”

Only five minutes later, Gómez would notch his brace. A simple little throw-in deep in Spokane territory became a one-two between Charlie Ostrem and Nortei Nortey. Ostrem made a beautiful whipped cross first-time to find Gómez in front of everyone, and he nodded it past Thompson at the near post before he could react.

After embracing his teammates, they made their way over to his son, right beside the goal as a ball kid for the match. Following a group hug, Gómez showed off a handshake routine with his son thankfully captured by the broadcast.

When asked about the…