August 2, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1)
Union Omaha News Release
The Owls have dropped two straight matches in USL1 play for the first time all season, but if there’s one team they’d want to defeat to curb that slide, it’s their avian arch-rivals to the north in Forward Madison. Both teams are looking to rebound from 1-0 losses last weekend, meaning this could become a gritty game in a hurry. Whoever wins will have a great springboard into August, though, sitting right near the top of the table.
GO LONG!
Both of these teams pride themselves on playing on the front foot. They want to possess the ball, as evidenced by their top-third ranks in the league in that category, and one look at the player stats shows how heavily Madison in particular relies on center backs Mitch Osmond and Timmy Mehl to begin play for them. But interestingly enough, what may break the match wide open for either team is the long ball. The only two players in the league with more than eight accurate long passes per 90 minutes are Timmy Mehl, at 8.7, and Omaha’s Mechack Jérôme at 8.6. Both of them have shown the ability to drop dimes over the top like locals are hoping from Dylan Raiola. In what will likely be a tense affair, don’t underestimate the long ball.
SHUTTING DOWN
Let’s take a moment to virtually pour one out for the recently retired PC. The Brazilian native was developed by São Paulo giants Corinthians, giving him a wonderful pedigree from the jump. After a brief loan to Portugal, he first dipped his toes into the world of soccer (rather than “futebol”) with NASL’s Fort Lauderdale Strikers. He went on to make 34 MLS appearances split between Orlando City and Vancouver Whitecaps, and from there became a cherished figure for San Antonio FC. Even in his short time in Omaha, the difference he made on the pitch was immediately noticeable. As a #6, he would stabilize the base of the midfield with poise and precision, acting as a fulcrum in build-up and a stalwart on defense. He also provided a wonderful veteran presence, especially with a slew of young players taking the step up to professional football for the first time this season. Needless to say, PC will be missed around these parts.
SERIES HISTORY
The Owls have locked talons with the ‘Mingos more than any other club, with this being their 14th match against the Madison outfit. Going into 2024 they had played to a stalemate, with a 3-3-6 record. With neither team scoring more than two goals in this fixture, it’s not…