After facing off in the U.S. Open Cup, League One foes face each other in league play.
After meeting in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on May 11, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC are off to face Union Omaha for their first meeting in USL League One play. Omaha is coming off a win in their quarterfinal U.S. Open Cup match against Minnesota United on May 25.
Offensively, the Owls have distributed the goal scoring in league play, with four different goal scorers accounting for seven league goals. A prominent feature of their lineup is Noe Meza. In five league matches, all starts, Meza is tied for the team lead in goals (2), leads the team in assists (2), and is tied for second in chances created (7).
Behind the backline, Rashid Nuhu has been Omaha’s most prominent keeper, starting all but one league match this season. In those four starts, Nuhu has come up with eight saves and two clean sheets. Nuhu has also been the keeper for all four of their U.S. Open Cup victories, two of which came against MLS opposition.
Two members of the Hailstorm to watch out for on the attacking side are Irvin Parra and Lachlan McLean. Parra is the Hailstorm’s leading goal scorer this season, with three goals in five league matches. Across all competitions, McLean has been credited with an assist in every Hailstorm victory this year. His most recent assist set up Trevor Amann’s game-winning goal against Charlotte. It was Amann’s first professional goal.
Last time out, Johan Peñaranda led the team to victory in his professional debut. He made two saves that kept the score in the Hailstorm’s favor, helping pick up all three points on the trip to Charlotte.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CDT/5:00 p.m. MDT at Werner Park in Omaha, Nebraska. Expect it to be a warm one at kickoff with high winds to go with it. The game, as with all USL League One games this season, will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC will play its home matches in the 6,500-seat TicketSmarter Stadium at the Future Legends Complex, the premier destination for sports and events in Northern Colorado. Tickets for home matches in the month of June are now available online. June home matches will be played at the University of Northern Colorado’s Jackson Stadium.
Opening in 2022, the 118-acre Future Legends Complex will feature two stadiums, multiple baseball diamonds and multi-purpose fields, an indoor sports arena, lodging, and retail; and will host guests for major sports tournaments, events, leagues, and more.