WINDSOR, Colo. — Despite having more than 60 percent of the ball and more shots than their opponents, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC dropped their fourth straight match with a 3-2 loss to Union Omaha at Future Legends Field on Saturday.
“Four losses in a row, I’ve never been through that in my life, even as a player,” Hailstorm FC head coach Éamon Zayed said.
Lucky Opara’s second goal of the season in the 38th minute was not enough to give Hailstorm the advantage at half, as it was sandwiched by two Omaha penalties, both of which were converted by the visitors to give them a 2-1 lead at the break.
Despite the defeat, Opara’s goal meant something special to him.
“Today I had terrible news from Nigeria,” Opara said. “I lost someone close to me this morning. I promised to score for her.”
After dominating much of the second half, Hailstorm were caught out as Omaha’s Pedro Dollabella headed home a corner kick to make it 3-1 in the 80th minute.
Even Opara’s second goal of the night, which came in the 87th minute via an Irvin Parra assist, was not enough for Northern Colorado as they could not find a late equalizer.
“If you look at the performance tonight, it wasn’t bad. We were the better team and we lost,” Zayed said.
Hailstorm will be back in action next Saturday against Greenville Triumph SC at Future Legends Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Mountain time.
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The home of Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, 118-acre Future Legends Complex, will feature 6,500-seat TicketSmarter Stadium, 2,500-seat Future Legends Field, multiple baseball diamonds, multi-purpose fields, an indoor sports arena, lodging, and retail; and will host guests for major sports leagues, tournaments, events and more.
More information is available at HailstormFC.com and FutureLegendsComplex.com.