I am one of those people who played soccer in elementary school, and then forgot everything I once knew about soccer. But I went to the Union Omaha vs. One Knoxville game in Omaha on Sept. 21, blind and not knowing what to expect, with a friend who also had no idea what to expect.
Union Omaha was founded in 2019. They are part of the United Soccer League, League One. They are currently 11-4-2 and lead their league. They have five regular-season games remaining and the playoffs for the league title begin in November. Union has good standing to have a run in the playoffs or even win their league title. Needless to say, I went in with extremely elevated expectations.
We sat in the endline section, which is behind one of the goals. The tickets cost $22.74 each, and for two tickets and fees, the total came out to $52.00. These tickets were extremely cheap for the experience and view we had. We were slightly to the left, behind the goal, giving a clear view of left field and of the player action that happens in front of the goal.
It was a beautiful night to watch a soccer game. It was around 70 degrees and there was a light breeze.
During soccer games there is not always a lot of action happening, which can be boring at times. The ball is constantly changing possession, with congestion at midfield and during this game neither team really had any opportunity to score.
But, in minute 31, Charlie Ostrem of Omaha scored the one and only goal of the game. Ostrem signed with Omaha on July 31, and this was his first goal on the team.
The stadium absolutely erupted, and many people had noise makers, which elevated the cheers tremendously.
The most memorable part of this game for me was the fans. I have been to professional basketball, football and volleyball games and never have I heard heckling like I did from the Union Omaha fans.
Before the match even began, an older man a few rows back from us was calling the opposing goalie out by his first name and making fun of him.
While the fans could be annoying with their incessant heckles, I have also never seen support like these fans. There are fans who sit on the grass, or the berm, and they go all out. Drums, noise makers, neon-green and grey smoke bombs are just some of the things we saw.
We left after minute 60, just after half-time, to beat any possible severe weather home, but we did not miss too much as we witnessed the only goal of the night.
Union Omaha games are a special atmosphere with affordable prices and a great way for any Omaha resident to spend their Saturday night, soccer fan or not.
