The Red Wolves face arguably their toughest test of the season Saturday night as the squad travels to Werner Park in Papillion, Nebraska to take on league leaders Union Omaha. After coming from behind in the first half to secure a draw against fellow front runners Greenville Triumph last weekend, the Red Wolves will be looking to earn 3 points on the road while firmly establishing themselves as USL League One Title challengers.
The Greenville match a week ago marked a milestone for Obleda’s target man Blake Frischknecht, who nabbed his first goal in a Red Wolves shirt. In addition to Blake getting off the mark, the team got a huge boost in the form of midfielder Rafa Mentzingen who made his debut against the Triumph. Rafa has played for the likes of Lansing Ignite of USL League One, and Memphis 901 in the USL Championship. Across all clubs, the attacking midfielder made 40 appearances bagging 12 goals in the process. His return strengthens a midfield that boasts some of the best depth and quality in the league, further strengthening the squad for the rest of the season.
Rafa spoke about his debut after the match saying, “It was a great feeling to finally play in front of our fans. The atmosphere was great and their energy pushing us forward was vital. I’m looking forward to many more nights like this!” The team has worked hard to make CHI Memorial a fortress, going unbeaten in 4 matches securing 13 points on the road. Now, they turn their attention to Werner Park, where table toppers Union Omaha await Saturday night.
Union Omaha have kept their success from the 2020 inaugural season going with some confidence in the 2021 season, they are unbeaten in their last 5 games and sitting alone at the top of the table although 2 games in hand over Chattanooga. The best defense in the 2020 season, allowing only fifteen goals in sixteen matches, Head Coach Jay Mims has his squad picking up right where they left off.
In USL League One’s official 2021 predictions, Cameron Koubek had this to say, “Another year playing together and building on its already-strong chemistry, Omaha has great potential to be the league’s strongest defensive side in 2021.” A prediction that so far looks like it holds weight, as the stingy Omaha side has only conceded 7 times in 10 games to lead the league, boasting a league best +8 Goal Difference as well.
It is not only the defensive side of the pitch that has seen quality however but attacking quality in the form of former Chattanooga striker Greg Hurst. The Scottish forward, who has made appearances in the Scottish Premiership. Has bagged 6 goals in 10 appearances for Union Omaha and will be familiar to Red Wolves supporters as he bagged 10 goals in 21 appearances for the team in 2019 and 2020. He will be the key man to watch up to for Union Omaha, and his continued growth as a striker will provide Obleda’s backline with one of their stiffest challenges yet.
Union Omaha has proven to be a strong opponent when at home, having only ever dropped two matches at Werner Park. What sets Werner Park apart isn’t what you’d expect, it’s actually the size of their pitch. Precariously placed into a baseball diamond, the field is undeniably the smallest in USL League One and potentially the entirety of the United Soccer League. With Coach Mims’ physical straightforward approach to the game, Omaha is right at home in the tight confines of Werner Park making them a strong opponent for Chattanooga’s electrifying offense.
The Red Wolves will be playing a full match without Head Coach Jimmy Obleda for the first time since he took his role with the club 2 years ago. Obleda was ejected in last Saturday’s controversially officiated match after receiving 2 cautions. The young wolves showed grit and cohesiveness after Obleda’s ejection last Saturday outgunning the defending champions in the final 37 minutes of the match and holding Greenville to zero shots on goal. This weekend Coach Obleda will have assistant coach Kevin Sawchak leading the team on match day. For Sawchak, the USSF A license and rising UEFA A licensed coach, this will be his first time filling the role of head coach in USL League One.
The Red Wolves have continued to add quality throughout the season in the form of signings Rey Ortiz and debutant Rafa Mentzingen. The depth of quality will not trouble manager Jimmy Obleda, who is spoiled with a plethora of options ahead of the pivotal match at Union Omaha Saturday night.
Sebastian Mora-Mora has continued to establish himself as one of the best goalkeepers USL League One has to offer, helped by a backline led by the likes of homegrown talent Jonathan Ricketts and key man in the middle Jason Ramos. Across the pitch Omaha keeper Rashid Nuhu has done well in front of the best defense in USL League One, boasting 4 clean sheets in 10 matches.
Conor Doyle leads the way for Union Omaha with 3 assists so far in the campaign, with Ricketts leading the Red Wolves with 2. Blake Frischknecht and Greg Hurst will battle up top for their respective side, while Juan Galindrez and Marky Hernandez will once again look to be spark plugs for manager Obleda.
The Red Wolves red hot attack will look to make sense of Union Omaha’s Werner Park Saturday, July 3rd at 9 PM EST in Papillion, Nebraska.
