Preview: Kickers Face Last Year’s Champs Union Omaha

Opponent:  Union Omaha (1-1-0)
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 9th, 7 PM
Last Result: 2-1 Lose Against Forward Madison 
Up Next: Away Against FC Naples April 12th, 7 PM

Weather Forecast from Weatherbug

Three Things to Kick About

1. Defense – The Kickers so far this season have an annoying habit of giving up goals that they really shouldn’t. Simple mistakes are haunting them and denying them crucial points. This early in the season there is no reason to sound the alarm but it is definitely something fans should keep an eye on.
2. Offense – Unlike some previous years the offense is firing on all cylinders. Currently leading the goals with 8 goals in 4 games played. The goals are coming from different players and the addition of Darwin Espinal has added a much needed spark. The strength of the offense right now is that opposing teams are torn on who to cover. The Kickers have a variety of players that can score and are actually scoring. In the last game the team was very unlucky not to get a tie-breaking goal.
3. Sneddon Saves – I’m a man of contradiction. I talk about the defense not being up to snuff and now I’m going to praise the Kickers’ keeper James Sneddon. He leads the league in saves right now with 11. He’s doing this as a 19-year professional. It’s an amazing accomplishment and should be celebrated. He is showing tremendous leadership skills, and his potential is sky-high. I suggest that all Kickers fans enjoy him here in USL1 before he moves on to greener pastures.

Prediction

Union Omaha has only played 2 games and has given up 4 goals while scoring 3. In their loss, they were shut out. They have successfully moved on in the Open Cup unlike the Kickers. With home field advantage (which hasn’t played out much so far this year) the Kickers should be able to take on Union Omaha. The Kickers have another game on Saturday against a surging FC Naples so depending on how the game plays out Coach Sawatzky might pull some players early to save them for Saturday’s match. Despite a couple recent results I think the Kickers have momentum and will surprise Union Omaha and a good number of USL1 pundits.

Kickers – 2
Union Omaha – 1