PAPILLION, Neb. – The United Soccer League (USL) announced today it had awarded a USL League One franchise to Alliance Omaha Soccer Holdings, making Omaha, Nebraska the first new market to join League One for the 2020 season. The club will be the only professional soccer club currently operating in the state of Nebraska and will be coached by former University of Nebraska Omaha Head Coach Jay Mims.

“The Omaha soccer community has been yearning for a team to call their own and more importantly deserve a team to call their own,” said Gary Green, Owner and CEO of Alliance Omaha Soccer. “The USL’s vision to grow the beautiful game has shifted the dynamics of cities and communities across the country, creating an energy and passion that these communities have never seen before. Like other USL cities, Omaha metro and Sarpy County will experience this same shift.”

For more than two years, Alliance Omaha Soccer has been in communication with the USL regarding the opportunity to bring professional soccer to the greater Omaha region. The new team will play at Werner Park, which is undergoing a variety of stadium improvements to support the addition of a second team and sport. The team will have its own staff and be led under the leadership of President and GM Martie Cordaro.

“Omaha metro is an established sports destination and one that will thrive as a home to professional soccer,” said USL Senior Vice President Steven Short. “The addition of Omaha to League One allows us to continue to bring professional soccer to new communities across the country. Gary Green and his team have reached great heights with their sports ventures and we know he’ll be able to mirror that success on the soccer field. We look forward to watching the greater Omaha community rally around this club as it works towards its inaugural season in 2020.”