Flatirons FC (0-0-0) vs. Union Omaha (0-1-0)

Friday, 3/21/2025, 7:00 PM MDT (Gates Open: 6 PM MDT)

Stermole Soccer Stadium, Golden, CO

Tickets: Purchase Here 

Watch: U.S. Soccer on YouTube

Flatirons FC is set to make its debut in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, hosting Union Omaha in the first round. The match is scheduled for Friday, March 21st, at 7 PM MDT, at Stermole Soccer Stadium on the campus of the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. 

Flatirons FC enters the tournament following an exceptional 2024 season in the USL League Two, where they clinched the Mountain Division title with an 8-3-1 record. Their high-powered attack produced 34 goals, while their backline conceded just 12. Their impressive +22 goal differential was among the best in the Western Conference.

Union Omaha is coming off a remarkable 2024 season in which they secured both the USL League One regular-season title (Players’ Shield) and the league championship, defeating Spokane Velocity FC 3-0 in the final. This marked their second league title and fifth trophy in just five years of existence—an impressive achievement that cements them as a dominant force in League One.  

Beyond their league success, the Owls have a history of strong U.S. Open Cup performances. In 2022, they made headlines by reaching the quarterfinals, eliminating two MLS teams—Chicago Fire and Minnesota United—along the way. They remain the only USL League One club to have ever advanced that far in the competition, proving their ability to compete with teams from higher divisions.

Who To Watch

The Irons return a core set of players from the 2024 Mountain Division championship season, but are highlighted by two players who dominated in the fall. Joey Joiner is back with the club after his senior season at CSU-Pueblo. Joiner had an impressive USL League Two season in 2024, netting 7 goals and 6 assists in his 13 games as a member of the Flatirons FC squad. Dani Barajas also makes his return to the side, and the midfielder brings a lengthy list of accolades along with. Barajas was the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference leader in goals during the 2024 season, bagging 12 goals while also tacking on 5 assists. He was honored as a member of the D2 Conference Commissioners Association All-America team for his play in the fall. 

Although the returning cast is the focus, there are a few newcomers sure to make their mark on the match. Goalkeeper Matteo Conci was announced as one of the new faces after a stellar career at Grace College (NAIA). After being a four-year starter, Conci was a 2-time NCCAA First-Team All-American and ranks second in Grace College history for career saves. In 81 games, the Italian posted a 1.08 GAA, and played 7439 collegiate minutes. 

Another new face to the blue and silver is Luke Smith, who capped off his college career at CSU-Pueblo last fall. Prior to Pueblo, the Bolton, England native spent three seasons with Nebraska-Omaha, a Division 1 school in the Summit League. He’s a familiar face to the Colorado soccer area, having spent last summer with rivals Albion SC Colorado, based in Boulder. 

Omaha also sees a few new faces join the fray. Some of the most notable additions for the owls include former Syracuse University (and 2022 National Champion) goalkeeper Russell Shealy, 2024 Sun Belt Player of the Year Sergio Ors Navarro, and longtime MLS defender Brent Kallman

Up Next 

The winner of this match will advance into the second round of the U.S. Open Cup, with opponents to be determined based on subsequent draws. 

Flatirons FC aims to make a strong impression in their first U.S. Open Cup appearance, while Union Omaha looks to continue their success. The Flatirons FC summer USL League Two schedule is out now, and season tickets can be bought at flatironsfc.com/tix