OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — More than 120 men hit the field to compete for a spot on Omaha’s new professional soccer team Saturday.
Players spent six hours trying out, hoping to impress head coach Jay Mims.
For many--this would be a dream come true--but Mims said it’s going to take a lot to impress him.
"There is a lot of good players out here today, but you have to do something special," Mims said.
A superior athlete, along with good character is what Mims was looking for at Tranquility Soccer Complex on Saturday.
"Obviously we want to look everywhere we can so we thought it'd be a good idea to have an open tryout," Mims said.
The team will primarily be based from scouting professional games and college games.
No one has signed yet with Union, but Mims added he has a database of 100 players. He expects the team to start forming over the next few months.
But Saturday was all about looking for a local stand out to join the team.
Samson Loro has been playing soccer for 21 years--and said making this roster would be a dream.
"The best part is this team shows a lot of care for their players and that's what I love about it,” Loro said.
Competition was not easy--and most will not make the cut. Many of the players on the field were doing anything they could to make an impression with the coaches.
The Union roster is looking for 24 to 28 players and coach Mims hinted he may have found more than one local player to help fill those spots.
Union's pre-season starts in February and the first home game will be April 25th.
