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History has been made in USL League One. Just 26 seconds into their match against North Carolina FC, Union Omaha goalkeeper Kevin Piedrahita scored off a punt from his own box.
Hey, uh... #SCTop10?
Our goalie just scored from his own penalty box. Take a @#$%& BOW, @KPiedrahitaGK! #OneMeansAll | #OMAvNC pic.twitter.com/c9ExIHqNKf— ⭐️ Union Omaha (@Union_Omaha) August 21, 2022
After collecting a long ball from the opening kickoff, Piedrahita sent the ball back downfield but never could have expected what came next. With intense wind and the short dimensions of Werner Park in Omaha, the ball dropped behind the defense and bounced, catching out North Carolina’s 16-year-old keeper Nick Holliday. The ball bounced over his head and into the back of his net.
FIRST GOALKEEPER GOAL IN LEAGUE HISTORY @KPiedrahitaGK the visitors with a goal from his own box just 26 seconds in for @Union_Omaha!#OMAvNC // #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/pUXObIWN8e
— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) August 21, 2022
Piedrahita’s goal marks the first time a goal has been scored by a goalkeeper in USL League One history. Omaha went ahead early and kept the lead throughout, winning 4-1 in a comprehensive display at home.
Following the @KPiedrahitaGK stunner, this poacher's finish by @Hertzog_Corey was as cool as the underside of the pillow. ❄️#OneMeansAll | #OMAvNC pic.twitter.com/zaXf4M9GIe
— ⭐️ Union Omaha (@Union_Omaha) August 21, 2022
After the strong start, Omaha scored a second, but this time in a more traditional fashion. In the 6th minute, Corey Hertzog fired home from just outside the box to double the Owls' advantage.
A distinct possibility that at LEAST two goals from this game will be nominated for @USLLeagueOne
.— ⭐️ Union Omaha (@Union_Omaha) August 21, 2022
24-year-old Noe Meza gave Omaha a third before the 20-minute-mark, with another spectacular goal. He controlled a long ball over the top and showed his class by gracefully chipping the keeper.
New thing: ✨ #MezaMagic ✨
It's four goals in three matches for first-year pro Noe Meza! #OneMeansAll | #OMAvNC pic.twitter.com/x4BUHl25a1— ⭐️ Union Omaha (@Union_Omaha) August 21, 2022
Meza wasn’t finished as he bagged a second of his own, bookended by two North Carolina red cards.
GOOOOOAAAALLLLLLL, NCFC!
Nico Rincon beats his defender to the endline and slips Garrett McLaughlin inside the six for a one touch finish.That's McLaughlin's tenth of the year, and Rincon's first professional assist
4-1 | #OMAvNC | #RootedInNC
— North Carolina FC (@NorthCarolinaFC) August 21, 2022
Down to nine men and trailing 4-0, North Carolina refused to settle and managed to get a consolation goal in the dying moments, thanks to Garrett McLaughlin. Even with the late goal, it's safe to say Piedrahita will never forget today.
