OMAHA, Neb. - The Omaha men's soccer squad closed out the 2024 campaign with a 2-1 loss to 4th ranked Denver on Senior Day at Caniglia Field.
The Mavericks (7-7-3) honored twelve graduating seniors before the game on a blustery Saturday afternoon in front of 386 fans.
Denver (12-2-4, 7-1-0) had already claimed the Summit League regular season title, and played like a team tuning up for the post-season opening a 2-0 first half lead while outshooting Omaha 6-1 before intermission. The Mavericks rallied in the second half, but the tight Pioneers defense stymied Omaha chances until senior
Naz Astwood's blocked shot was gathered by sophomore
Brett Perkins and finished off for his second goal of the season at 88:45. The Pioneers outshot Omaha 12-8 for the game.
Omaha senior
Theo Klein came up one goal shy of the Mavericks career goal scoring mark as Denver's defense lived up to their plan to deny his chances. It was the only game this season Klein was unable to get off a shot. He finishes his career ranked second all-time for Omaha in goals (18) and third in career points (44), despite playing just three seasons with the Mavericks.
Below are excerpts from the introduction of the twelve seniors honored before the game.
Abdi Adan
A Maverick since 2020, the midfielder from Omaha South High School has played in (40) games with three goals, six assists and a game-winner against St. Thomas a year again.
Naz Astwood
Named to the Summit League All-Tournament team in 2023, the defender from Warwick, Bermuda was named Summit League Peak Performer of the Week for "week two" this season when he anchored the defense and scored the goal in Omaha's 1-0 win over Loyola-Chicago. He has played in (60) games and started (42).
Elie Bokota
After transferring to the Mavericks for his senior year, the midfielder has bolstered the Omaha attack, starting (10) games, scoring on a penalty kick against Kansas City.
Thore Boehm
Among his many honors – All-Tournament team a year ago and All-Summit Honorable Mention, Thore is one of two Mavericks to start every game this season, playing in (68) games in his career, starting (57)
Junior Casillas
Playing in (36) games in his two seasons for Omaha, Junior has seven goals – including three game-winners, ranking 7
th all-time with the Mavericks.
Will Curtis
One of many vital members of the Mavericks' day to day work as a team the past two seasons, Will has played in (15) games with one start.
Theo Klein
In three seasons, Theo's 44 points rank second in Omaha history, and his total of 18 goals entering today's match is one shy of the school record. Among his many honors, All-Summit First Team and United Soccer Coaches All-West Region. He started every game this season.
Martin Lago
The defender was named All-Summit League Honorable Mention and a member of the All-Newcomer Team and has been a cornerstone for one of the league's best defenses, which allowed just 1.19 goals a game this year.
Nick Merlo
His work alongside teammates the past four seasons was vital to the success of the Mavericks defense.
Wawa Palga
In two seasons after transferring from Iowa Western, Wawa has played in (36) games, starting 22. He has three goals, five assists and eleven points in his Mavericks career.
Mathis Pilon St-Louis
Named All-Summit Honorable Mention and chosen to the All-Tournament team at last year's championship, his 13 career goals in three seasons rank fourth all-time and his six game-winners second in Mavericks history.
Nathanael Sallah
A towering final line of defense, his (48) games played over four years – including (46) starts – rank second in the Mavs record book.
Nathanael is second in career shutouts and wins, and has crafted a (1.31) career goals against average, fourth best in Omaha history.
