TAMPA, Fla. – Union Omaha defender Damia Viader has been voted USL League One’s Player of the Month for September presented by Cleer Audio after a stellar month in which he recorded three goals and two assists in four appearances. The Spanish standout’s performances helped los Buhos move into first place in the League One standings, where they are currently on course to finish with the best record in the league this season.
Now in his second season with Omaha, Viader has quickly established himself as one of the top defenders in League One. The 23-year-old Barcelona native was selected to the League One All-League First Team a season ago, but this year has added more attacking punch to his game. He opened September with a two-goal performance in Union’s 3-0 victory away at North Carolina FC and then added a goal and assist in a thrilling 2-2 draw against playoff contender North Texas SC on September 19.
The ability to join the attack Viader has been afforded – which currently sees him sit on six goals, five assists and a league-leading 52 chances created this season – is one the Spaniard has been appreciative of throughout the season.
“I know the confidence my teammates and my coach gives me to attack and go offensively,” he said. “I take every ball I get to go attack and take every opportunity to make a difference.”
“Dami had an excellent September in terms of production, but he has defended well and been virtually unstoppable going forward all season long,” added Union Omaha General Manager Peter Marlette. “To be leading the league in Chances Created from the Left Back spot is a testament to his creativity and abilities.”
Omaha returns to action on Saturday night at Werner Park against North Carolina FC as it continues to pursue a first-place finish in League One. With four games remaining Union holds a one-point lead on second-placed Chattanooga Red Wolves SC and one game in hand, putting it in prime position to achieve its goal of homefield advantage throughout the League One Playoffs in November.
“Obviously, the first goal we had was to clinch playoffs. That's already done, but we're not satisfied,” said Viader. “Getting first place is huge for us, so we're going to keep fighting for that.”
Viader received 39 percent of a weighted poll that included the USL League One Technical Committee and an online fan vote held at USLLeagueOne.com. Greenville Triumph SC midfielder Aaron Walker finished second on 23 percent after recording four goals in four games as Triumph SC ran through the month undefeated, while FC Tucson’s Deri Corfe finished third on 18 percent after recording three goals in five games and posting a +1.51 Goals Added mark for the month.
Nominee | Fan Vote | Weight | USL Vote | Weight | Total Vote |
Damia Viader (OMA) | 31% | 19% | 50% | 20% | 39% |
Aaron Walker (GVL) | 22% | 13% | 25% | 10% | 23% |
Deri Corfe (TUC) | 30% | 18% | 0% | 0% | 18% |
Damian Rivera (NE) | 9% | 5% | 25% | 10% | 15% |
Azaad Liadi (TRM) | 9% | 5% | 0% | 0% | 5% |