PAPILLION, Neb. – Union Omaha announced the season-long loan signing of Missael Rodríguez, pending league and federation approval. He advanced through the Chicago Fire FC Academy beginning in 2017 before eventually signing a first-team MLS Homegrown Player contract in 2021. 

For the majority of the last two seasons, Rodríguez played his minutes with Chicago Fire FC II in MLS NEXT Pro. In 39 league appearances, Rodríguez scored nine goals and contributed one assist. Two weeks after making his professional debut with the Fire's reserve team in MLS NEXT Pro in April 2022, Rodríguez made his first appearance for the Fire's senior team in a loss to Union Omaha in the Third Round of the 2022 U.S. Open Cup. Rodríguez's MLS debut came as a second-half substitute in a 3-0 victory against CF Montréal in July 2023.

A versatile forward, he played mainly as a central striker while also spending time in midfield and on the attacking wings. Rodríguez's first international call-up came in November 2022 when he traveled to the Revelations Cup with the United States U-20 Men's Youth National Team squad. 

Rodríguez's most blistering run of form came in 2021 when he scored the goal that won the MLS NEXT U-19 Championship. This capped off a stretch that saw him notch eight goals in five playoff matches, earning the tournament's Golden Boot award. 

"Missael is a hard-working young player that will bring energy and quality in the final third," said Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato. "He's willing to work for the team and understands that the needs of the group will always come first. We'd like to thank Alex Gomer and Eddie Rock for their cooperation in getting this loan deal done, and we look forward to seeing Missael positively impact our team."

"I'm super excited for the opportunity to be part of this club and look forward to learning and developing here," said Rodríguez. "I'm excited to meet the fans and give it all for this team."