PAPILLION, Neb. – Union Omaha today announced the initial group of returning players ahead of its 2025 USL League One campaign, pending league and federation approval. Helping the Owls defend their league title will be a group of players featuring a former All-League selection and a hometown hero with two titles under his belt.

"We are excited to have such a tremendous core group returning as we work to defend our 2024 USL League One and Players' Shield titles," said Union Omaha President Martie Cordaro. "We strive to win, both on and off the pitch, and this group of soccer players have been leaders in both areas."

Headlining the returnees are mainstays Dion Acoff and Blake Malone. Acoff, a 2023 All-League Second Team honoree, returns for a fourth season in Omaha after notching two assists from his right wing-back role in 26 matches across all competitions. Blake Malone, born in Omaha, was a constant in the Owls' backline, making 31 appearances in league and cup play and even contributing a pair of goals and assists each. Between the league and the USL Jägermeister Cup, Malone earned four Team of the Week nods.

Brandon Knapp also returns for a second season to provide his trademark energy in the midfield. The St. John's University product's box-to-box style showed in his 18 chances created alongside 16 tackles won in 23 league appearances. Factoring in USL Jägermeister Cup play, Knapp made 31 appearances with 14 starts.

Midseason signee Charlie Ostrem established himself as a key presence from the outset, and he'll now have a full season to shine. The former Chicago Fire FC II player bagged a pair of goals and assists from his left wing-back spot while playing 90 minutes week in and week out from August onward. In the USL League One Final alone, he created three chances while also winning three duels and contributing two tackles and interceptions each.

Former academy signees Anderson Holt and Mark Bronnik will get more opportunities to shine in 2025. Holt appeared in 14 matches last season for a total of 407 minutes, anchoring the backline early on in the club's maiden USL Jägermeister Cup run and coming on as a substitute in all three playoff matches to see out their title victory. Bronnik netted the winning penalty kick against El Paso Locomotive FC in this past season's U.S. Open Cup run, then scored his first professional goal in the regular season finale right after signing his first professional contract.

Ryen Jiba's second stint with the Owls, as with Malone, will continue into 2025. Jiba returned from a spell with Minnesota United FC to provide a goal and four assists in 20 appearances across all competitions.