PAPILLION, Neb. – Union Omaha today announced the signing of goalkeeper Russell Shealy, pending league and federation approval. Shealy, a 2022 NCAA College Cup champion with Syracuse University, joins Omaha following a year with former League One side Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC.

Shealy spent his 2024 season deputizing for Lalo Delgado with Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. This included a ten-minute cameo against Omaha in the USL Jägermeister Cup group stage, where he replaced an injured Delgado to preserve a 2-0 victory over the Owls.

"Russell is a player that's been on our radar for a couple of years now and has good experience within the league after winning the USL Jägermeister Cup last season with Northern Colorado," Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato said. "We're very happy to add him to our group and feel that he will have a big impact both in the locker room and on the field for the 2025 season."

The Georgia native can also hang his hat on an impressive college career. After backing up Dayne St. Clair on Maryland's 2018 championship team, he'd later transfer to Syracuse, where he truly blossomed. 

During his senior season at Syracuse, Shealy set program records for both wins and clean sheets, allowing just 18 goals in 24 matches en route to a national championship. In the College Cup, Shealy helped the Orange beat Indiana 7-6 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time. Shealy's 2022 Syracuse team became the second school in ACC history to claim a collegiate treble, winning the NCAA National Championship, ACC Tournament Championship and ACC Atlantic Division regular season title.

A member of the Atlanta United Academy from 2016 to 2018, the Cartersville, Ga. native made a pair of appearances on the bench for then-USL Championship side Atlanta United 2 in 2018. Shealy was selected with the 52nd overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by the LA Galaxy. Shealy made his professional debut with MLS NEXT Pro's Crown Legacy FC in 2023.

"I'm excited for this new opportunity and to help continue the success of the club," said Shealy of the move to Omaha.