PAPILLION, Neb. - Union Omaha announced on Thursday three new additions to its 2021 roster, pending federation and league approval. The club has a total of 21 players ahead of the 2021 season set to begin on Saturday, April 24, at 6 p.m. CT against South Georgia Tormenta FC at Werner Park.

Midfielder Nicolas Firmino joins the club from New England Revolution II after coming through the New England Revolution youth academy. Firmino made his professional debut on July 25, 2020 against Union Omaha. He played 1,362 minutes over the 2020 USL League One season, scoring three goals (including one against Union Omaha at Werner Park) and providing two assists. Firmino was a finalist for League One's Young Player of the Year award in 2020. 

Midfielder Emir Alihodzic joins Omaha having most recently played for Fresno FC 2019, where he made 21 appearances after coming back to the United States in 2018 from Miadost Doboj Kakanj of Bosnia. Alihodzic played for Saint Louis FC in 2017. He was selected in the third round of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by Seattle Sounders FC. Alihodzic was the first University of Nebraska Omaha-player to be drafted to MLS after playing under Coach Jay Mims for four seasons.

Midfielder John Murphy joins the club after playing with the USL Championship's Loudoun United FC during its inaugural season in 2019. Prior to that, he played for New York Red Bulls II. Murphy has also represented the U.S. National Team at the U-15, U-16 and U-17 levels. He has also trained with Ireland’s U-18 National Team as he holds dual eligibility.

“I am excited to welcome these three guys to the club,” said Union Omaha Head Coach Jay Mims. “John is a young, tough midfielder who works hard every day.  He will really develop in our competitive environment over time, and we are excited about his future. Emir is an experienced player who will help us right away. He has a great soccer IQ and is always trying to get better. Nick is a young, talented player who has a great upside. Since the first day Nick came here, he showed right away that he fits into our core values, style of play, and most importantly, club culture.”