Union Omaha signs former U.S. youth team member Joe Gallardo

OMAHA, Neb. -- Union Omaha announced the signing of a former U.S. national youth team member.

The club said Tuesday that it had signed midfielder Joe Gallardo, pending league and federation approval. Gallardo returns to the United States after playing aboard the last two seasons in Mexico.

Gallardo grew up playing soccer in the academy system for Liga MX side Monterrey until 2016 when he joined Orlando City’s U-17 squad. He had a breakout season in League One playing for the Richmond Kickers in 2019, when he led the club in goals scored and shots, earning a spot on the League One First Team.

Following that, the San Diego native was transferred to then-USL Championship side Real Monarchs SLC. After a season in Salt Lake City, he moved to Liga MX’s Querétaro. This past season, he was loaned out to Correcaminos UAT of Liga de Expansión MX. Gallardo has also appeared at the youth level for the United States National Team, spending time with the U-15, U-17 and U-19 squads and scoring 19 goals over the course of his international career.

“Joe’s a talented player that’s gained some great experience here and in Mexico over the last few years,” Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato said. “He’s versatile, has good technical quality and is eager to make his mark again in League One after being named an All-League selection back in 2019 with Richmond. He's young enough to still have room to grow and improve before he reaches his peak, so I'm excited to see what he brings to our team this season.”

“Joe is a creative player who is so dangerous when running with the ball,” Union Omaha General Manager Peter Marlette said. “He's going to be a constant threat and I think our fans will love what he brings to our game.”

“I’m super excited to be joining this organization, and I’m ready to give it all for the crest of this team,” Gallardo said.