BY DAN STICKRADT
Communications Specialist | Web And Content Editor | Director of News |
Social Media Director | Interns and Freelance Coordinator
PH: (248) 884-1051
TW: @LocalSportsFans @MiSoccerNetwork
PAPILLION, Neb. – USL League One's Union Omaha announced today the signing of former Western Michigan University defender Will Perkins pending league and federation approval. Union Omaha did not disclose the financial details of the contract.
Perkins spent his graduate student year of eligibility with WMU during the 2023 campaign. On the field, the defender led Western Michigan to its second consecutive Sweet 16 run and helped the Broncos towards the sixth-best shutout percentage in the entire NCAA at 54.5 percent. The Bronchos finished 17-2-3 following a Sweet 16 shootout loss (1-0 defeat, 4-1 on PKs) to eventual NCAA Division I national runner-up Notre Dame.
Perkins and Western Michigan’s stingy defense conceded only 17 goals in 22 matches, posted a sterling 0.73 team goals-against-average, 227 shots allowed (10.3 per game) and 10 total shutouts – clean sheets coming in nearly 50 percent of the games played. Only four schools scored two or mole goals on the Bronchos’ backfield and just one that scored three or more goals (Dayton, a 5-4 victory)."Will is a hard-working young fullback that impressed at our invitational combine and throughout our preseason," said Union Omaha Head Coach Dominic Casciato. "He's got a great energy on the field and in the locker room that will continue to be a positive influence on the group."Perkins played in and started 22 contests for the WMU side this past season. During his 22 caps, Perkins accumulated a total of eight points from one goal and a career-high six assists. On Sept. 10, 2023, Perkins would score one goal and added an assist to tally a season-best three points during WMU’s aforementioned 5-4 win over Dayton. At the conclusion of the 2024 regular season, Perkins earned an All-Missouri Valley Second-Team selection for his performance on the field. “(I’m) excited doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about joining this season,” said Perkins. “Not only will I give 100 percent to the club but the community of Omaha as well.” Perkins’ signing with Union Omaha marks the Bronchos’ fifth professional signing during this 2023-24 offseason.
(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the Michigan Soccer Network regarding club soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer of teams or players with Michigan ties, contact Communications Specialist/Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com, or call 248-884-1051. Dan Stickradt is a 31-year veteran of the Michigan Media circles and recently joined the staff full time in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/MSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@michigansoccernetwork.com.)
