5 Shocking Takeaways From The Omaha Mavericks Soccer 2025 Season: Coaches, Key Players, And Summit League Drama

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The University of Omaha Mavericks soccer program concluded a dramatic 2025 season, marked by both a historic Summit League tournament berth for the women's team and a challenging rebuilding year for the men's squad. As of December 19, 2025, the focus has already shifted to the offseason, with both teams looking to build on individual successes and address areas of improvement to challenge for conference titles in the next campaign.

The 2025 season saw the Mavericks—representing the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO)—compete fiercely in NCAA Division I, showcasing the talent of star players at their home, Al F. Caniglia Field. The year was a testament to the program's commitment to competitive excellence within the Summit League, setting the stage for an intriguing future for Omaha soccer.

Omaha Mavericks Soccer Program Leadership and Key Biographies

The success and trajectory of the Omaha Mavericks soccer program are directly tied to the leadership on the sidelines. Both the men's and women's teams are guided by experienced coaches who are focused on building a consistent, competitive culture within the Summit League.

Men's Soccer Head Coach: Donovan Dowling

  • Position: Head Coach, Men's Soccer
  • Tenure: Entered his third season in 2025.
  • Background: Dowling was appointed as the new head coach after serving as an assistant coach at the University of Louisville.
  • Program Context: He is the second head coach in the program's history, following inaugural coach Jason Mims.
  • 2025 Season Note: Dowling's team posted a challenging 3-9-4 overall record, signaling a continued focus on development and recruitment for future success.

Women's Soccer Head Coach: Tim Walters

  • Position: Head Coach, Women's Soccer
  • Tenure: Signed a multi-year contract extension, leading the program he joined in December 2016.
  • Background: Walters has been instrumental in elevating the women's program to a consistent Summit League contender.
  • Program Context: His leadership has led to multiple student-athletes receiving major conference and regional honors, including United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I All-West Region Team selections.
  • 2025 Season Note: Walters successfully guided the Mavericks to a berth in the 2025 Summit League Championship.

The Women's Team: A Thrilling Summit League Tournament Run

The Omaha Mavericks women's soccer team had a season defined by grit, determination, and a dramatic push to the postseason. They finished the regular season with an overall record of 6-8-4, going 3-4-1 in Summit League play, which was enough to punch their ticket to the conference championship tournament.

The team’s ability to secure a first road win early in the 2025 campaign provided crucial momentum. The Mavericks opened the season with an offensive explosion, registering seven goals from seven different players in their first weekend of action at Caniglia Field.

The Postseason Drama

The pivotal moment of the season came with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Kansas City, which officially secured their 2025 Summit League tournament berth. This success positioned the Mavericks for a challenging quarterfinal matchup.

In the first quarterfinal of the 2025 Summit League Women's Soccer Championship, the Mavericks faced the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. The Jackrabbits ultimately prevailed, taking down the Mavericks and ending Omaha’s postseason run. Despite the loss, reaching the tournament was a significant achievement for the program under Coach Walters.

Star Players and Offensive Firepower

The 2025 offense was spearheaded by key veterans and emerging talents. Graduate student forward Payten Ivins proved to be a consistent goal threat, notably slotting in her second goal of the season in the Mavericks' third match. Other vital contributors on the roster included Clara Fundus and Charlotte Huggard, whose performances were essential to the team’s success.

Men's Soccer: Rebuilding and Key Player Development in 2025

The 2025 season presented a significant challenge for the Omaha Mavericks men's soccer team, which finished with an overall record of 3-9-4. The team faced a tough schedule, starting the season with three losses and a draw (0-3-1) against strong competition. Early losses to teams like FIU (1-4) and Florida Atlantic (0-2) set a difficult tone, though the team showed flashes of potential throughout the year.

One notable highlight was a dominant 5-1 victory over the UTRGV Vaqueros, demonstrating the team’s capacity for high-scoring offense when clicking. The team's performance against tough out-of-conference opponents, which included a loss to UCLA, is part of the strategic scheduling designed to prepare them for Summit League play.

Emerging Talent and Statistical Leaders

Coach Dowling's third season focused heavily on developing the young talent within the Mavericks' system. Several players emerged as key entities for the future:

  • Oskar Kvarnback: A consistent offensive threat, Kvarnback was often involved in the Mavericks' attacking plays, registering shots on goal against major opponents.
  • Bradley Takamo: An important contributor, Takamo registered points and goals for the team, solidifying his role as a key player.
  • Kamy Ndione, Maguire Perkins, and Sahai Williams: These players were central to the 2025 roster, representing the core of the team’s defensive and midfield structure.

The focus on these young players is a clear indication of a long-term strategy to build a championship-caliber men's program that can consistently compete in the Summit League.

The Future of Omaha Soccer: Topical Authority and Program Entities

The University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) soccer program, known as the Mavericks, is a central component of the school's NCAA Division I athletics. Both the men's and women's teams operate within the competitive framework of the Summit League, which includes rivals like South Dakota State, Oral Roberts University, and Denver.

The program’s home pitch, Al F. Caniglia Field, is a state-of-the-art facility located on the Dodge campus, providing an electric atmosphere for home matches with a seating capacity of 3,000. Opened in 2013, Caniglia Field is a symbol of the university’s commitment to its soccer programs.

Beyond the pitch, the Mavericks emphasize academic and community success, regularly honoring student-athletes through the prestigious Maverick Awards, established in 2009-10. The continued investment in facilities, coaching, and student-athlete welfare suggests a bright future for Omaha soccer as they aim for consistent conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.

The 2025 season, while mixed in terms of results, provided valuable experience, particularly the women's team's ability to navigate the pressure of a postseason push. As the 2026 season approaches, the Mavericks will look to their returning leaders and new recruits to elevate their performance and challenge for the top spots in the Summit League standings.

5 Shocking Takeaways From The Omaha Mavericks Soccer 2025 Season: Coaches, Key Players, and Summit League Drama
university of omaha soccer
university of omaha soccer

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