Barca Residency Academy alum Mark Bronnik has signed his first professional contract with USL League One club, Union Omaha SC. Bronnik, 17 years old, initially joined Union Omaha on a USL Academy contract just nine months ago, he is now the third Academy player to sign a professional deal with the club.
“To sign my first pro deal has been a dream since I was a little kid,” said Bronnik. “I want to thank everyone that has helped me along this journey. I’m very grateful to be given this opportunity and looking forward to my professional career.”
Bronnik, 17 years old, joined Barca Residency Academy from New York Red Bulls Academy ahead of the 2022-23 season. The talented forward scored 29 goals for Barca’s U17 MLS Next team in his debut season. He continued to impress, scoring 12 goals in just half the season for Barca’s U19 MLS Next squad before signing with Union Omaha in February.
Ged Quinn, Academy Director at Barca Residency Academy said in February, “This is a great opportunity for Mark to fully immerse himself into a professional team. Training on a daily basis with full-time pro players and getting valuable minutes at the next level of the game will help his growth as a player exponentially. Dom Casciato has a fantastic reputation of developing young players and Mark has picked a great home with the Union Omaha for the next phase of his soccer career.”
Bronnik made his professional debut with Union Omaha in the U.S. Open Cup third round on April 17, when he scored the game-winning penalty kick in a shootout to defeat USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC. He proved his ability on the pitch and earned his professional contract with just seven appearances across all competitions for Union Omaha.
“Mark’s a player I’ve known since he was seven years of age, and he was always super talented even back then,” said Head Coach Dominic Casciato. “He’s somebody that can give this club a lot over the next few years, and someone that I think has a very high ceiling, so we’re really pleased for him signing his contract,” he added.
Union Omaha’s will host a first-round playoffs match on Sunday, November 3rd at 2:30pm against Richmond Kickers, with hopes of hosting further matches should they emerge with a win.
