Chronicles of the Queens: Chapter 1 - The Rise of the Queens
On October 12, a new chapter in Omaha soccer history began as the Omaha Queens held tryouts at Off The Wall Indoor Soccer Facility. Players from all over the region arrived, eager to secure a spot on the inaugural roster of Omaha’s first professional women’s arena soccer team. Head Coach Emmanuel Viel, who also leads the Omaha Kings, was joined by an experienced staff to evaluate the talent and assemble a team built for success.
The Queens follow in the footsteps of the Omaha Kings, Omaha’s men’s professional arena soccer team, founded in 2019 by Emmanuel Viel, his wife Natalie Viel, and his father Carlos Viel. The Kings have climbed the ranks of arena soccer quickly, starting in the PASL before earning promotion to the MASL3, followed by the MASL2. They claimed the 2020-21 MASL3 Championship title and the 2021-22 MASL2 Midwest Conference title before joining the MLIS (Major League Indoor Soccer) for the 2022-23 season. There, the Kings earned the Central Division Title and reached the national championship finals for the past two seasons, falling just short in both games.
Queens Coaches L-R: Morgan Penn (Asst. Coach), Emmanuel Viel (Head Coach), Ali Sodal (Asst. Coach).
Leadership Fit for Queens
Coach Viel brought in a strong coaching staff to guide the Queens through their first season. Ali Sodal, an Omaha native and veteran of the MASL’s top-tier M1 league, joins as the assistant coach. Sodal’s professional experience includes stints with the Kansas City Comets and St. Louis Ambush, as well as record-setting performances at Midland University, where he became the all-time leader in goals (49) and points (115).
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Also on the staff is Morgan Penn, a four-year veteran of the Omaha Kings who brings deep knowledge of the game and the indoor soccer system. Penn’s playing career includes success at Bellevue University, where he contributed to an undefeated regular season and a national tournament run in 2018. Together, this staff ensures the Queens are well-prepared to compete in the MASLW (Major Arena Soccer League Women).
Preseason: The Royal Grind
The Queens kicked off preseason training in November, practicing at Off The Wall Indoor Soccer Facility, and at times, alongside the Omaha Kings. With intense drills, scrimmages, and strategy sessions, the team worked to establish chemistry and a high-paced, attack-minded style that fits the demands of arena soccer. By the end of preseason, the roster had taken shape, blending local talent with players from across the country and even beyond.
Meet the Queens: Leaders and Standouts
The Omaha Queens roster reflects a vibrant mix of talent, blending local athletes from Omaha, Bellevue, and Gretna, Nebraska, with players from across the country and the world, including California, Arizona, Florida, Colombia and Venezuela. This diverse group brings together a unique combination of local pride and international experience. As the season kicks off, here are a few standouts to watch:
![]() | Lindsey Prokop (#10, Team Captain): Born and raised in Omaha, Prokop is a forward whose resume speaks for itself. A graduate of Millard South High School, she broke records in high school, leading the team in goals and earning multiple All-State First Team and All-Nebraska First Team honors. She went on to play at Grand Canyon University, where she earned MVP of the WAC Tournament and helped her team reach the national stage. Prokop’s leadership, scoring prowess, and deep ties to Omaha soccer make her a natural leader for the Queens. |
![]() | Eliany Parra (#8, Team Captain): Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Parra is a versatile defender/midfielder with experience at Bellevue University. Beyond the field, Parra is dedicated to growing the game as a full-time coach. She serves as the Director of Coaching at Impact Football Academy and works with players at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels. Parra’s international background, coaching expertise, and leadership skills make her a vital part of the Queens' roster. |
![]() | Erin Bunker (#2): A native of Overland Park, KS, Bunker played at the University of Nebraska Omaha, where she ranked second in the Division I era for cumulative goalkeeper shutouts. Although now positioned as a defender, Bunker’s versatility and local ties to UNO showcase the strong connections the Queens have to the Omaha soccer community. |
![]() | Steph Dashiell (#21): Born and raised in Omaha, Dashiell is a midfielder who played for Papillion-La Vista South High School and South Dakota State University, where she earned two Summit League Championships and made an NCAA appearance. Dashiell brings both championship experience and local pride to the team. |
The Journey Begins
As the Queens head into their inaugural season, the team is well-equipped to make an impact on the MASLW stage. With strong leadership, a rigorous preseason, and a roster filled with talented players, the Queens are ready to represent Omaha in this exciting new chapter of professional women’s arena soccer. Their journey officially began on December 28, 2024, with a road match against the Wichita Lady Luck in Wichita, KS. They just completed their second season match, celebrating a historic moment in their season home opener at Baxter Arena on January 4, and securing an emphatic 11-3 victory over the Wichita Aero.
Upcoming Matches and Ticket Information
Fans won’t have to wait long though to see the Queens in action again. Their next home game is set for January 19 at 1:00 p.m., when they’ll take on the Oklahoma Oblivion. The action doesn’t stop there—immediately following the Queens, the Omaha Kings will take the field for their own matchup at 4:00 p.m. against the Amarillo Bombers.
Tickets are general admission and priced at $25 (plus Ticketmaster fees), with one ticket granting entry to both games. To avoid extra online fees, fans can purchase tickets directly from the Baxter Arena box office or by calling (402-554-MAVS). Box office hours are Monday through Friday, noon to 5:00 p.m.