Chronicles of the Queens: Chapter 3 - Queens Rule the Pitch in Historic Home Opener

by Natalie Viel

Marquee Letters Provided by Omaha Party Bar. // Photos by Ean Miller

On January 4, the Omaha Queens brought professional women’s arena soccer to the city in spectacular fashion, hosting the Wichita Aero at the iconic Baxter Arena. The atmosphere was electric, with a live DJ keeping the energy high throughout the game and Omaha Party Bar’s giant light-up marquee letters—spelling out “QUEENS” and “KINGS”—welcoming fans as they entered the arena concourse. At halftime, local youth soccer clubs took the field for a lively mini-match, adding even more excitement to a night filled with nonstop action. With memories of their inaugural road match still fresh, the Queens fed off the energy of their home crowd, leveling their record at 1-1 and delivering a historic performance that left fans buzzing.


Queens' Midfielder, Erinoelle Clifton-Janssen. // Photos by Ean Miller

Breaking Through in the Second

The opening quarter featured cautious play from both sides, resulting in a scoreless start. That changed abruptly in the second quarter when Delaney Grant (#4) broke the deadlock for Omaha. Erinoelle Clifton (#23) then rattled off two quick strikes, followed by a tally from Carolina Rincon (#7), before Clifton completed her hat trick—capping off a remarkable five-goal outburst in the span of just 15 minutes.


Queens' Midfielder, Layla Vazquez. // Photos by Ean Miller

Team Effort Shines

Clifton’s display drew plenty of attention, but the Queens continued to spread the offense throughout the match. In the third quarter, Steph Dashiell (#21) found the net, setting the tone for another surge in the final frame. The fourth quarter featured goals from McKenzie Hallstrom-Parra (#87), another from Clifton, Layla Vazquez (#14), Reagan Anderson (#20), and Lindsey Prokop (#10)—an emphatic showcase of the squad’s depth.

“Tonight was a total team effort,” said Head Coach Emmanuel Viel. “When we play with this kind of energy and trust in each other, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish.”


Containing the Aero

Wichita attempted to spark a comeback with two quick goals in the third quarter, but the Queens’ cohesive defending—highlighted by timely tackles and solid positioning—prevented any prolonged momentum for the Aero. Meanwhile, Omaha’s offensive rhythm only grew stronger, keeping the visitors on their heels until the final horn.


Photos by Ean Miller

A Night to Remember

When time expired, the Queens celebrated not just their first win, but a milestone moment for women’s professional arena soccer in Omaha. The atmosphere at Baxter Arena reflected the significance of the occasion, as fans stood and cheered for a team determined to make its mark in Omaha and the MASLW.

Next on the docket is a visit from the Oklahoma Oblivion, a strong contender in the Heartland Conference. The Queens will once again share Baxter Arena with the Omaha Kings in a doubleheader, with one ticket granting entry to both games. After witnessing this statement performance, local supporters have every reason to believe the Queens are only getting started.