From Scotland to Omaha: The Greg Hurst Story
One of the truly beautiful things about soccer is the global nature of the game. There are players and fans on nearly every continent on the planet, which leads to some incredible stories around the world, especially as players transfer from league to league, country to country and continent to continent. One such story is that of a Scottish striker who left his home country to pursue success in the United States third division – the story of Union Omaha Forward Greg Hurst. I caught up with Hurst and was able to ask him about his history in the sport and his experiences in the United States.
Before I dive into my interview with Hurst, it’s important to understand his background. Originally from Stirling, Scotland, Hurst started his professional career with Stirling Albion in 2015. Though still a teenager, Hurst managed to ink a contract with Scottish Premier League (SPL) side St. Johnstone the following season. After only three appearances over three years and loan spells to Berwick Rangers FC, East Fife FC, and Forfar Athletic FC, Hurst left St. Johnstone in 2019, moving to Scottish League One side Stenhousemuir. In moving to a lower division, Hurst was hoping to get more consistent playing time. After a successful stint with Stenhousemuir, Hurst decided to come to the United States, eventually finding a home with the Chattanooga Red Wolves of USL League One. After 21 games and a bought of success in 2019 and 2020, Hurst was on the move again, this time for the newly formed USL League One team Union Omaha.
Though still a teenager, Hurst managed to ink a contract Scottish Premier League (SPL) side St. Johnstone the following season.
“I had a great time in Chattanooga; I have to thank them for giving me the chance to come over to the States and continue my career,” Hurst recalls. “I think everyone at the club was disappointed last season because we were a better team than what showed in our league position.” Hurst decided to make the move to Omaha based on the foundation the team had built in their first season and what he thought their potential was. “Having watched them in the 2020 season, I saw a really great group of players that I knew had a real chance of challenging for a championship. I felt like the style of play suited me as a player and I’d heard good things about Coach Mims, so it sounded like a perfect fit.”
After a successful 2021 campaign, it’s safe to say Hurst was finally rewarded for his efforts, as Union Omaha won a domestic double. First, Union Omaha won the USL League One regular season title with 51 points over 28 games. They then went on to the USL League One playoffs, where Omaha would knock off FC Tucson 6-1 in the semi-finals to advance to their first ever championship. Union Omaha would go on to win the USL League One title, shutting out the Greenville Triumph 3-0. No matter the league or the country, being able to raise two trophies in one season is truly something special; something that no player would soon forget.
“I had a great time in Chattanooga; I have to thank them for giving me the chance to come over to the States and continue my career,” Hurst recalls.
“It was a fantastic season this year,” Hurst mentioned. “It really was everything [we] wanted it to be. We secured the regular season and championship at home in front of our own fans, which not everyone gets to do so that was really special.” Though quick to credit the team, Omaha owes much of their success to Hurst. Hurst led the team in goals with 14, finishing third overall in the USL League One Golden Boot race, and even scored a goal in the final. “To be a part of Omaha history is something I will remember for the rest of my life, and I have to thank the whole organization and the fans for everything they’ve done through the season. The supporters continually turned up in numbers, game after game, and it was great to lift the trophy in front of a record crowd.”
Hurst is truly a team-first player, even when reflecting on his game-sealing goal in the USL League One championship. “To be honest, I always struggle to remember my goals the moment they hit the back of the net because it’s always such a rush of adrenaline and emotion, especially in a final,” Hurst reflected. “I just remember running towards the crowd with all the players and thinking, ‘wow - I think that might be it.’” The energy from a record crowd of over 5000 helped create an electric home atmosphere that spurned Omaha on. Hurst recalls, “I’ve watched the goal back a few times since the game and I don’t think any of it has really sunk in yet. It’s without a doubt the highlight of my career so far and it’s special to score in a final in front of my mum and dad … I think that’s the part I’ll never forget. For them to watch that live and experience it with me was amazing.”
“I just remember running towards the crowd with all the players and thinking, ‘wow - I think that might be it.”
Having grown up in the United Kingdom, a region known around the world for its soccer prowess, and having played for various clubs throughout the region, I’m sure Hurst did not expect to be playing soccer in the U.S. at this point in his career. When questioned about his career, Hurst said, “It’s bizarre to see how [my career] has gone, if I’m honest. If you had told me 5 years ago that I’d be in America playing professional soccer, I’d have never believed you.” Despite this, Hurst is thankful for the success that his move to the United States has brought him; “I’ve had some of the best highlights of my career here in the states and I’ve loved every minute of it.”
I concluded my interview with Hurst by asking him what he thought about his future and where he wants to continue his career. “To be honest, I love how things are going here in the U.S. and that’s my focus right now. Like I said before, I’ve had so many great memories and met so many great people in the two and a half years I’ve been here and I want that to continue. You can never say never because you don’t know what opportunities might come up but my mindset is doing as well as I can in the US and seeing where that takes me.”
