PAPILLION, Neb. - Mark Bronnik has always stood out on the pitch. Always having a keen sense for goals, it would be hard to find a team Bronnik played on where he was not one of the top goalscorers on the roster.

“I had really long hair, to my shoulders; people remember me for that and scoring,” said Bronnik.

Now a professional for Union Omaha in USL League One, Bronnik’s natural knack for scoring has made him a rising star with growing potential.

Bronnik grew up in Brooklyn to a Ukrainian family with a strong passion for soccer.

“I was probably four years old, and my dad played Sunday league and I would watch him and that’s where I started to play myself and kicking balls all around the house,” recalled Bronnik.

He got involved with a local Ukrainian youth team before joining the Brooklyn Italians, one of the strongest development clubs in New York City. Started in 1949, Brooklyn Italians began as a hub for Italian immigrants in New York and now focuses on youth development for players of all backgrounds.

“Our emphasis is on development,” said Peter Ciaccia, President of the Brooklyn Italians, explaining how they value consistent training and development over stacking the team calendar with tournaments. “[Our focus is] getting touches, training three times a week. It’s having kids learn to play different positions and having them play with their alternate foot.”

"It would be a three hour drive some days after school, doing homework in the car, and eating dinner at 10 p.m.,” said Bronnik, reflecting on the sacrifices he and his family made. However, playing in the Red Bulls system helped him grow as a player with the quality of the facilities, coaches, and teammates around him. 

He developed as a player and picked up some memorable wins, including against his former coach in Brooklyn and future coach at Union Omaha, Dominic Casciato. “My U14 year, I scored a hat trick against the New York Cosmos, which was Dom’s team at the time, so that was a lot of fun,” said Bronnik. 

Bronnik’s passion for goals established itself at every level, eagerly recalling surpassing double digits his sophomore year of high school as he helped Midwood High School reach the PSAL semifinals for the first time in sixteen years. 

As Bronnik prepared for his junior year of high school and looked to step up his level of soccer competition, an opportunity presented itself with the Barca Residency Academy in Arizona. The nationally regarded program provides athletes with the unique chance to live on campus and train their fundamental soccer skills year-round while maintaining educational progress. USL stars have come through the Barca Residency like Orange County SC’s Bryce Jamison and Diego Luna who’s move from El Paso Locomotive to Real Salt Lake at the time was the largest USL to MLS transfer.

“You’re not going to have a good game all the time and when I realized that, it just helped take the pressure off,” said Bronnik. 

Bronnik helped lead the charge for Barca Academy’s U17 and U19 teams as they competed in MLS Next, scoring 29 and 12 goals respectively at those age groups. As Bronnik continued to mature as a player, the next step on his pathway began to come into focus. Without a lot of traction coming from colleges, he began exploring the professional route, going on a trial with USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC.

In early 2024, 17-year-old Bronnik received a call from a familiar face, Dominic Casciato, then the head coach of Union Omaha. Looking to add some youth to his roster, Casciato called Bronnik’s coach in Arizona to offer a trial in Omaha. Bronnik was able to take the opportunity in stride, leaning on his years of adapting to play against older players.

In late February, Bronnik signed an Academy Contract with Union Omaha, making him a full-time member of its squad.

“We quickly realized before Mark even played in a game that he was more than good enough for the level and that we were going to be a great place for him to launch his professional career on the Academy Contract,” said Casciato.

He wasted no time making an impact, scoring the winning penalty kick as Omaha defeated USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Bronnik made 11 appearances across all competitions in his debut season, where he learned the realities of professional soccer firsthand. “It was up and down, like sign a contract and maybe not get the playing time you want, but [the team is doing well],” recalled Bronnik. 

He learned the ropes from a team full of veterans and contributed to the club winning the 2024 USL League One Final and Players’ Shield. Just before the playoffs, Bronnik signed a professional contract with Union Omaha, helping him realize a lifelong dream.

“I’m someone that’s very hard on myself,” said Bronnik. “So, I was happy, but not 100% satisfied because I felt like with how the year went, do I really deserve this? Then after I signed, I scored my first goal, so it felt more like it all worked out.”

Candela praised Bronnik for the maturity he’s possessed since he joined the Owls as a 17-year-old and for consistently prioritizing learning from the experienced pros around him.

“There’s been many times through my journey where I felt like what am I doing or I’m not going to get to where I want to get to,” reflected Bronnik. “And yet here I am still. You just have to keep reminding yourself that you are where you are for a reason. And to keep going because when you’re confident and have a purpose to achieve a goal, you will do it.” 

ABOUT CRYSTAL GEYSER

As the "Official Water Partner" of the USL, Crystal Geyser® Alpine Spring Water® provides high-quality hydration for the league's athletes and fans. Founded on the core principle of bottling its natural spring water directly at the spring source, the company's partnership with the USL underscores a shared commitment to supporting active lifestyles and healthy hydration. This collaboration connects Crystal Geyser with players and fans who share the value of community spirit. Learn more at crystalgeyserplease.com/usl.