OKC Energy FC Names Jimmy Nielsen Head Coach
December 20, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
OKC Energy FC News Release
Oklahoma City - OKC Energy FC today announced former Sporting KC goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen has agreed to a contract to serve as the team's head coach.
The 36-year old Nielsen recently completed his final game as a professional, serving as goalkeeper for Sporting KC in their win over Real Salt Lake in MLS Cup 2013 on December 7. A veteran of nearly 600 professional games, Nielsen brings a wealth of experience to his new position.
"My family and I are excited to take on this new challenge and I look forward to the start of my coaching career in Oklahoma City," said Nielsen. "To remain a part of the Sporting Kansas City family and to take some of what I have learned from all of my coaches over the years, including Peter Vermes and staff, is an opportunity I embrace."
Following a career in his native Denmark with AaB Fodbold and Vejle Boldklub, Nielsen signed with Sporting KC in 2010. As a member of Sporting KC, Nielsen was a two-time MLS All Star, the 2012 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and goalkeeper for the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open championship club and the 2013 MLS Cup winning squad. After playing to a 1-1 draw through regulation and overtime, Sporting KC won MLS Cup 7-6 on sudden death penalties.
OKC Energy FC will serve as a developmental affiliate for Sporting KC for the 2014 season. As part of the agreement, Sporting KC will provide players for OKC Energy FC's roster. Inaugural
USL PRO is the strongest, best operated and most experienced North American men's professional soccer league outside of Major League Soccer (MLS). Focused on franchise stability and longevity, USL PRO features 15 teams for the 2014 season, including expansion teams in Oklahoma City and Sacramento. Presently six USL PRO teams have direct affiliations with Major League Soccer clubs.
The league not only serves as a springboard to the MLS for players, but also for franchises. Five of the last six clubs to enter MLS have moved up from the USL's top professional division. Among the most successful clubs, the Vancouver Whitecaps, Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers and Montreal Impact all operated franchises in the USL's top professional division before making the transition to MLS..
Season tickets for OKC Energy FC are available by calling the OKC Energy FC office at 405-235-KICK (5425). Fans are encouraged to act quickly. Seats in the prime areas are being purchased quickly.
Prodigal LLC is a full service event management company based in Oklahoma City. Prodigal operates the Oklahoma City Barons professional hockey team, co-promotes Professional Bull Riders (PBR) events in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, operates the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), serves as the co-organizer for the March of Dimes Sports Headliner Banquet and produces the Bricktown 4th Fest.
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...
United Soccer League Championship Stories from December 20, 2013
- OKC Energy FC Names Jimmy Nielsen Head Coach - OKC Energy FC
- OKC Energy FC to Affiliate with Sporting KC - OKC Energy FC
- OKC Energy FC Adds to Orlando/Sporting Kansas City affiliation for 2014 - Orlando City SC
- Dayton Dutch Lions & ISN Join Forces - Dayton Dutch Lions
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
