USL OKC Energy FC

Energy FC Drops Opener, 1-2

Published on March 7, 2020 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
OKC Energy FC News Release


A goal from captain Atiba Harris wasn't enough as Switchbacks FC scored two fortunate goals to take the points Saturday night at Taft Stadium.

Jaime Chavez came inches from opening the scoring in the 13th minute when Tucker Stephenson's floated ball over the top found the no. 9, but his downward header missed just wide of the post.

Just three minutes later, former Energy FC striker Christian Volesky put the visitors ahead. Aidan Daniels' cross from the right wing found Volesky at the back post whose first attempt was saved by CJ Cochran, but the rebound was bundled across the line.

OKC created another good chance in the 21st minute when Zach Ellis-Hayden and Arun Basuljevic combined to find Frank Lopez streaking through the middle of the field. Basuljevic's through ball put Lopez in on goal, but goalkeeper Sean Melvin was quick off his line to make the stop.

Lopez came inches from finding the equalizer in the 36th minute when he took the ball from inside the OKC half, but his shot from 25 yards out just skipped wide of the left post.

The Greens started the half with a great chance as Jose Hernandez cut back to Basuljevic at the top of the six-yard box, but the midfielder's effort sailed over the goal.

OKC found the equalizer in the 58th minute through captain Atiba Harris. Stephenson's perfectly weighted free kick was met by the defender's head and skipped past Melvin.

Energy nearly added a second just two minutes later but Lopez's blast was straight at Melvin who was able to palm the ball to safety.

Volesky had a great chance to regain the lead and pick up his brace in the 70th minute, but his volley from in front of goal just missed high.

Colorado Springs found a fortunate winner in the 78th minute. Uvaldo Luna's cross from the left side of the box looked to be going nowhere, but it deflected off Stephenson and into the back of the net for an own goal.

Energy FC hits the road for a three-game swing beginning with Reno 1868 FC next Saturday, March 14. As always, you can stream the matches live on ESPN+. The Greens return to Taft Stadium on Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m.

Scoring Summary:

COS: Volesky, 16' (Assist by Daniels)

OKC: Harris, 58' (Assist by Stephenson)

COS: Own Goal, 78' (Stephenson)

Disciplinary Summary:

COS: Lewis, Yellow Card, 32'

OKC: Ward, Yellow Card, 53'

OKC: Chavez, Yellow Card, 62'

COS: Diz Pe, Yellow Card, 90'

OKC Starting XI: GK: CJ Cochran; D: Zach Ellis-Hayden, Atiba Harris (c), Nicolas Taravel, Tucker Stephenson; M: Arun Basuljevic, Charlie Ward (Ray Saari, 75'), Brad Dunwell, Jose Hernandez (Cordell Cato, 75'); F: Jaime Chavez, Frank Lopez (Jon Brown, 80')

Subs Not Used: Kyle Ihn, Kyle Hyland, Christian Ibeagha, Rafael Garcia

COS Starting XI: GK: Sean Melvin; D: Joan Cervos, Arturo Diz Pe, Sebastian Anderson, Jordan Burt; M: Hiroki Kurimoto (c), George Lebese, Uvaldo Luna Jr (Austin Dewing, 83'), Andre Lewis (Rony Argueta, 90'); F: Christian Volesky (Mamadi Camara, 89'), Aidan Daniels

Subs Not Used: Abraham Rodriguez, Alejandro Padilla, Ever Rubio

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 7, 2020


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