Energy FC Has Two Players Called up to National Teams
October 8, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
OKC Energy FC News Release
OKLAHOMA CITY - Energy FC goalkeeper Cody Laurendi and defender Atiba Harris have both earned another call-up to represent their respective national teams in the CONCACAF Nations League tournament this week, Head Coach Steve Cooke announced today. The two faced one another in their first match of the competition, as Harris' St. Kitts & Nevis side defeated Puerto Rico 1-0 on September 9, despite Laurendi having a man-of-the-match performance.
Laurendi is representing the Puerto Rico national team for the third time in his career. Last season, he represented the island nation in their 0-0 draw in an international friendly against Indonesia. With Energy FC, Laurendi is the team's all -time leader in wins (24) and clean sheets (23). Puerto Rico hosts Martinique on October 13 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
Harris has represented his country at the U-13, U-15, U-17, U-20, U-23 and full national team level. In all, he has represented his country 61 times and has scored 14 goals at the international level. With Energy FC this season, he's appeared in 14 matches, played 1260 minutes and scored one goal. St. Kitts & Nevis will travel to Anguilla to take on Saint Marteen on Sunday, October 14.
The CONCACAF Nations League gives the federation's members the opportunity to play in top-level matches as well as qualify for the 2019 Gold Cup. The new 16-team Gold Cup is the biennial soccer championship of the North, Central American and Caribbean region. The winner of the Gold Cup has the opportunity to qualify for the 2021 FIFA Confederations Cup.
The two will miss Energy FC's match at Saint Louis FC on October 13 - the last match of the season.
"Once again, we are delighted for Cody and Atiba to be given another opportunity to represent their countries at the National Team level" said Cooke. "It is a tremendous personal honor, and one that they and their families should be extremely proud of. It is testament to their hard work, character, and their excellent performances for Energy FC during recent months. We are incredibly proud of Cody and Atiba, and wish them every success during these upcoming games."
Energy FC has had four players receive international call-ups while with the club. In addition to Laurendi and Harris, Jaime Siaj has represented the Jordan national team, and Coy Craft represented the U.S. U-20 team.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from October 8, 2018
- Nashville SC, Predators Partner to Serve at Preston Taylor Ministries - Nashville SC
- Indy Eleven Forward Soony Saad Called up for International Duty - Indy Eleven
- LA Galaxy II prepare for last game of the 2018 season - LA Galaxy II
- Penn FC to Join USL League One in 2020 - Penn FC
- North Carolina FC Set for Key Battle at Louisville City FC - North Carolina FC
- Penn FC to Clash against New York Red Bulls II - Penn FC
- Defender Shaun Francis, Midfielder Devon "Speedy" Williams Called up by Jamaica Football Federation - Louisville City FC
- Playoff Clinching Scenario for Nashville SC on Tuesday Night - Nashville SC
- Energy FC Has Two Players Called up to National Teams - OKC Energy FC
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.
