USL United Soccer League Championship

Energy FC Make Debut on West Coast

April 4, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release


TAMPA, Fla. - OKC Energy FC makes its first appearance in USL PRO this weekend as the expansion side makes a trip to the west coast for its first two games of the season. The Energy, coached by former Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen, face the Orange County Blues on Saturday night in the Blues' home opener at Anteater Stadium at 10 p.m. ET.

Oklahoma City has built a strong foundation ahead of its first season and last week added local businessman Tim McLaughlin as a partner to the club's ownership group. On the field, the Energy have a blend of youth and experience with veterans Michael Thomas and Cyprian Hedrick being joined by talented rookies Pete Caringi, the 2013 PDL Golden Boot winner, and Paul Wyatt.

Four other teams also make their first appearances this weekend, with 2013 USL PRO runner-up the Charlotte Eagles set to open the weekend's action on Friday night as they host the Dayton Dutch Lions at the Queens Sports Complex at 7 p.m. ET. The Eagles return a good group of players from last season, and have added MLS experience with Zak Boggs and Wells Thompson both part of this season's squad.

The Wilmington Hammerheads and Harrisburg City Islanders are also set to open their seasons as they meet on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at Legion Stadium. The Hammerheads are looking to make a strong start after missing out on the playoffs a season ago, and will get a good early test from a City Islanders side that has also added some new faces in young attacking players Clesio Bauque and Edinho Junior.

The Rochester Rhinos also make their first appearance as they visit Orlando City at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET. Bob Lilley is back at the helm after two seasons away and brings a revamped squad to the sunshine state that includes former Houston Dynamo forward Alex Dixon and Colin Rolfe, while stalwarts JC Banks and Lance Rozeboom look to hold down the midfield.

The Richmond Kickers host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in their home opener to round out the weekend's slate of games, with kickoff at City Stadium set for 5 p.m. ET. Both teams earned a point on the road in their opening games Saturday, as Richmond drew 2-2 with Charleston and Pittsburgh 1-1 with Orlando, leaving both hoping to claim their first win of the season.

Every game of the 2014 USL PRO season can be seen live on YouTube, with live updates also available via Twitter (@USLPRO), Facebook and Google+. Stay up to date with news, previews and match reports from throughout the league via USLPROSoccer.com.

SCHEDULE

Friday, April 4

Charlotte vs. Dayton, 7 p.m. ET

Saturday, April 5

Richmond vs. Pittsburgh, 5 p.m. ET

Wilmington vs. Harrisburg, 7:30 p.m. ET

Orlando vs. Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. ET

Orange County vs. Oklahoma City, 10 p.m. ET

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