Energy FC Tops Las Vegas Lights FC 2-1 in Home Opener
March 16, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
OKC Energy FC News Release
Deshorn Brown scored his third goal of the season, and Omar Gordon opened his Energy FC account to give the Greens all three points over Las Vegas Lights FC at Taft Stadium Saturday night in the 2019 home opener.
Although not a 12-second goal, Energy FC started things off on the front foot, and Deshorn Brown found the back of the net after just 13 minutes. A goal kick from Vegas keeper Thomas Olsen was knocked down by Callum Ross to Omar Gordon. Gordon's attempted flick to Brown was partially blocked, but the ball fell to Alexy Bosetti, who nodded his header behind the defense and into the path of Brown. Brown took one touch and rifled a volley past Olsen and into the goal.
Gordon had a chance to extend the lead in the 16th minute after taking the ball from beyond the halfway line and dribbling his way to the edge of the Vegas penalty area, but his off-balance shot skipped directly to Olsen.
Neither side was really able to create a clear-cut chance for the reminder of the half, as shots from distance didn't test Cody Laurendi or Olsen.
Vegas stepped up the pressure in the second half and were rewarded 14 minutes after the restart.
In the 59th minute, a corner kick from Pablo Cruz was met by the head of Jovan Torre. The defender beat the Energy FC defense to the ball and thumped his header past Laurendi.
Bosetti could have given OKC the lead in the 74th minute, when Gordon drove into the box after making another long run. Gordon played it across to a wide open Bosetti, but Olsen did well to come off his line, cut down the angle on the shot and make the save to keep the score level for the time being.
Order was restored in the 72nd minute, when Marco Bustos, who had just subbed on for Bosetti, found Cordell Cato in space. Cato spotted Gordon running into the Vegas penalty area, slipped him the ball, and the Jamaican took a touch before hitting a shot back across goal and into the net.
The Greens held on for the remainder of the match to take three points and claim top spot in the Western Conference.
Next up for OKC is a trip west to take on Sacramento Republic FC Sunday, March 24 at 2:00 p.m. CST.
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