Finishes Elude Energy FC in 2-1 Setback to Atlanta United 2
May 1, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
OKC Energy FC News Release
Missed chances on the attacking end and a mistake at the back cost Energy FC against Atlanta Saturday night at Taft Stadium.
The opening 45 minutes provided little opportunity for goals, as both defenses held strong, limiting each team to just one shot on target. Villyan Bijev was the only Green to test Rocco Rios Novo, but his effort from 25 yards was straight at the Atlanta goalkeeper.
In the second half, similar to last week, the Energy attack looked much more dangerous.
Conor Donovan nearly put the home side ahead just three minutes after the restart, but his header from six yards out off of Rob Coronado's in-swinging free kick was headed right at Rios Novo.
Just three minutes later, Bijev nearly snuck one in, after his clever backheel trickled wide of the post.
It looked like OKC would finally make the breakthrough in the 55th minute when a bouncing ball in the box feel to Arun Basuljevic, but his shot from near the penalty spot was dragged wide of the post.
The visitors took the lead in the 62nd minute when William Reilly split the OKC defense and Phillip Goodrum slotted past CJ Cochran.
Donovan came inches from an equalizer, again off a header, but this time it smacked off the crossbar and was cleared to safety.
The Greens continued to press, forcing six corner kicks and registering 10 shots in the second half, but the ATL defense was able to hold on for the win.
Energy FC makes their first road trip of the season, with a trip to familiar foe Sporting KC II at Children's Mercy Park on Friday, May 7 at 7 p.m. Energy FC is back at Taft Stadium on Sunday, May 16 at 5 p.m. against Atlanta United 2, and tickets can be found at energyfc.com/may16.
Scoring Summary:
ATL: Goodrum (Reilly), 62'
Disciplinary Summary:
ATL: Lambe, 90'
OKC Starting XI: GK: CJ Cochran; D: Mueng Sunday, Conor Donovan (c), Mitch Osmond, Rob Coronado; M: Hiroki Kurimoto, Arun Basuljevic, Aidan Daniels (Brad Dunwell, 76'); F: Kodai Iida (Tucker Stephenson, 63'), Jon Brown (Sam Rogers, 89'), Villyan Bijev
Subs not used: Kyle Ihn, Sam Howard, Groutchov Pierre
ATL Starting XI: GK: Rocco Rios Novo; D: Michael Ambrose, Alex De John, George Campbell, Roivald Hernandez; M: Chris Allan, Tyler Wolff (Coleman Gannon, 46'), Mathews Rossetto (William Reilly, 46'); F: Bradley Kamdem Fewo (c)(Josh Bauer, 85'), Phillip Goodrum (Alex Garuba, 78'), Aiden McFadden
Subs not used: Brendan Lambe, Darwin Mathews, Vincente Reyes
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