USL OKC Energy FC

Match Report: Bijev's Goal Helps Greens to Road Point at Birmingham

Published on September 18, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
OKC Energy FC News Release


Villyan Bijev scored his team-leading 11th goal of the season, as Energy FC drew 1-1 with Birmingham Legion FC Saturday night at BBVA Field in Birmingham, Alabama.

After an even start to the game, the Greens struck first in the 39th minute through a goal of the highest quality. Villyan Bijev picked up the ball on the left wing, 40 yards from goal and went on a solo run, weaving in and out of defenders, before lashing the ball into the lower right corner from the top of the box.

Unfortunately, on this rainy night in Birmingham, the elements played a massive part in the final outcome of the game. In the 55th minute, Mikey Lopez's shot from 25 yards slipped through the gloves of CJ Cochran to equalize for the hosts.

Cochran was quick to shake off the error, however, and produced a Save of the Week contender in the 59th minute, tipping Junior Flemmings' long-range effort out for a corner kick when it looked destined for the back of the net.

Energy FC moves to 31 points and remains in the fourth and final playoff spot in the Central Division.

The Greens return home to Taft Stadium on Sunday, September 26 at 5 p.m. CT against Indy Eleven for the club's annual Hispanic Heritage Night. Tickets are available at energyfc.com/september26.

Scoring Summary:

OKC: Bijev (Wynne), 39'

BHM: Lopez, 55'

Disciplinary Summary:

OKC: Kurimoto (Yellow Card), 35'

BHM: Flemmings (Yellow Card), 47'

OKC: Batista (Yellow Card), 65'

OKC: Ellis-Hayden (Yellow Card), 81'

OKC Starting XI: GK: CJ Cochran; D: Conor Donovan (c), Mitch Osmond, Lamar Batista; M: Zach Ellis-Hayden, Deklan Wynne (Tucker Stephenson, 45'), Hiroki Kurimoto (Brad Dunwell, 80'), Charlie Ward; F: Jaime Chavez (Jon Brown, 80'), Aidan Daniels (Kodai Iida 87'), Villyan Bijev (Arun Basuljevic, 61')

Subs not used: Sam Howard, Mueng Sunday

BHM Starting XI: GK: Spangenberg; D: Dean, James (Bruno Lapa, 54'), Ofeimu (J.J. Williams, 68'), Kavita (c); M: Mikey Lopez, Vancaeyezeele, Asiedu; F: Brett (Servania, 83'), Kasim (Herivaux, 83'), Flemmings

Subs not used: VanOekel, Rufe, Crognale

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