OKC Defense Keeps First Clean Sheet of Season, Earns 0-0 Draw with Memphis
May 29, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
OKC Energy FC News Release
Despite registering 25 shots between the two teams, Energy FC and Memphis 901 FC settled a for a point apiece after a scoreless draw Saturday night at Taft Stadium.
The first half was open with both teams enjoying spells of possession and creating chances. Both sides should have probably scored, with the visitors having the first great chance of the game in the 22nd minute.
Andre Reynolds' cross from the left wing found Kadeem Dacres all alone at the back post, but his header missed the mark.
The Greens immediately went the other way, with Rob Coronado picking out Frank Lopez at the six-yard box with a 40-yard diagonal ball. The striker's volley was steered just over the bar, however.
Energy FC nearly found the breakthrough in the 49th minute, after Aidan Daniels' quick restart from a free kick found Villyan Bijev in the box, but his left footed drive was right at Memphis goalkeeper John Berner, who was able to make the save.
It looked as if Memphis might take the points in the 73rd minute, when Laurent Kissiedou's effort from just inside the penalty area beat CJ Cochran and look destined for the back of the net. Just as the ball was approaching the goal line, Conor Donovan, who was immense all night, slid in to clear the ball away to safety and keep the clean sheet intact.
Charlie Ward's appearance off the bench in the 57th minute was the midfielder's 100th appearance in USL Championship play. He follows Aidan Daniels and Conor Donovan who reached the milestone against Birmingham Legion FC and Atlanta United 2, respectively.
Next up for Energy FC is a trip to take on Indy Eleven on Wednesday, June 2 at 6 p.m. The official watch party will be at Social Capital OKC at 517 S Hudson Ave. The Greens are back at Taft Stadium on Saturday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. against Birmingham Legion FC, and tickets can be found at energyfc.com/june12.
Scoring Summary:
N/A
Disciplinary Summary:
MEM: Paul, Yellow Card, 8'
MEM: Dacres, Yellow Card, 72'
OKC: Dunwell, Yellow Card, 76'
OKC: Brown, Yellow Card, 86'
MEM: Dacres, Red Card (Second Yellow), 89'
MEM: Salazar, Yellow Card, 90'+1
OKC Starting XI: GK: CJ Cochran; D: Sam Rogers, Conor Donovan (c), Mitch Osmond, Rob Coronado; M: Hiroki Kurimoto (Charlie Ward, 57'), Brad Dunwell Aidan Daniels, Jon Brown (Zach Ellis-Hayden, 89'); F: Villyan Bijev (Arun Basuljevic, 70'), Frank Lopez (Jaime Chavez, 70')
Subs not used: Kyle Ihn, Tucker Stephenson, Ray Saari
MEM Starting XI: GK: John Berner; D: Andre Reynolds (Brecc Evans, 58'), Skylar Thomas, Zach Carroll; Mark Segbers, Dominic Oduro (Mitch Guitar, 74'), Leston Paul (c), Laurent Kissiedou, Andre Fortune (Francis Atuahene, 74'); F: Kadeem Dacres, Kyle Murphy (Michael Salazar, 55')
Subs not used: Brady Scott, Tycho Collins, Simeon Betapudi
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