Three Energy FC Players Earn Call up to Represent Country on International Stage
Published on August 30, 2018 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
OKC Energy FC News Release
OKLAHOMA CITY - Energy FC goalkeeper Cody Laurendi, defender Atiba Harris and forward Jaime Siaj (hi- may see-ah) have each earned a call up to represent their respective national teams in competitions next week, Head Coach Steve Cooke announced today.
Laurendi is representing the Puerto Rico National team for the second time in his career. Last season, he represented the island nation in their 0-0 draw in an international friendly against Indonesia. With Energy FC, Laurendi is the team's all-time leader in wins (22) and clean sheets (22).
Harris is making his first appearance with the St. Kitts & Nevis national team this season, but this isn't his first time to represent his country. He has represented his country at the U-13, U-15, U-17, U-20, U-23 and full national team level. In all, he has represented his country 60 times and has scored 14 goals at the international level. With Energy FC this season, he's appeared in nine matches, played 810 minutes and scored one goal.
Laurendi and Harris will meet each other on the pitch during their call up as St. Kitts and Nevis hosts Puerto Rico on September 9 in a CONCACAF Nations match. The CONCACAF Nations League gives the federation's members the opportunity to play in top-level matches as well as qualify for the 2019 Gold Cup. The new 16- team Gold Cup is the biennial soccer championship of the North, Central American and Caribbean region. The winner of the Gold Cup has the opportunity to qualify for the 2021 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Siaj is also earning his second call up to represent Jordan. He is expected to suit up in Jordan's game against Lebanon next Thursday. During his last call up in May, Siaj scored a goal in Jordan's 3-0 win over Cyprus. This season, Siaj has appeared in 22 matches with Energy FC and is third on the team in goals with four.
All three will miss Energy FC's match at Orange County on September 8, but will re-join the team for the match September 12 against LA Galaxy II.
"This is a tremendous personal honor and an exciting opportunity for these players to represent their countries," said Cooke. "For our club to have three players earn an international call up at the same time is a testament to their own hard work as well as the quality and character of the entire roster. We will miss the daily presence of these players, but it will give others a wonderful opportunity. We wish the three of them and their international teams the very best of luck at these upcoming games."
The call ups to the national teams for these three bring the number of players that have represented a country in international play while a member of Energy FC to four. Coy Craft (U.S. U-20 team) is the other player with that distinction.
Energy FC's next match is Sunday, September 2 on the road against Swope Park Rangers at 4 p.m.
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