Swope Park Rangers’ defenders Christian Duke and Jacob VanCompernolle will welcome some familiar faces to Swope Soccer Village this Saturday, June 18 when SPR hosts OKC Energy FC at Children’s Mercy Victory Field.
Duke and VanCompernolle both played with the Energy in 2015, with Duke also playing for the side in 2014 while on loan from Sporting KC. Duke played in 19 games last year, while VanCompernolle made 25 appearances in all competitions.
Both players were vital to clinching OKC’s first USL Playoff berth at the conclusion of the campaign – eventually falling to LA Galaxy II in the Western Conference Finals. Now as SPR teammates, Duke and VanCompernolle are excited to face their old club once again.
“There are a lot of emotions flying around, but at the end of the day you shake hands. You are friends again after the game,” VanCompernolle said.
The Rangers are looking to hit back after falling 3-2 in their last game against Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 on Sunday. SPR almost fought back from 3-0 down but came up just short after late goals from Mark Anthony Gonzalez and Kris Tyrpak.
“We started off slow against Vancouver. We came out and had a pretty good second half, chasing the game. We were all over them. We need to continue that success going into that game on Saturday,” Duke said.
Coming back home to Swope Soccer Village, Duke and VanCompernolle feel Saturday’s game is a perfect opportunity to get some revenge against an OKC side that defeated SPR 1-0 at Taft Stadium on April 23.
“Eight games out of the past 12 were on the road and that is tough, especially for a young team,” Duke said.
“I think I can provide a lot of wisdom to the guys, whether it is how a certain guy on their team plays or what they like to do. If anyone has any questions, they can come to me,” VanCompernolle added. “We need every single point. We are coming expecting to win and anything less is going to be a disappointment for us.”
