Affiliates in Action: Mikey Lopez earns first start as Orlando City draws Rochester

Sporting KC has partnered with USL PRO clubs Orlando City SC and OKC Energy FC for the 2014 season. As part of the agreement, Sporting KC will loan players to the clubs to play games and gain experience throughout the year. Each week, we’ll recap the performances of the Sporting KC players on loan.

Orlando City SC ran their unbeaten streak to nine games (6-0-3, 21 pts) this weekend with a win and a draw in their matches against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Rochester Rhinos, respectively. Sporting KC midfielder Mikey Lopez played the final 10 minutes of the Lions' 1-0 win over Pittsburgh at Highmark Stadium on Friday and earned his first start in Orlando City's 1-1 draw at Rochester on Saturday. The 21-year-old midfielder played 90 minutes and contributed two shot attempts on Saturday in his longest outing since joining the Lions on loan in March.

Orlando City remains the only unbeaten team in USL PRO and sits in first place in the 2014 standings. The Lions will have a busy week as they place their second round match in the 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against the Ocala Stampede on Wednesday before traveling to Peoria, Arizona to face Arizona United SC in a league match on Saturday.

All three Sporting KC loanees featured for OKC Energy FC (2-5-0, 6 pts) over the weekend as the first-year affiliate lost 1-0 to Orange County Blues FC Saturday night in front of a sold-out crowd at Pribil Stadium. Goalkeeper Jon Kempin recorded two saves in 90 minutes of action, allowing the game's lone goal in the 90th minute. Kevin Ellis played 90 minutes for Energy FC, while Christian Duke played 79 minutes before giving way to former Sporting KC Academy midfielder David Leichty.

Energy FC will open their Open Cup campaign on the road Wednesday night against NPSL side Tulsa Athletics. The team will then return home to face the Richmond Kickers Friday night at Pribil Stadium.

Per the loan agreement, Duke and Ellis are eligible to play in the Open Cup tournament for Energy FC, but are not eligible to play against Sporting Kansas City if the sides were to meet. Kempin, however, is not eligible for Wednesday's second round match against Tulsa and therefore would remain available to Sporting KC for the competition should he be summoned.

Jon Kempin (OKC Energy FC)

The homegrown goalkeeper continues to be the regular starter in net for Energy FC, making his sixth start of the season on Saturday vs. Orange County. 

2014 USL PRO Stats

Christian Duke (OKC Energy FC)

The Overland Park, Kan. native continued to be a key contributor in the Energy FC midfield, starting and playing 79 minutes in Saturday's loss to Orange County.

2014 USL PRO Stats

Mikey Lopez (Orlando City SC)

The Generation adidas member made his first start of the season in a 1-1 draw against the Rochester Rhinos on Saturday.

2014 USL PRO Stats

Kevin Ellis (OKC Energy FC)

The Oak Park High School graduate made his third straight start since arriving in Oklahoma City, playing 90 minutes in Saturday's match.

2014 USL PRO Stats