Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Jon Kempin and midfielder Christian Duke have joined USL PRO affiliate OKC Energy FC in time for the team's preseason friendly against Northeastern State tonight.
Duke, 22, enters his sophomore season in 2014 after a successful first professional season with Orlando City SC in 2013. The Overland Park, Kan. native and Sporting KC Academy alum was named the team’s top rookie, contributing one goal and one assist in 22 games and starting in the USL PRO championship.
Kempin also spent the 2013 season on loan in the USL PRO, making 34 saves in nine games for the Lions last year. Sporting Kansas City’s first homegrown player, the 20-year-old Kempin is now in his fifth professional season and has extensive experience for the United States at the Youth National Team level. The Leawood, Kan. native most recently joined the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team in 2013.
OKC Energy FC, coached by former Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen, are preparing for the inaugural season in USL PRO. In December, Sporting Kansas City entered into a one-year agreement with OKC Energy FC that will see the MLS Cup champions loan a minimum of two players to the USL PRO side for their 2014 campaign.
Follow @EnergyFC and @EnergyGameday for updates throughout tonight's exhibition.
