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.
OKC Energy FC opened their inaugural year on Saturday with a 2-0 win over the Orange County Blues at Anteater Stadium on the campus of the University of California – Irvine. Sporting KC midfielder Christian Duke started and played 89 minutes, tallying an assist and two shot attempts in the team’s season-opening win.
Saturday’s win was also the first for head coach Jimmy Nielsen. The former Sporting KC captain and MLS Goalkeeper of the Year took over the Energy FC coaching reigns after announcing his retirement from MLS in December.
Goalkeeper Jon Kempin was not with Energy FC for their inaugural match after Sporting KC recalled the 21-year-old goalkeeper on loan last Thursday. Kempin was part of the 18-man roster for Sporting KC’s weekend match vs. Real Salt Lake, but did not feature in the 0-0 draw.
Kempin returned to his club following the match and started Energy FC’s 4-2 loss to LA Galaxy II Monday night at the StubHub Center Track and Field Center. Duke started and played 90 minutes in the team’s first loss (1-1-0).
Sporting KC midfielder Mikey Lopez saw his first minutes of 2014 last weekend, coming off the bench in Orlando City SC’s 3-1 win over the Rochester Rhinos. Lopez entered the game in the 85th minute and helped the Lions close out their first win of 2014 (1-0-2).
Orlando City will be in action Saturday night when they host the Charleston Battery at 6:30 p.m. CT at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Network. Energy FC will continue their season-opening road trip Saturday night at 9:10 p.m. CT against Arizona United SC at Peoria Sports Complex.
