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 extended their USL PRO unbeaten run to four matches with a 2-0 win over Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday in Oklahoma City. Midfielder Christian Duke assisted Adda Djeziri’s 36th-minute opener before Michael Thomas struck late in the second half to seal all three points.
Homegrown goalkeeper Jon Kempin, who earned USL PRO Team of the Week honors last Tuesday, posted his third shutout of the season as Jimmy Nielsen’s squad improved to 4-7-2. Sacramento nearly went ahead in the 29th minute when Rodrigo Lopez’s deflected free kick was bound for goal, but Kempin made a diving save to keep the match scoreless.
Duke, who rejoined Energy FC after appearing on the substitutes bench in Sporting KC’s 2-0 win at the Houston Dynamo on June 6, played the first half and notched his third USL PRO assist of the season. Mikey Lopez played the full 90 minutes alongside Duke in central midfield.
Both Energy FC goal scorers on Saturday night have Sporting KC connections. Djeziri was a preseason trialist with the club in 2011, and Thomas made seven first team appearances in 2012.
Following Energy FC’s victory, Lopez rejoined Sporting KC and will be available for the club’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup fourth round fixture against Minnesota United FC, 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday night at Sporting Park. Tickets, starting as low as $14, are available for the match online at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 888-4KC-GOAL.
Energy FC nears the halfway point of the USL PRO season on an upward swing. Nielsen’s men have not lost since May 25 and their next five matches are at home. Currently ninth in the league standings, Energy FC will look to climb into the eighth and final USL PRO playoff spot when they host the Rochester Rhinos (5-4-5, 20 points) on Sunday, June 22.
Jon Kempin (OKC Energy FC)
The Overland Park, Kansas native made a diving save in the 29th minute to preserve his third clean sheet of the season.
2014 USL PRO Stats
<strong>Matches Played</strong> |
<strong>Record</strong> |
<strong>Goals Against Average</strong> |
<strong>Shutouts</strong> |
<strong>Saves</strong> |
11 |
3-7-1 |
1.64 |
3 |
34 |
Christian Duke (OKC Energy FC)
The 23-year-old midfielder assisted Energy FC's game-winning goal in the 36th minute on Saturday night.
2014 USL PRO Stats
<strong>Games Played</strong> |
<strong>Minutes Played</strong> |
<strong>Goals</strong> |
<strong>Assists</strong> |
<strong>Shots</strong> |
<strong>Fouls</strong> |
9 |
608 |
0 |
3 |
6 |
7 |
Mikey Lopez (OKC Energy FC)
The 2013 MLS SuperDraft first round selection saw 90 minutes of action Saturday night and will be available to play in Sporting KC's U.S. Open Cup match on Wednesday.
2014 USL PRO Stats
<strong>Games Played</strong> |
<strong>Minutes Played</strong> |
<strong>Goals</strong> |
<strong>Assists</strong> |
<strong>Shots</strong> |
<strong>Fouls</strong> |
12 |
355 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
8 |
