OKC Energy FC News Release -- www.energyfc.com
Thursday, February 27, 2014
OKLAHOMA CITY – OKC Energy FC has announced the signings of Jennings Clark, Kyle Greig and Max Gunderson, General Manager Jason Hawkins announced.
Gunderson played defense for the Austin Aztex of the PDL during the 2013 season. The Aztex won the 2013 PDL Championship. He earned all-conference honors in 2013. He was a three-year member of the Laredo Heat, also earning all-conference honors there in 2012, in addition to being a finalist for the league’s Defender of the Year award.
“I’m really excited to start my professional career with such a well-run organization,” Gunderson said. “It’s been a dream since I was a kid to play in the pro ranks.”
Gunderson was a four-year starter at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio from 2008-11. He played 77 games as a defensive midfielder and earned first team all-Heartland Conference in 2008 and 2009. He was a second team all-Lone Star Conference selection in 2008. The Cardinals won the 2008 Heartland Conference title and made two appearances in the NCAA Division II Playoffs.
“Max was impressive at our recent combine with his energetic performance,” said Spendlove. “He’s a fantastic defender in 1v1 situations and has a winning mentality.”
Greig previously played for USL PRO’s Wilmington Hammerheads and was an assistant coach at his alma mater, Benedictine College, during the 2012 season. He also played for the PDL’s Kansas City Brass during the 2010 and 2011 seasons. He also spent time with the Sporting Kansas City reserves during the summer of 2011.
“I’m honored to have signed with Energy FC,” Greig said. “It’s a great opportunity to be a part of a new and excited clubs. I’m excited to represent the city and club on the field to the best of my ability.”
Greig played for Benedictine (Kan.) College from 2008-11. He earned all-conference honors from the Heart of America Athletic Conference three times, including first team honors in 2009 and 2010. He played in 74 games and had 43 goals, including 14 his senior year.
“We are thrilled to have Kyle lead the line for us in our inaugural season,” Spendlove said. “He has proven he can score goals in this league and has all the tools to take his game to new heights.”
Clark, a local product out of Norman High School, attended Energy FC’s invitation-only tryout earlier this season. The goalkeeper earned all-conference honors at Midwestern State. He previously played at Northern Oklahoma College, Oklahoma City Community College and the University of Tulsa. Clark redshirted his only season at the University of Sciences and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha.
"I've dreamed about playing professional soccer since I was little,” Clark said. “Now getting to fulfill that dream here in my hometown is amazing."
Clark was an all-conference selection and named all-city three times while at Norman High School. He also earned all-state honors as team captain.
“Jennings is a talented local goalkeeper, and really impressed us with his attitude and performance,” said Energy FC Assistant Coach Chris Spendlove. “He’s hungry to learn, and he has the potential to climb the ladder and be a great goalkeeper at this level.”
Season tickets for OKC Energy FC are available by calling the Energy FC office at 405-235-KICK (5425).
Energy FC is led by former Sporting Kansas City goaltender and 2013 MLS Cup champion, Jimmy Nielsen. Nielsen was a two-time MLS All Star, the 2012 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, and goalkeeper for the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open championship club.