USL PRO Game Report
Saturday, April 5, 2014
IRVINE, Calif. -- OKC Energy FC took victory in its inaugural contest in USL PRO as it defeated the Orange County Blues FC 2-0 on Saturday night at Anteater Stadium. Kyle Greig scored the first goal in Energy history, while Nate Shiffman added a second before the halftime break as the expansion franchise handed the Blues their second loss of the season.
http://usl2.uslsoccer.com/imgs/OrangeCounty-OKC20405.jpgThe fans on hand witnessed Oklahoma City’s dream start to life in USL PRO after just 11 minutes. Christian Duke split open the center backs with a delightful through-ball for Greig, and the former Wilmington forward slotted the ball past Blues goalkeeper Patrick McLain to cement his place in Oklahoma City folklore.
The Energy doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Peabo Doue headed a long ball down for Shiffman to slam home OKC’s second goal. The Blues looked for a response as Stephen Okai tried his luck from distance, but Mark Howard flung his body in front of the ball, preserving the Energy's two-goal lead at the halftime break.
Blues Head coach Dariush Yazdani rang in the changes at halftime. Chris Cortez, Allan Russell and Gibson Bardsley put a spring in the Blues step but they were unable to break down a very compact Energy defense. Schillo Tshuma also looked very dangerous down the flank for the Blues, but the center back pairing of Gareth Evans and Mark Howard (and later Tarek Morad) repelled everything thrown their way.
Despite the loss, the Blues have promised that they will find their flow in a week’s time when they take on Sacramento Republic FC.
“We appreciate the fans support,” said Cortez. "Playing in Irvine is just a ten minute drive for my friends and family”
The Blues will look to tighten their back line and bring a more fluid style in the battle between Northern and Southern California next Saturday night. The Energy, meanwhile, will complete their west-coast trip on Monday night as they visit the LA Galaxy II at 7:30 p.m. PT at the StubHub Center Track and Field Stadium.