USL PRO Game Report
Sunday, June 22, 2014
OKLAHOMA CITY – OKC Energy FC and the Rochester Rhinos played to a 0-0 draw on Sunday night at Pribil Stadium in front of 3,405 fans. Both sides came close to breaking the deadlock, but settled for a point as Energy FC extended its undefeated streak to five games.
Rochester came close to grabbing an early advantage as Johnny Mendoza was first denied by Energy FC goalkeeper Jon Kempin and then the crossbar in the third minute after a fine cross by Alex Dixon found the attacking midfielder arriving late in the penalty area. OKC's Kyle Miller would also go close in the 12th minute as his shot from 20 yards went just wide of the right post.
The game settled down after the initial flurry off chances, but Kempin again had to be sharp in the 41st minute to deny Rochester's Josimar Sanchez the opening goal to keep the game scoreless at the break. Rochester then appeared to have taken the lead in the opening minute of the second half, only for a foul to be called as the ball was sent into the back of the net.
Energy FC’s best chance of the second half came late in the match, when Nate Shiffman found a wide open Steven Perry with a clear lane to the Rochester net from about 20 yards out in the 89th minute. As Perry moved into the penalty box looking to shoot, Rhinos keeper John McCarthy made a diving save attempt that upended Perry and kept the match scoreless.
Rochester also had a big chance late on, as JC Banks almost grabbed a winner in stoppage time only for his header to go just over the crossbar. The game would end scoreless, however, as McCarthy claimed his league-leading sixth shutout of the season.
Energy FC is back in action Saturday, June 28, when it takes on Sacramento Republic FC in a 7 p.m. CT start at Pribil Stadium.