KANSAS CITY, Kan. – One week on from a memorable penalty shootout victory in the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs, a second consecutive shootout so nearly produced another magical moment for OKC Energy FC.

But after C.J. Cochran's heroics a week ago, there was to be no magic from the spot this time around.

Energy FC was still part of something historic. After squaring off with the hosts and defending conference champion Swope Park Rangers for 120 minutes in a tight match at Children's Mercy Park on Saturday night, it was really no surprise when the shootout went through the entire team, lasting 11 rounds, the longest in USL Cup Playoffs history.

But when Cochran saw his penalty saved by Swope Park goalkeeper Adrian Zendejas to open the 11th round, and then couldn’t stop Zendejas’ own effort, it brought an end to Energy FC’s season in the USL Western Conference Final for the second time in three seasons.

“I thought going into this match that it was an even game and the only question was whether we were prepared physically for this game here,” said Energy FC Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen. “I think you saw out there in the last 20 minutes we were very tired and the guys battled through it and it comes to a crazy penalty shootout where I honestly thought it was lost a little bit before.”

Despite what was a heartbreaking loss, spirits were still high for OKC and Nielsen after the match, pleased with a phenomenal effort from his team which managed to look dangerous in front of goal despite holding far less of the ball than their hosts.

“It was close, it couldn’t get any closer and I feel horrible for the guys but there’s nothing to be ashamed of, we did everything we could and it was not meant to be tonight,” said Nielsen