By Calvin Alexander

In tonight’s game, The Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 came to Taft Stadium to play The OKC Energy FC. The Energy are looking to rebound from last week’s loss in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to FC Dallas.

The Energy FC started tonight’s game with an aggressive tone, controlling the possession for the first 30 minutes. That was until the 33rd minute when Debyi Flores played it into Fatawu Safiu from the midfield who put in in the net behind the goalkeeper to go up 1-nil. After the goal, the Energy played cautiously, laying back in a defensive shell until the 45th minute. When in extra time off a flubbed punch out from Whitecaps keeper Sean Melvin, Coy Craft rocketed a goal into the back of the net between the goalie’s legs off an assist into the box from Michael Thomas. Ending an aggressive first half in which, The Energy had nine shots, three of those were on goal.

Throughout the game the refs were consistent in allowing tough play and starting early into the second half, the Whitecaps got more physical, the Energy players noticed and retaliated. One altercation ended up with a yellow card after a hard challenge from Coady Andrews of The Energy FC.

The game went back and forth until the 70th minute when The Whitecaps were given a free kick from just outside the box but was missed wide left. The Energy responded with another shot on goal in the 85th minute, requiring a tremendous save from the Whitecaps keeper.

The Energy fought all the way till the end and in added time The Energy had two great opportunities on goal. The first was a free kick that ended in the keeper’s hands, the second being a header that cruelly ended just over the center bar, ending the game.

The Energy FC move to 5-2-5, they will play Mexico’s Chivas Guadalajara in a friendly at Taft Stadium Tuesday, June 28th at 7 P.M.

Man of the Match – #14 Coy Craft who scored the only goal of the night for the Energy.

Quotes from the Man of the Match-Coy Craft:

Thoughts on the goal of the night:

“It was getting bounced around in the box and then it popped back out to me. I was one-on-one, I acted like I was going to touch it to the left, and shot instead. I got a little lucky because it went through his legs.”

Thoughts on returning to the team:

“It’s good to be back in front of Taft and playing for the Grid and our fans.”

Thoughts on the upcoming Chivas friendly:

“It will be crazy. They are a powerhouse team in Mexico. We are the only USL team playing them this year, so it should be an amazing experience.”