After reaching the Western Conference Final of the 2015 USL Cup Playoffs, expectations were high for OKC Energy FC as the club entered its third season in the USL. The side did manage a return to the postseason as it swept through the Black Gold Derby against Tulsa with four wins from four, but elsewhere attacking struggles left the side in a precarious position for much of the season.

Energy FC’s defense, led by incoming goalkeeper Cody Laurendi, was consistent throughout the season, but the attack that had been so potent throughout the 2015 season lost all of its punch as three players tied with four goals to lead the side offensively. A dramatic postseason victory against Rio Grande Valley FC put some gloss on the season for Energy FC, but there is offseason work to be done to get the side back toward the top of the standings.

2016 USL SEASON IN REVIEW

Record: 10-7-13, 43 points
Place: Seventh in the Western Conference
Goals For: 32
Goals Against: 30
USL Cup Playoffs: Western Conference Semifinals (W 3-2 at Rio Grande Valley FC; L 3-2 at Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2)

2016 leaders: Danni Konig (4 goals, 4 assists), Michael Thomas (4 goals, 4 assists), Wojciech Wojcik (4 goals), Cody Laurendi (80 saves)

WHAT WENT RIGHT

The side continued to be reliable defensively, as goalkeeper Cody Laurendi set an Energy FC record with 12 shutouts on the season. OKC also maintained the upper hand over its in-state rival Tulsa Roughnecks FC with a four-game sweep of their regular-season series in the Black Gold Derby that ended up being crucial to their playoff hopes.

WHAT WENT WRONG

Energy FC’s attack, which finished fourth in goals scored in 2015, slumped to 13th in the West as the side struggled to find the back of the net consistently throughout the season. Danni Konig in particular, who had 21 goals in the regular season a year ago, finished with just four goals and four assists as moves such as the acquisition of Andy Craven in midseason and Jose Cuevas on loan didn’t have the desired effect.

GOALS OF THE SEASON

Coy Craft’s looping volley against Saint Louis FC helped earn Energy FC a point in an early-season encounter, and highlighted the USL 20 Under 20 selection’s outstanding potential.

Wojciech Wojcik was one of the three players to notch four goals for Energy FC this season, and this finish against Tulsa was maybe the best, finishing off a fine team move to give OKC the lead.

SAVES OF THE SEASON

Cody Laurendi had a standout season for Energy FC that included this six-save shutout against San Antonio FC in a key 1-0 victory early in the season.

Laurendi’s reflexes were tested on the road against Colorado Springs as well, as he did well to get down and turn Aaron King’s shot for the Switchbacks around the post.

HE SAID IT

“We’re a very proud group. Unfortunately things just didn’t go our way this year with all the ties, but even in the ties, you never saw us give up. In the playoffs, you never saw us give up. Hopefully that’s something we can carry into the future. [I] hope a lot of the guys are coming back and we can make a deeper run and then bring a championship to Oklahoma City because the city definitely deserves it and the organization deserves it.” – OKC Energy FC captain Michael Thomas