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Energy FC Edges Out Reno

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 08/02/17, 10:34PM EDT

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Angulo scores only goal in USL Game of the Week on ESPN3


Photo courtesy Steven Christy / OKC Energy FC

OKLAHOMA CITY – OKC Energy FC extended its undefeated streak to four games as it took a 1-0 victory against a 10-man Reno 1868 FC in the USL Game of the Week on ESPN3 at Taft Stadium on Wednesday night. Energy FC’s Jose Angulo went close to the opening goal in the 12th minute as he finished just over the crossbar off Kyle Hyland’s ball over the top. Reno’s first good chance fell to Seth Casiple in the 25th minute, and his volley from the edge of the penalty area toward the bottom-left corner was well-saved by OKC goalkeeper Cody Laurendi. 1868 FC (8-5-6, 30pts) was reduced to 10 men in the 29th minute, however, as Fatai Alashe was sent off after an altercation with OKC’s Jose Barril. Reno remained dangerous despite being down a man, but Energy FC (7-8-5, 26pts) took the lead in the 62nd minute as Miguel Gonzalez found Jose Angulo inside the penalty area, and his turning shot found the right corner of the net. 1868 FC tried to hit back four minutes later as Casiple’s shot went just wide of the right corner after Brenton Griffith’s initial effort had been saved, while Angulo had a chance to add to OKC’s lead charged down after a good low cross by Anthony Wallace to the top of the penalty area. Hyland also had a shot cleared off the line by Reno’s Brent Richards with 13 minutes to go as OKC looked for a second, but the hosts then saw out the victory despite some late pressure by 1868 FC.

Scoring:
62’ – OKC – Jose Angulo (Miguel Gonzalez)

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. Energy FC ran its undefeated streak to four games on Wednesday night as its push to return to the USL Cup Playoffs took some time to warm up, but found enough against a 10-man Reno side that competed strongly for the final hour, but wasn’t quite able to withstand OKC’s pressure as the second half progressed. Despite the win, though, Energy FC will still feel like there’s more work to do as it wasn’t able to take complete control of the game despite its advantage. With another big game against first-place Real Monarchs SLC coming up on Saturday, the pressure to keep delivering, and show more, is going to be important.

  • 2. Reno’s six-game undefeated streak came to an end, although the side put in a strong performance even when reduced to 10 men as it made six changes to the starting lineup from Sunday’s victory against the Swope Park Rangers. After scoring a fine goal to cap that victory, midfielder Seth Casiple took a feature role in Wednesday night’s game as he both dictated play from the center of midfield, and also threatened to find the net with a pair of excellent shots that almost beat Cody Laurendi. A loss like this will be frustrating, but there were definitely positives the side will take with it to Tulsa this Saturday.

  • 3. Jose Angulo’s arrival less than month ago was intended to bring a spark to Energy FC, and on Wednesday night his third goal in four games for the club continued to provide that as part of a good all-around display that could have seen the former USL Most Valuable Player add to his total for the season. OKC is undefeated since Angulo arrived on loan from Saint Louis FC on July 11, and with the connection he and Miguel Gonzalez appear to have quickly acquired, there should be a very positive feeling around Taft Stadium as the stretch run heats up.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Jose Angulo, OKC Energy FC – Angulo’s goal proved the difference in the contest, but the forward threatened regularly throughout the night as he linked well in Energy FC’s attack.

Upcoming Games:
OKC Energy FC
vs. Real Monarchs SLC – August 5, 8:30 p.m. ET, Taft Stadium
Reno 1868 FC at Tulsa Roughnecks FC – August 5, 8:30 p.m. ET, ONEOK Field

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