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Early Goals Send OKC Past Tulsa

By CHRIS HOCKMAN – chris.hockman@uslsoccer.com, 09/17/17, 8:00PM EDT

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Barril stunner helps Energy FC jump into Playoff places


Photo Courtesy Steven Christy/OKC Energy FC

OKLAHOMA CITY – OKC Energy FC scored early and went on to control the match as it managed a 2-0 win over Black Gold Derby rivals Tulsa Roughnecks FC at Taft Stadium on Sunday evening. Energy FC got a quick start after Miguel Gonzalez showed his strength to hold off his marker and buried the strike across the face of goal and into the back of the net in just the fifth minute. Less than 10 minutes later Jose Barril doubled the lead as he made a 50-yard run, beating four defenders, and then hit a powerful strike into the top-left corner, which was much too powerful for Fabian Cerda in the Tulsa net. After conceding twice, Roughnecks controlled much of the possession the rest of the way, but the side's offensive work just couldn’t convert that control into goals, partly due to some phenomenal OKC defending. Barril also contributed on that end, making a goal saving tackle in the 39th minute. The trend continued in the second half, with Energy FC content to absorb the Tulsa pressure, which rarely threatened the goal as the Roughnecks leading scorer Ian Svantesson rarely got a good look on goal, allowing Energy FC to seal the win comfortably and jump into the top eight of the USL Western Conference.

Scoring:
5’ – OKC – Miguel Gonzalez (Juan Pablo Guzman)
13’ – OKC – Jose Barril (Kyle Hyland)

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. With the win Energy FC jumps into the USL Cup Playoffs places in the USL Western Conference. The result also impacts Tulsa’s postseason chances as the Roughnecks now sit just three points ahead of their in-state rivals in eighth place. It will be a big fight for both teams to secure their place in the playoffs with five matches remaining in the season for each.

  • 2. While this match had no impact on the fate of the Black Gold Derby for 2017, already won by Tulsa, it was still significant for Energy FC to avoid the sweep. OKC has never been swept in the series between the two rivals and managed to keep that record intact for another year.

  • 3. Scoring first is often vital in matches, but that is especially true when playing the Roughnecks. Tulsa has struggled to come back after falling behind, with their record when conceding first now standing at 1-9-2, compared to just one loss when scoring first.

Jose Barril, OKC Energy FC – Scoring a phenomenal goal was just one part of an impressive performance from Barril, who routinely drew the Tulsa defenders to him after his goal. Barril won an impressive 10 duels, while also contributing defensively with five tackles, and three interceptions.

Upcoming Games:
OKC Energy FC
vs. Reno 1868 FC – September 20, 10 p.m. ET, Greater Nevada Field
Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs. LA Galaxy II – September 23, 8 p.m. ET, One OK Field

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