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Disciplined Saint Louis Too Good For OKC

By CHRIS HOCKMAN - chris.hockman@uslsoccer.com, 04/21/18, 10:15PM EDT

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Volesky’s first-half goal keeps Saint Louis’ undefeated streak alive


Photo courtesy Steven Christy / OKC Energy FC

OKLAHOMA CITY – A well-marshaled defensive performance helped Saint Louis FC to a comfortable 1-0 victory against OKC Energy FC at Taft Stadium on Saturday night. A strong start from Saint Louis was rewarded in the 20th minute when forward Christian Volesky was able to make a run through the OKC defense and then shoot across the face of goal out of the reach of OKC goalkeeper Matt van Oekel for what would turn out to be the winner. STLFC's goal forced OKC to try and find an equalizer, but with slippery conditions it was hard to get things flowing, allowing Saint Louis to hold a 1-0 lead at the break. OKC came out from the break raring to go but the hosts struggled to open up space for chances. As the match went on Energy FC had even more of the ball, and would finish with 62.2 percent of possession, but the Saint Louis defense was well organized, not breaking out of formation as it held the OKC attack without a shot on target through the full 90. All hope of a late OKC comeback came to an end four minutes from time when midfielder Justin Chavez was shown a second yellow card to reduce the hosts to 10 men, which allowed Saint Louis to cruise to the victory as it extended its undefeated streak to four matches.

Scoring
20’ – STL – Christian Volesky

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. Saint Louis FC has never lost to OKC Energy FC, but the last five of those encounters had been hard-fought draws. On this occasion, Saint Louis looked dominant, rarely troubled, not giving up a single shot on target as its domination of the series continued.

  • 2. Home has not been so sweet for OKC Energy FC, now scoreless in 354 minutes at Taft Stadium, with the side going without a goal at home since the sixth minute of the opening game of the season. That will need to change with the club set to play three home matches in its next four games.

  • 3. A strong defense can often lead to a team that physically crosses the line and earns cards like it’s Christmas. That has not been the case for Saint Louis FC, which only earned one yellow card all match, the seventh of the season making it the sixth-least carded team in the league. When players aren’t getting yellow and red cards they aren’t getting suspended, allowing Head Coach Anthony Pulis to keep the same back-line, which again put in a stellar display to lead the club to a fourth consecutive game undefeated.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match:

Christian Volesky, Saint Louis FC – With just two shots on target all match, Volesky made the most of the chance he had, finishing it clinically. Volesky won 11 duels in the match and was also part of the defensive effort making one of Saint Louis’ 12 tackles.

Upcoming Games:
OKC Energy FC
vs. Reno 1868 FC – April 28, 10p.m. ET, Greater Nevada Field
Saint Louis FC vs. Swope Park Rangers  – April 28, 8:30p.m. ET, TBD

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