Sunday, Sept. 22, 4:00 pm @ OKC Energy FC Taft Stadium TV: KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento, ESPN+ Standings Preview (from SRFC website - edited for space) SRFC Republic FC (13-11-4, 43 pts) took one massive step closer towards hosting a playoff game next month after Sunday's 2-1 come from behind victory over Rio Grande Valley FC Toros at Papa Murphy’s Park. After an early goal from the visitors, Sam Werner netted the equalizer in the 18th minute. Late in the second half, Dariusz Formella drilled a left-footed shot into the back of the net for his second game-winning goal in as many matches. Not only did SRFC out possess Toros on the afternoon 59% to 41%, but the hosts finished with a 84.3% passing accuracy, their best this season in league play. If the team was to win out the remainder of their regular season games, a home playoff match at Papa Murphy’s Park is a guarantee. OKC Energy FC Since June 1 in all competitions, Energy FC has only won three of their last 18 games (3-8-7) and are winless in their most recent three matches. The struggles are mostly tied to the offense that currently ranks dead last in the entire USL in total shots taken with 294. The club from the Sooner State also boasts the lowest passing accuracy in the Western Conference with 74%. Not all aspects of the OKC offense are in dire straights given an 18% goal conversion rate is fifth-best in the conference. Forward Deshorn Brown’s 13 goals currently leads the team and ties him for eighth-best in the league. He’s also 10th in the Western Conference with 53 shots taken. Fellow striker Owayne Omar Gordon has registered a team-high seven assists on the season which ranks him seventh in all of the USL. Energy FC’s greatest strength is likely their reliable veteran goalkeeper Cody Laurendi who leads the entire league in saves with 91. Laurendi has five clean sheets to his name on the season which ranks him fifth in the conference. The Midwestern club’s last game out was a 3-1 loss to San Antonio FC.
Not sure what playing surface is worse, the cow pasture at Galaxy 2 or that semi-reflective ping pong table at OKC. 90 minutes of that and I've got a headache. Feh.