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Energy FC update: Player moves, promotions precede push toward playoffs

By Nate Fisher / Lifestyle / August 19, 2021

Currently sitting at sixth place in the Eastern Conference’s Central Division, Greater OKC Chamber member OKC Energy FC’s improved results, recent player moves and a return to Taft Stadium will hopefully set the team up for a successful push back into the top four of their USL Championship group when the regular season concludes in October.

The Energy’s on-field performance has improved as the season has continued, with the team in playoff position at fourth place in the group after a 4-1 win at home vs. Memphis before a recent two-game road trip netted only a point. Energy FC will host Louisville City FC at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 22 (also the team’s annual Supporters Night promotion), and Rio Grande Valley FC at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 29. Interim Head Coach Leigh Veidman is looking forward to his team getting back on home turf and putting up some points this weekend after a 2-2 draw vs. Atlanta United 2, and a 2-1 defeat at Indy Eleven.

“We need a massive response. The past week we got a win, a tie and a loss, and unfortunately the last thing on our mind going into Louisville is going to be the loss that we just had and the goals (allowed),” he said. “So I expect us to have a strong response, and it’s something that we’ve got to think about and learn from and be better at -- these goals we’ve conceded the past two games -- and we’ve gotta make sure we’re ready for Louisville, because that’s going to be a big game at home.”

The side has not been short of player movement of late, with defender Sam Rogers loaned to Norwegian club Hamkam for the remainder of the season and midfielder Irakoze Donasiyano, the No. 20 overall pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft, coming to OKC on loan from Nashville SC of Major League Soccer. The Energy also recently signed defender Lamar Batista from Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and received forward Seyi Adekoya on loan from Phoenix Rising FC, both fellow USL Championship clubs.

Batista, a graduate from Heritage Hall High School, led the Chargers to three state titles before signing with Portland Timbers 2 of the USL Championship in 2017. After 43 appearances over two seasons, he signed for Los Angeles Football Club of Major League Soccer in 2019. Loan stints at Phoenix Rising and FC Tucson followed, before Batista was signed by North Texas SC of USL League One in 2020. His standout performances earned him a move back to the USL Championship with Colorado Springs ahead of the 2021 season, where he made three appearances.

“It feels great to be home, it’s amazing,” said Batista. “When my agent told me about this opportunity, I didn’t hesitate. It’s a great group of guys, and I can’t wait to get to work, get some more wins and get into the playoffs.”

Veidman said integrating the new members of the team will take a little time in order to get them up to speed.

“All again are fairly new, so it’s going to take some training and some work and figuring out how they contribute to what we are trying to do,” he said. “I’ve kind of thrown them in the deep end a little bit and asked them to step in in some games, which they’ve done, but the only answer is work in these situations – get in and train – so these guys can truly understand how we want to play and get them settled down.”

The Energy are hosting their annual Supporters Night on Aug. 22, featuring a clear tote bag giveaway courtesy of fellow Greater OKC Chamber member First Fidelity Bank and a collectible mini button to the first 1,000 fans, in addition to $2 PBRs and the return of the 48 oz. Nachos Mucho Bucket. The match also includes the Kids Eat Free offer where kids 12 and under get a free hot dog, chips and drink, courtesy of Sara Lee Bread and Ball Park. Tickets, including standard options as well as the Braum’s Family 4-Pack and the Shade n’ Scarves promotions, are available at https://www.energyfc.com/august22.

“Our supporters have our backs through thick and thin and this club wouldn’t be possible without them, so we wanted to make sure we set aside a night to show our appreciation,” said Tyler Vaughn, Energy FC communications and PR manager. “Not only will we be giving away tote bags and collectible mini buttons, but we’re offering $2 beers and bringing back the Nachos Mucho Bucket – two things we get asked about a lot.”

Tickets for the side’s Aug. 29 match vs. the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros are available at https://www.energyfc.com/august29, including promotional offers featuring two Greater OKC Chamber members -- the COOP Beer 2 Pack (two match tickets and two COOP beers) for $30, and the Little Caesars Pizza at the Pitch options (two grandstand seats and two slices of pizza for $25 or two chairback seats and two slices of pizza for $60). Learn more, get tickets for other upcoming matches, purchase gear, get connected with the team’s social accounts and more at https://www.energyfc.com/.