OKC drops match, points on the road
SWITCHBACKS 2, ENERGY 0
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — OKC Energy’s quest to earn a home playoff match took a hit Wednesday.
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks took an early lead and scored in the dying seconds of the match for a 2-0 victory. The Switchbacks are now three points ahead of the Energy, which fell to fifth in the USL Western Conference.
The top four clubs in each division will host an opening round playoff match.
Miguel Gonzalez scored in the 30th minute for Colorado Springs. As he approached the left corner of the box, he kicked a marvelous ball that curved around the bodies in the middle of the box and into the top right corner of the goal.
Martin Maybin added the second goal in the fifth added minute of second half extra time. The Energy, desperate for one more chance on goal, misplayed a header in the box that was intended for Energy goalie Cody Laurendi, and Maybin tapped the errant ball into the back of the net.
The match was sloppy at times, especially in the first half. Rain throughout the day, which slowed down the natural grass playing surface. The slick playing surface led to key turnovers in dangerous areas for both clubs.
The match featured a combined 30 shots (14 on goal) with both goalies playing spectacular games. Maybin saved six shots, including a diving save in the 15th minute where the Colorado Springs player had split the OKC backline and had only Maybin to beat on the shot.
Maybin was unable to do anything about either Colorado Springs goals, however. The first goal was a fantastic shot in the one spot he couldn’t reach. The second goal a misplayed ball from his teammate.
The Energy made five changes to the starting lineup from its victory at Tulsa on Saturday. Notable changes included both forward positions with new signee Andy Craven starting in place of Wojciech Wojcik and Colin Bonner in place of Danni König.
OKC has six remaining matches in the regular season, including four home matches. It hosts rival Tulsa Roughnecks at Taft Stadium this weekend.
The Energy won the three previous matches against the Roughnecks this season by a combined 7-0. The Roughnecks sit currently at the bottom of the Western Conference tables.