Energy takes on Pachuca

The Oklahoma City Energy soccer team played a friendly against Pachuca — a Liga MX club — on Tuesday night at Taft Stadium. Check out how the Energy fared.

In a defensive struggle, Oklahoma City Energy goalie C.J. Cochran made sure the match would remain scoreless.

Cochran was Oklahoma City’s best performer against Pachuca in Tuesday’s friendly at Taft Stadium.

Facing the defending North American club champion, Cochran shined. He saved seven shots in the first half and had numerous key saves in the second half, including deflecting a shot over the bar in the 75th minute.

The Energy needed Cochran, for the Energy offense couldn’t generate much. Miguel Gonzalez’ 38thminute shot rolled across goal and just wide of the right goal.

The match was scoreless and the end of regulation and went to penalty kicks.

Gonzalez excited to play Mexican team

Gonzalez got a taste of home Tuesday.

Gonzalez, who lived in Michoacan, Mexico, for the first eight years of his life, was excited to play against Mexican opposition.

“Pachuca has been growing a lot in past years,” Gonzalez said ahead of Tuesday’s match. “They’re a big club. They’re going to the (FIFA) club championship in December. They recently got the championship in Mexican league. We know about them because we’ve been watching them for a long time. It’s exciting to play teams like that and players you grew up watching.”

Gonzalez mentioned Pachuca goal keeper Oscar

Perez in particular as a player he idolized. He said he would relish the opportunity to score a goal against the 44-year-old legend, but unfortunately, Perez did not play.

Gonzalez still had the opportunity to compete against some of Mexico’s best.

“It’s fun on a personal level,” he said. “You kind of get star struck because of how big they are. We’re excited, but we want to play well and do it for our fans.”

Teammates praise Gonzalez

Omar Gonzalez is one of Pachuca’s most notable players, but he did not make the trip to Oklahoma City.

Gonzalez is

with the U.S. Men’s National Team at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, but his Pachuca teammates spoke highly about his contribution to the club. Gonzalez joined Pachuca from Los Angeles Galaxy in 2016.

“It’s been an honor (to play with him),” Perez said. “It’s good to see people like that go to Mexico and give their all to elevate the game.”