Fink solidifying backline

Center back Sam Fink has made a significant impact in Energy matches since his debut last month. After missing the first half of the 2017 season with a foot injury, Fink holds a key role in the Oklahoma City’s full-pitch aggressive attack.

When Alex Dixon received Sam Fink’s 11th minute pass during last week’s match at Tulsa Roughnecks, he turned on a dime and sprinted straight toward goal.

Because Dixon was able tochange direction quickly from Fink’s precise pass, he was able to beat the Roughnecks right cornerback by one step and fire an open shot, which would have been a goal if Jose Angulo, who tapped Dixon’s shot in on the far post, was not called offside.

“Fink, Richard (Dixon) and I have a good understanding on that right side,” Alex Dixon said. “I know Fink can fire good balls into the box for me.”

Alex Dixon has been fantastic throughout the 2017 season, but the immediate scoring threat created from Energy backline passes was missing for most of the 2017 season.

Coinciding with the lack of full-pitch attacking presence was the absence of Fink, who missed the first half of the season with a foot injury.

The offseason free agent signee from Saint Louis finally made his starting debut July 12 in a 1-1 draw at San Antonio. Fink’s vision from the backline has given a boost to the Energy’s speedy forwards, such as Alex Dixon, to press forward on the counter attack.

As the Energy hosts San Antonio on Saturday for the third and final regular season match between the two clubs, Fink has also allowed attacking defenders Anthony Wallace and Kyle Hyland to move into midfield roles.

“Coach Jimmy (Nielsen) always says when you win the ball, find the other side of the field and find the highest guy,” Fink said. “With our new shape, it allows Anthony, Kyle or Richard to get up. Those guys can whip a mean ball, so for them to get up high more often has helped us a lot.”

The Energy is 2-1-1 when Fink starts, but it continues to play with attacking confidence that it lacked in the first three months of the season.

Fink’s injury also gave him an added sense of appreciation for his role with the club.

“It was killer, I wouldn’t wish an injury upon anybody,” Fink said. “During those times, you learn a lot about yourself and how much you love this game. I’ve come back full of joy and rejuvenated.”