Q&A with Energy FC’s Volesky
Energy FC forward Christian Volesky, who was traded to Oklahoma City in May, is a big reason why the club has bounced back from a miserable start.
After a miserable 1-8 record in United Soccer League play to start the season, Energy FC has won three straight matches and is only two points out of the eighth and final playoff position in the United Soccer League’s Western Conference entering Saturday night’s home match against Seattle Sounders 2.
Christian Volesky, who scored two goals in Energy FC’s 4-2 road win Saturday night over Rio Grande Valley, leads the club in goals with nine.
Volesky, 25, was traded to Oklahoma City from St. Louis on May 8. He has scored eight goals for Energy FC this season and one against them while playing for St. Louis. He also loves to fish.
Q: How big of a win was last Saturday night’s road victory at Rio Grande?
A: I kind of feel like it was a must win. We were able to perform well and score four goals and obviously get a much needed three points. It was a very important win.
How good do you guys feel about the way you are playing right now?
Everybody is happy. We are playing pretty well, scoring goals, defending well. Overall, the mood in the locker room is pretty good. Most every game now, we have to be able get three points to secure a playoff spot. That’s the goal. You get into the playoffs and anything can happen.
What was your initial reaction when you learned you were traded to OKC from St. Louis?
To be honest, I was happy. I was unhappy in St.
Louis. I just felt like I wasn’t being given opportunities I deserved. I wanted something different and I felt it was a good for me to come to a team like Oklahoma City. I was happy and excited to come.
Was it a difficult adjusting to the new team?
The coaches did a good job integrating me into the group and players welcomed me with open arms. I felt I was coming into a position that was a need for the team. I was integrated right away. It was almost seamless.
You were one of the first new additions to the club after the season started, but there have been many more since. What has the influx of new players done for the team?
It’s injected a lot of a confidence in the group, bringing new players in, but as well it’s brought a lot of healthy competition.
Your passion outside of soccer is fishing. Where did your love of fishing start?
In North Dakota. My dad used to take me Lake Sakakawea with my uncles and granddad. Since I was a young kid I remember reeling fish in. It kind of revamped in Rochester (where he played two seasons for the Rochester, New York, Rhinos).
I met a guy there who taught me the lay of the land and I was able to catch some pretty big salmon there as well as some nice walleye, all kinds of fish. Everywhere I get traded to or everywhere I go to one of the first things I look up is the lakes and the fishing reports.
Have you had the opportunity to fish any Oklahoma lakes since you arrived in OKC?
Yeah. I actually bought a kayak and I fish Lake Hefner regularly. Not as much as I want.
Have you had success catching fish on Hefner?
Not too much. I am after the walleye. I know they are there, but I have caught a bunch of largemouth (bass). I haven’t been able to catch the walleye quite yet.