Laurendi calls his release a `gut punch' but is not bitter
Cody Laurendi has been the face of Energy FC the past five seasons.
Whether representing Oklahoma City's professional soccer team at sponsor events, coaching clinics, or meet-and-greets with season-ticket holders, the affable Laurendi was Energy FC's top community ambassador and a fan favorite.
He didn't consider the community outreach duties to be a chore. He loved the role.
“I wanted to repre sent the club in the community,” said t he Florida native. “I wanted to build relationships in the community. I wanted to be known for much more than on field play.”
All duties, on field and off, ended for Laurendi last week when Energy FC declined to offer him a contract for the 2021 season.
“I wanted to be here until I finished playing ,” Lauren di told The Oklahoman on Monday. “Unfortunately, the Energy wanted to go a different direction.”
Laurendi called it a “gut punch” but understands it was a business decision.
“I have been released before by clubs, but places that I have not necessarily called home,” Laurendi said. “I was released from the LA Galaxy in 2014 and, look, it sucks to be told `thank you for everything but we are going in a different direction.' This one was a little different because of the memories that I have made here - the blood, sweat and tears to be as cliche as possible - that went into this.”
Laurendi said he is not bitter but grateful for his five seasons with the club. In fact, Laurendi plans to remain living in Oklahoma City, will continue to root for Energy FC and hopes to work for the organization in some capacity in the future.
“I think it would be mutually beneficial,” he said. “I would be able to learn the business side more, but also the Energy would be able to benefit off the connections that I have made throughout the world playing this game.”
Lauren di came to Oklahoma City in 2016 from the Austin Aztex and was named the team's MVP in his first season. He was Energy FC's starting goalkeeper for four consecutive years before becoming the back-up under new coach John Pascarella last season.
At age 32, Laurendi still thinks he has value as a goalkeeper.
“I know I can play for a few more years,” he said.
So far, Laurendi only has received “minimal salary” offers from other pro clubs, he said. None are appealing to him at this point in his career.
For now, he plans to continue giving priva te instruction to young soccer goalies in Oklahoma City. He and Energy FC goalkeeper coach Alexis Vizarelis are discussing a business partnership where they develop a goalkeepers' instructional school or clinic.
But Laurendi is not finished playing. He will be suiting up for Puerto Rico in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers later this year in hopes of competing in the ultimate sporting event in the world.
In a 12- year professional career that has taken him to Belgium, Puerto Rico, Miami, Los Angeles and Austin, Oklahoma City became the place that Laurendi put down roots.
“I grew up in a very small part of Florida, and maybe that has something to do with it because it is very similar in terms of pace of life, the type of people you interact with on a daily basis,” he said. “Cost of living is low. You have space. All of those factors...
“I bought a house here. I married a woman from here. My actions back up my words. I truly mean every word that I speak when it comes to Oklahoma and Oklahoma City specifically. I plan to be here long term. This is home.”
Lauren di' s wife, Alison, whom he married in December, is a graduate of Edmond Memorial High School and the University of Oklahoma.
“You could tell from the day that we signed Cody, he was going to be one of those players you were proud to have represent not just your crest, but the place your fans call home,” Energy FC general manager Jason Hawkins said. “Whether it was a team mate, player, Sidekick or the fans in the stadium, there wasn't a person that Cody didn't have time for. I can only hope we as a city and club have given as much to him as he gave to us.”