Energy FC trying to stay positive in spite of slump
Energy FC hopes the return of two players will help the squad break out of its offensive slump.
Energy FC is 1-6 on the season, has lost six straight matches and only has scored three goals, among the fewest in the USL.
Oklahoma City’s run without scoring a point in the standings is now a club record six straight matches, the longest streak since the team’s inaugural season in 2014. Energy FC hasn’t scored a goal in 339 consecutive minutes.
In recent weeks the club has seen the return of forward Jose Angulo, a prominent scorer for Energy FC in last year’s playoff run, and Phillip Rasmussen, who made his season debut last week after suffering a knee injury last June.
“When you add players like Jose Angulo and Philip Rasmussent to a group (of) players that work hard at training, they can add a bit of something different and new to the group,” Energy FC coach Steve Cooke said. “Hopefully both Philip and Jose can continue to improve, get more fit and stronger.”
The club remains optimistic in spite of the dreadful start because of similar starts the past two seasons. Last season, Energy FC started 2-4-1 and ended up playing in the Western Conference Finals of the USL Cup Playoffs. In 2016, the team started 2-1-4 and also qualified for the postseason.
“They’ve got to continue to grind through this little period that we’re in,” Cooke said of his squad. “They can’t hide from it. There’s nobody here with their heads down.
“Everybody’s a professional saying let’s get on with the job, let’s work together to find solutions and when it turns, make it turn for good.”
Energy FC hopes it turns this week when the club hosts the Swope Park Rangers on Cinco de Mayo night Saturday at Taft Stadium. Swope Park, 3-1-3 on the season, defeated Energy FC in last year’s Western Conference Finals.
“That definitely was a good memory from last year ... just getting to that point,” Angulo said. “It wasn’t the best because we didn’t get the W.
“The best thing about the game is that you always have a chance for revenge, a second chance. We’re excited about them coming here this weekend and hopefully getting that done.”