USL Championship – Match 14
New Mexico United v Energy FC
Wednesday June 5 – 8:00 p.m. CDT
Isotopes Park – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Where to Watch/Follow
ESPNews
@EnergyFC on Twitter

Week 13 Recap

Energy FC (7th, 5-4-4, 19 points) ended a three-match, league homestand with a 0-0 draw against the LA Galaxy II. The result  marked the first time Energy FC have been held scoreless this season. It’s also the first time they’ve earned back-to-back clean sheets, as Cody Laurendi and the backline were able to keep a potent Galaxy attack from finding the back of the net. Laurendi was rewarded with a spot on the bench in the USL Championship Team of the Week and a Save of the Week nomination. Go vote for him.

Week 14 Opposition

Week 14 is arguably the toughest week of the season for the Greens on paper with two away fixtures against top competition. First up is a first-ever visit to Isotopes Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico to take on the Western Conference leaders, New Mexico United (1st, 6-1-6, 24 points) in the USL Championship’s Game of the Week.

Energy FC will have their hands full containing a well-rested, highest-scoring side in the league that features the top two scorers, Kevaughn Frater and Santi Moar. Frater missed United’s most recent outing, a 3-1 win at Austin Bold FC on May 25, but Moar scored two and helped create the other.

Despite New Mexico’s offensive prowess, the OKC defense will be up for the task after looking to have settled things in the back. Some might be worried about the loss of Alvin Jones and Mekeil Williams to national team duty with Trinidad and Tobago, but with the likes of Kyle Hyland and Mike da Fonte ready to step in alongside Atiba Harris and Christian Ibeagha, the Greens should be just fine. Especially when you’ve got Laurendi, who is second in the league with 42 saves, right behind them.

Je-Vaughn Watson has also been called up to represent Jamaica against the United States, but Cordell Cato and Omar Gordon will be available Wednesday. Cato will meet up with the national team on Thursday, but it appears Gordon won’t be going anywhere. Rejoice, Energy FC Nation! Our lethal attack is remaining mostly intact.

Rafael Garcia should go straight back into the starting lineup after missing the match against Los Dos through suspension. Coincidentally, the midfielder’s absence allowed him to go home to be with his family as they welcomed a new baby girl to the family. Next time you see Rafa, make sure to congratulate him!

With eight potential matches in the month of June and some key players missing, Head Coach Steve Cooke is going to have to rely on some guys that haven’t seen the pitch much this season.

“Players who have been waiting for that opportunity are going to get it. It’s up to them to seize it with both hands and take it as far as they can.”

No matter what the lineup is tomorrow night, they are going to experience a raucous crowd. The people of New Mexico have really taken to their club and have averaged over 12,000 fans per match – the highest in the league. With tomorrow night being nationally televised on ESPNews, you can expect that number to swell to around 15,000.

Wednesday’s match kicks off at 8:00 p.m. CDT from Isotopes Park, and you’ll be able to watch live on ESPNews. The offcial, all ages watch party will be at Guyutes on Uptown 23rd.