OKLAHOMA CITY – Energy FC has signed defender Lamar Batista and forward Seyi Adekoya on loan from USL Championship clubs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and Phoenix Rising FC, respectively, pending league and federation approval, the club announced today.

Batista, a graduate from Heritage Hall High School, led the Chargers to three state titles before signing with Portland Timbers 2 of the USL Championship in 2017. After 43 appearances over two seasons, he signed for Los Angeles Football Club of Major League Soccer in 2019. Loan stints at Phoenix Rising and FC Tucson followed, before Batista was signed by North Texas SC of USL League One in 2020. His standout performances earned him a move back to the USL Championship with Colorado Springs ahead of the 2021 season, where he made three appearances.

“It feels great to be home, it’s amazing,” said Batista. “When my agent told me about this opportunity, I didn’t hesitate. It’s a great group of guys, and I can’t wait to get to work, get some more wins and get into the playoffs.”

Adekoya, from Seattle, Wash., previously signed a Homegrown player contract with MLS side Seattle Sounders FC ahead of the 2017 season following a three-year collegiate career at UCLA. He made two appearances for the Sounders and 13 for its USL Championship affiliate, Seattle Sounders FC 2, that season, scoring one goal. He then joined Vendsyssel FF in the Danish first division in 2018, scoring three goals in 22 appearances. From there, he made stops at Maltese first division with Balzan FC and returned to Denmark with Thisted FC in the 2nd Division. Adekoya made four USL Championship appearances for Phoenix Rising FC in 2021.

“I’m happy to be here and help this club,” said Adekoya. “I spoke to Leigh [Veidman] for about 45 minutes to learn what this club was about, and it’s going to be a good fit. I want to push myself to score more goals, get some assists and also help defensively as well.”

Adekoya will wear the number 7 and Batista the number 15, and if approved, both will be available for selection for Saturday’s match against Memphis 901 FC.

Saturday’s match kicks off on Saturday, August 7 at 7:30 p.m., and it is also the club’s Community Heroes night, presented by Dell Technologies. The event will feature activations to honor those who have served the greater Oklahoma City community. The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a free t-shirt, courtesy of Dell Technologies. More information can be found at energyfc.com/august7.

The full season schedule can be viewed and downloaded to digitally add to your device at energyfc.com/2021-schedule.