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Matchweek 6 Report: OKC can't break down STL

By Tyler Vaughn, 04/23/18, 9:15AM CDT

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On a night with especially difficult weather conditions, it’s not surprising that the visitors, who had not yet picked up a win away from home in 2018, scored a goal and decided to sit deep for the remainder of the match. Unfortunately, those same conditions didn’t help the home side as Energy FC struggled to find solutions to break through a resolute Saint Louis FC defense.

OKC lost its fifth match in a row and was held scoreless for a third straight time at Taft. For those keeping track, the last Energy FC goal scored at home was Francis Atuahene’s winner against Tulsa. That one came in the 6th minute, so it’s been 354 minutes since the home fans have been able to celebrate a ball finding the back of the net.

Alex Dixon, whom fans voted OKC’s man of the match, was one of the brighter spots going forward on Saturday and came close to scoring on a couple occasions. One attempt just missed and ended up in the side netting, and another was cleared away just before he could get the shot off.

When asked about his thoughts on the match, Dixon said, “We were moving the ball well. The chemistry was there. It’s just a matter of getting and finishing the chances.”

Dixon is right in saying that the chemistry is improving. The buildup looked better as OKC was able to possess the ball and zip it around with relative ease, finishing with a 62/38 edge in possession.

Another plus was the performance by the defense. Other than the mistake which led to the goal, the backline did well by only allowing six shots with two finding the target.

The biggest concern still seems to come as the Greens enter the final third of the pitch. The squad only managed four shots in total, with none finding the target. Part of the struggle on Saturday can be credited to STLFC, who did well getting in front and then more-or-less park the bus for the remainder of the match.

“It’s difficult to break down (opponents) on our field that’s 64 yards wide,” Energy FC head coach Steve Cooke said after the match. “It’s a tight space. That means when you’re a goal up, it’s a little more comfortable to defend that space.”

Going forward, Energy FC will likely be without their two starting holding midfielders from Saturday night. Juan Pablo Guzman picked up an injury after slipping awkwardly and had to be replaced in the 36th minute, and Justin Chavez was sent off when he picked up his second booking in the 85th. The latter will be suspended for the trip to Reno. We’ll have to wait and see on the status of the captain. Callum Ross, who started as a center back, was moved up into a holding role as Coady Andrews made his first appearance of the season when he replaced Guzman.

Energy FC are now 14th in the Western Conference, 7 points off a playoff spot and 11 points behind conference leaders Sacramento Republic FC.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Jose Angulo made his season debut replacing Miguel Gonzalez in the 66th minute. Despite not being able to influence the play much, with limited opportunities on the ball, it was good to see the striker healthy again and hopefully his return will help ignite the Energy FC attack - just like he did in 2017.

Watch this space later in the week for a more in depth preview of the upcoming match against Reno 1868 FC.

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