Energy FC’s early-season struggles continued Saturday night, after Reno 1868 FC scored two second half goals to take all three points at Greater Nevada Stadium. The loss was OKC’s sixth straight, tying a club record set twice in 2014. OKC was the better side during the first half until Miguel Gonzalez was sent off in the 38th minute after catching Antoine Hoppenot with a forearm to the face. The loss of Gonzalez for the final 52 minutes was enough to shift the momentum to Reno’s favor.

Although Reno kept a clean sheet, OKC looked more dangerous during the majority of the first half and even during the opening ten minutes of the second half. Coach Steve Cooke opted for a variation of the 4-4-2 formation for the first time this season. Jose Barril and Callum Ross made up the central midfield pairing with Barril having license to get forward and link up more with the attack. Jaime Siaj, having mostly been deployed in wider areas this season, moved centrally, just off the shoulder of lead striker Jon Brown.

The Greens won several corners and free kicks as the result of good buildup play, particularly from the wings. Alex Dixon and Kyle Hyland both provided several high quality crosses, but no one was able to get on the end of them. Siaj looked lively as well just about every time he was on the ball.

Coady Andrews, in his first start of the season, had a gilt-edge opportunity to open the scoring in the 53rd minute. Brown’s in-swinging corner found Andrews all alone at the back post, but the center back was unable to guide the ball on target. Despite the miss on the attacking end,  Andrews looked very solid defensively alongside Christian Ibeagha in the center of defense.

As has been the case several times this season, Energy FC were beaten by a goal of the week contender as Kevin Partida put the hosts ahead with a screamer in the 64th minute.  OKC, chasing the game and down a man, didn’t have the legs to really get back into the match and Reno was able to capitalize again in the 87th minute to seal the points. As the fatigue set in, a long ball over the top found Hoppenot in space. The midfielder dribbled into the box and dropped the ball off for Lindo Mfeka to collect and smash home.

In addition to the improved attacking play, one positive to take away is the return of Philip Rasmussen. The Dane made his first appearance since tearing his ACL in a 2-2 with Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 last June. Rasmussen had become a regular starter during the 2017 season and was in a good run of form before his season-ending injury.

Jose Angulo also gained more match fitness after subbing on in the last quarter of an hour.

One thing has become clear during the early part of this season: Coach Cooke is placing a great emphasis on maintaining possession. Up until Gonzalez was sent off, OKC had the majority of the ball, and this has been the case in every match this season. This style of play is a departure from previous Energy FC teams that have sat back more, absorbed pressure and tried to hit opponents on the counter attack.

As is often the case in soccer, a new style of play takes time to learn, especially for the players that had grown so accustomed to different tactics. Expect Cooke to persevere with this style throughout the season as he looks to build a side that can dominate possession and find ways to unlock opposing defenses.

Energy FC now sit 15th in the Western Conference, 7 points off a playoff spot and 13 points behind conference leaders Orange County SC.

With the win, Reno moves up to 12th with 7 points.

Keep an eye out on Thursday for a more in depth preview of Matchweek 8’s home fixture against 5th place Swope Park Rangers.