Sometimes in sport, the scoreline isn’t a fair reflection of the match. That sentiment proved to be true on Saturday night, as Energy FC was the better side and deserved to take all three points.

The Greens came to rue missed opportunities, as the Swope Park Rangers capitalized on a mistake and left Taft Stadium with the points. Similar to last year’s Western Conference Final, the rematch was decided from the spot. A missed clearance by Richard Dixon in the 86th minute allowed Hadji Barry to attempt a cross that struck Dixon’s arm, and the referee wasted no time in awarding a penalty that Barry calmly dispatched.

Swope came to OKC looking for a win, as its starting XI featured five players on loan from Sporting Kansas City, including the USL’s leading scorer, Kharlton Belmar. Although Swope Park ended the game with a 60/40 edge in possession, Belmar was mostly kept quiet, and it was Oklahoma City that created the best chances and ended up outshooting the visitors 17 to 5. It was also another physical match for the Greens as the teams combined for 23 fouls and 6 cards.

It’s no coincidence that Jose Angulo’s return to the starting lineup sparked some life into what has been a fairly stagnant attack this season. Angulo ended the night with a club record nine shots, and if he were in midseason form, a couple of those likely find the back of the net, especially the point-blank chance from six yards out that was struck right at Darrin MacLeod in the 65th minute.

Last year’s leading goal scorer for OKC not only started, but he played the full 90 minutes – something that most weren’t expecting to see. It was hard to tell that Angulo had just regained fitness, as the striker created numerous chances for himself and others, including a golden opportunity in the 23rd minute when his skewed shot ended up on the foot of Jaime Siaj. Unfortunately, the Spaniard couldn’t steer the first-time attempt on target.

Angulo’s ability to score from just about anywhere and create something out of nothing forces defenses to play differently, as he was constantly pressured by multiple Swope defenders. With his strength, excellent first touch and quick feet, he’s a nightmare for opposing teams to play against. Because he draws so much attention and is often double-teamed, other players are free to occupy the open space. Simply put: he changes the whole dynamic of the game.

At the end of the night, Saturday’s performance was the Greens’ best this season. The passing was sharper and more incisive, the movement on and off the ball was free flowing, and the team looked dangerous on the counter-attack – something they haven’t shown much of early in the season.

Coach Steve Cooke opted for a 4-4-2 formation again. Justin Chavez and Jose Barril made up the central midfield pairing, with Chavez playing deeper and Barril getting forward. Siaj and Angulo formed the strike partnership, and Jon Brown and Alex Dixon were deployed on the wings. The backline remained unchanged from week 7. Assuming no one picked up any injuries, it would be difficult to imagine Cooke lining the squad up any differently in the near future, especially with Juan Pablo Guzman still being sidelined due to injury and Miguel Gonzalez having two more matches to serve in his suspension.

Energy FC now sit 16th in the Western Conference, 9 points off a playoff spot and 13 points behind conference leaders Orange County SC.

Watch this space tomorrow for a preview of Matchweek 9, when 4th place Phoenix Rising FC visit Taft Stadium.