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Matchweek 17 Report: Greens Unbeaten in Five Matches

By Tyler Vaughn, 07/09/18, 8:30AM CDT

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Matchweek 17 wasn’t exactly what Energy FC were hoping for in terms of results, but two good performances and two points from matches against Western Conference rivals to keep a five-match unbeaten run intact is never a bad thing.

On Wednesday night, San Antonio FC and Energy FC did what they’ve done so often in the past and battled to a draw – the sixth in the short history between the two clubs. Jose Barril’s goal of the week/month/year contender from Alex Dixon’s inch-perfect cross in the 68th minute was canceled out nine minutes later by an outstanding goal from Alex Bruce.

Coach Cooke went with a 4-2-3-1 formation again and made two changes to the lineup that beat LA Galaxy II in Week 15: Matt VanOekel; Christian Ibeagha, Justin Chavez, Drew Beckie, Shawn McLaws; Callum Ross, Philip Rasmussen; A. Dixon, Barril (Richard Dixon, 87’), Miguel Gonzalez (Francis Atuahene, 65’); Christian Volesky (Jaime Siaj, 76’).

Energy FC will certainly feel like three points were there for the taking, having created the better of the chances. If it weren’t for several big saves by San Antonio goalkeeper Matt Cardone to deny Miguel Gonzalez, Christian Volesky and Christian Ibeagha, OKC might have gone ahead much earlier and potentially won comfortably. After scoring his world-class goal, Barril had another opportunity to give the Greens the lead again in the 80th minute, but a good tackle and a questionable no-call in the box prevented that from happening.

While the attack wasn’t able to cash in on more than one opportunity, the backline was resolute yet again, barring the top-class strike from Bruce. The Greens allowed 17 shots but 13 of those came from outside the box, as San Antonio was rarely able to break down the defense and had to settle for attempts from distance for most of the night.

On Saturday, the boys returned home to face another familiar foe, Colorado Springs. Again, the Greens went ahead thanks to Dixon and Barril – this time Barril turned provider for Dixon. Barril's work down the left side to split the defenders and leave them behind before putting in a quality cross was top class, and Dixon made the rest look easy with a good first touch and quick shot through the legs of Moise Pouaty.

Just like in San Antonio, the Greens were the better side on the night, but the visitors capitalized on their best chance, just after the second half restart, to pick up a point. The Switchbacks changed up their formation at halftime, and the Greens were caught a bit off guard during the opening minutes of the second half, which led to Shane Malcolm finding some space through the middle and doing well to get his shot past VanOekel.

A minor knock for Chavez and sudden illness to Ibeagha meant that Cooke had to rotate the backline, but the formation remained unchanged: VanOekel (Bryan Byars, 52’); R. Dixon, Jordan Cano, Beckie, McLaws; Ross, Rasmussen; Atuahene (Siaj, 74’), Barril, A. Dixon; Volesky (Gonzalez, 80’).

Coach Cooke couldn’t help but show a bit of frustration saying after the match saying, “We need to be more ruthless… I think it’s a good learning moment for the players… I thought tonight was a very winnable game, and I’m sure Colorado are very happy with their performance and will go home happy with a point, but for us, it’s two points dropped.”

Having said that, Cooke was quick to reflect on the good run of form and improved performances: “Five games unbeaten, three of which were wins, a tie on the road last game. More for me, looking back, it’s a nine-game period of play, where we’ve not only picked up a lot of points, but we’ve dominated games.”

What a turnaround and difference a couple of months make. Before this run, there appeared to be some uneasiness among supporters about what kind of performance the team would put out each night. Now, the Greens are looking consistent and confidence seems to be growing each week.

Fans will also be bullish on the resurgence of Barril. The Spaniard has regained the form that he showed week in, week out in 2017, and he’s terrorizing defenses just about every time he has the ball. He and Alex Dixon have been two of the main reasons for the improved attacking displays, and they will likely be two of the first names on the team sheet on Wednesday night and for the foreseeable future.

Oklahoma City native Byars made his first appearance of the season against the Switchbacks, when VanOekel went down injured in the 52nd minute. The keeper was immediately called into action when Marty Maybin tried to pick out the top corner in the 53rd minute. The shot was destined for the back of the net before Byars, who barely had time to warm up, quickly got across his line and swatted the ball away at full stretch to keep the scores level. Don't be surprised to see it nominated for USL's Save of the Week.

While initially a little nervous about being unexpectedly called upon, Byars, a seasoned professional, said, “There were a few little butterflies, but once you kinda get in the 18, once I get there, they’re all gone. That’s my comfort zone.”

The status of VanOekel is uncertain at this time, as well as that of Volesky, who had to be substituted in the 80th minute after clashing heads with Jamal Jack.

After week 17, the Greens are still seven points behind 8th place, but they’ll have a chance to jump ahead two positions with a win over Las Vegas Lights FC on Wednesday evening, assuming Los Dos also drop points against Reno 1868 FC that night. It will be the third match in eight days for a squad that’s taken a few licks lately. Fortunately, there’s plenty of depth in the team and Cooke has quality options to call upon at every position. Also, the Greens will have 10 days off before travelling to Sacramento on July 21, so the break should allow time to heal some of these niggling injuries.

Watch this space Tuesday for a preview of Matchweek 18, as Energy FC host Las Vegas Lights FC Wednesday night at Taft Stadium.