Matchweek 20 did not go as hoped. One point from two home matches against playoff contenders makes the hole a bit deeper, as Energy FC look to make it to the postseason for the fourth straight year. A fairly dull, nil-nil draw against Fresno FC on Wednesday was followed by a heart-breaking, 2-1 defeat to San Antonio FC on Saturday night, ending OKC's eight-match unbeaten run. In both matches, the Greens were the better side and deserved win, but sometimes it just doesn't work out that way.

It appeared that Fresno came to Taft Stadium to play for a draw, and the visitors got exactly that. The Foxes prevented the Greens from finding the back of the net for the first time since the 3-0 loss to Phoenix Rising FC on May 9, a streak of 11 matches. After returning from a grueling contest in Sacramento in week 19, OKC looked a little flat Wednesday night. The usual dynamism from the attack couldn’t find a way through the Fresno defense, as the Foxes stayed compact and organized throughout the 90 minutes.

The best chance in the first half came in the 43rd minute, when Jose Barril found Alex Dixon running into the box with a superb, reverse pass. Unfortunately, Fresno defender Kamden Fewo got enough of a deflection on the shot to steer it wide of the goal. Callum Ross had a good opportunity to put the Greens ahead in the 62nd minute when Richard Dixon teed the midfielder up at the top of the box. Ross tried to curl his shot to the back post but got a little too much on it, and it sailed just wide of the target.

While Wednesday’s match turned out to be fairly lackluster in terms of quality attacking, Saturday’s visit from San Antonio did not disappoint. SAFC came into town having never beaten Energy FC and left with three points in a match they didn’t deserve to win.

Atiba Harris nearly opened the scoring in the second minute, but his thumping header crashed off the post and the rebound from Ross was blocked off the line. It was clear from the get-go that this would be a different type of match, as the sides traded punches throughout the opening 45 minutes.

OKC took the lead in the 58th minute through a free kick of the highest quality. Dixon was fouled just outside the box, setting up a free kick left of center and perfect for a right-footed dead ball specialist. Up stepped Philip Rasmussen. The Dane bent the ball up and over the wall and back down again, leaving Diego Restrepo no chance at making a save. All the keeper could do was shrug at his wall for not being taller.

Things went from good to bad in the 71st minute, when Shawn McLaws brought down Connor Presley in the box. A bit of sloppy defending led to the left back lunging for a ball that Presley touched heavily, looking to draw contact. Former Energy FC midfielder Mikey Lopez calmly dispatched the penalty to level the score against the run of play.

SAFC stepped up the pressure and struck again just nine minutes later. Charlie Ward delivered an in-swinging cross that all Ever Guzman had to do was touch onto goal, and that’s exactly what the striker did. The goal came with a bit of controversy; however, as Harris was called for a foul and booked after appearing to cleanly win a header over Omar Gordon. The subsequent free kick led to the chance that gave SAFC the lead.

The Greens looked to hit back and went at San Antonio for the remainder of the match. They could have easily equalized through chances from Christian Volesky, Drew Beckie and Kalif Alhassan, but it wasn’t meant to be, and the night ended with San Antonio FC getting their first-ever win against OKC.

While Head Coach Steve Cooke was disappointed with the result, he was pleased with the performance. He also felt that the foul called on Harris was harsh, saying, “I think we were probably undone by a refereeing decision along the way – a great header from Atiba Harris that the referee, for some strange reason, gave a free kick on."

Cooke didn't place all of the blame on the officiating and continued to say, “We switched off as well and could have focused a little bit better on that, and obviously, we accept responsibility for that.”

There were some positives to take away this week, though. The overall play was good again and has been consistently good over the past two and a half months. It’s not like Energy FC were outplayed by either of these sides. Fresno wanted a point, made life difficult for OKC and got a point. The Greens dominated San Antonio for the majority of the 90 minutes but were punished during a ten-minute spell and a failure to capitalize on chances.

Adam Jahn looks like he’ll be an integral part of the squad for the remainder of the season. Jahn, who signed last week, started and played the full 90 in his first outing with OKC. The 6’3” striker adds a different dimension to the Energy attack and will cause opposing defenses all kinds of problems, particularly on crosses into the box and set pieces.

Making the playoffs isn’t impossible, but the Greens face an uphill battle. Currently, they are eight points off 8th with 12 matches remaining – only three of which are at home. Energy FC are going to have to start doing something they’ve only done once this season – win away from home. But with the team in good form, don't rule them out just yet.

OKC ends the week in 12th place in the west, while San Antonio jumps into 8th after Fresno and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC drew and lost to Tulsa Roughnecks FC and Rio Grande Valley FC, respectively.

Watch this space Thursday for a preview of Saturday’s match at Colorado Springs.