During the last week of July, two Oklahoma Energy Football Club teams ended incredible seasons that began almost a year ago. The ’01 boys, coached by Jesse Faily and Nour Bensaoud, and the ’03 boys, coached by Tommy Riley, both qualified for the 2018 US Youth Soccer National Championships by winning their respective National Leagues, and both teams ended up making it all the way to the final four!

After grueling league and postseason competitions leading up to the biggest club tournament in the country, the boys didn’t have to travel far to compete against the best teams from across the nation, as this year’s tournament was held in Frisco, Texas.

The ‘01s competed in a group that also featured the best sides from Georgia, California and Missouri. They advanced from group play to earn a spot in the semifinals but came up just short against Tampa Bay United, an affiliate of USL club Tampa Bay Rowdies.

The ‘03s advanced from group play against the top clubs from South Carolina, California and New York. They earned a spot in the knockout rounds after beating the teams from California and New York, 2-0. In the semifinal, they fought hard but were beaten by the eventual national champions from Las Vegas.

Tommy Riley, Head Coach for the ’03 boys, was delighted with the effort and results saying, “I’m proud of the boys and their accomplishments this season. To finish top four in the nation is a massive achievement and gives us something to build on for next year.”

After the tournament was over, personal accolades were handed down to players from each team. Fernando Saldana, forward for the ‘03s, and Timothy Rolfs, defender for the ‘01s, were both selected to the 2018 National Championship Best XI Teams for their respective age groups.

Everyone at Energy FC is very proud of the effort and achievements of all the boys, and we look forward to seeing the amazing things you will accomplish next season.

#ForCityAndClub