Energy FC (10th, 10-13-5, 35 pts) went to Kansas City and probably should have won or, at the very least, drawn against Swope Park Rangers (6th, 43 pts). With an attack so potent, one would imagine that 16 shots would be more than enough for the Greens to pick up their fifth win in a row, but it wasn’t meant to be on Sunday afternoon. Chance after chance came for OKC, but no one in white was able to put one away, while the hosts capitalized on one of the few opportunities that fell their way.

Between Christian Volesky, Adam Jahn and Alex Dixon, Energy FC had more than enough opportunities to win the match,, especially for strikers of their quality, and that’s what is most frustrating. If the Greens had been played off the park, then one could argue that they got what they deserved. Unfortunately, sometimes things just don’t go the way they are supposed to.

The best chance in the first half, other than what might have come from an inexcusable non-call on a back pass to SPR goalkeeper Adrian Zendejas, fell to Volesky in the 19th minute after some fantastic buildup play between the front three. Jahn nodded down a goal kick from Cody Laurendi to Volesky, who then found Dixon open on the wing. Volesky continued making his run into the box and Dixon picked him out with a perfectly-weighted cross. The striker took a touch before lashing a volley that just crept past the far post.

After the restart, OKC had a couple of quick chances that were created down the right side with Jahn and Dixon both probably feeling they could have done better. There were appeals for a penalty on Jahn’s attempt, as it looked like the striker was clipped while shooting, but the referee waved them off.

The Greens increased the pressure and pretty much dominated for the remainder of the match, outshooting SPR 11 to 6 in the second half, with 4 shots on target compared to none for the hosts. An inspired performance from Zendejas and a bit of bad luck resulted in the four-match winning streak being snapped.

Despite the loss, all is not lost. The offense continued to create plenty of opportunities and the defense kept SPR at bay for the most part. Other than a couple of mix-ups in the back early on and Hadji Barry’s solo effort, SPR didn’t threaten much except for shots from distance. There’s no reason to think the Greens won’t continue to play well down the stretch, and another winning streak is not unthinkable.

Marco Bustos, a 66th-minute substitution, impressed again in an attacking midfield role. The Canadian is so dynamic on the ball and is always looking to pick out the killer pass to find a teammate in scoring position. He was unfortunate not to end the day with a pair of assists when Zendejas denied both Dixon and Jahn. He’s an exciting prospect and one Energy FC supporters will be hoping to see more and more of going forward.

Elsewhere in the league, there were some favorable and unfavorable scorelines over the holiday weekend. Fresno FC (11th, 35pts) and Reno 1868 FC (7th, 42 pts) drew, LA Galaxy II (13th, 30pts) beat Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (12th, 34 pts) and Portland Timbers 2 (5th, 45 pts) beat Saint Louis FC (9th, 39 pts). Unfortunately, San Antonio FC (8th, 40 pts) earned a massive away win at Real Monarchs SLC (1st, 53 pts) to jump back into a playoff spot.

There’s no time to dwell on what could have been, as Energy FC travel to the west coast to take on Orange County SC on Saturday night in a crucial, practically must-win match. Sitting five points outside 8th place with an extra game played, the Greens will need wins and other results to go their way.

Check back here on Thursday for a preview of the Greens’ trip to the coast.