Energy FC (10th, 11-14-5, 38 pts) got the job done away to LA Galaxy II and got a little help elsewhere in Matchweek 27 with San Antonio FC losing. Despite going behind early, goals from Jose Barril, Philip Rasmussen and Alex Dixon overturned the deficit and gave the Greens a valuable three points to keep the playoff race alive.

Other than the slow start, it was a mostly-dominant, comfortable performance in Carson, Calif. Barril, who is usually on the other end of the goals, calmly finished off a textbook counter attack with Adam Jahn getting the assist.

The second goal, which proved to be the game-winner, came from an exceptional passing sequence and an effortless-looking finish from Rasmussen. It started with Rasmussen, who played it ahead to Jahn. Jahn laid it off to Barril, who played it wide for Kyle Hyland, and instead of standing and watching, Rasmussen had already taken off on a run and arrived in the penalty area to meet Hyland’s cross with a perfectly-timed volley. Players often opt for power in those situations, but Rasmussen chose placement, opened up his body and guided the ball into the net with the inside of the foot. Sublime.

The Greens sealed the points after another great counter-attacking move that resulted in Callum Ross finding Dixon with a no-look pass and Dixon going one on one and slotting the ball past goalkeeper Eric Lopez.

Of the teams ahead of OKC in the table, Saint Louis FC played twice, drawing Real Monarchs SLC and beating Swope Park Rangers. Reno 1868 FC also picked up a big win by beating Los Dos over the weekend. The best result for Energy FC came from the in-state rivals, as last-place Tulsa Roughnecks FC beat San Antonio FC on Saturday night.

Could the other results have gone better? Sure. But all Greens will take what they can get at this stage and hope that over the next few weeks someone, preferably everyone, drops points. Still, the number one priority for Energy FC is getting a win this Sunday at Taft Stadium, as Sacramento Republic FC comes to town for the final home match of the season. Watch this space later in the week for the preview of that one.