I really hate to say this, but this is an absolute joke. The design and colors were completely stolen from Seattle simply because they are one of the most popular teams in the league with a large fan base. Also I sense a bit of a jab towards them in regards to the Thunder. I never liked any of the names or logos really and I wish we had been more simplistic. Oklahoma City FC, AC Oklahoma, etc. Then if we wanted to afterwards we could attach a nickname; similar to Manchester United. They are officially called Manchester United FC but they are nicknamed the Red Devils. I think this would have been a much better, more traditional approach that would have appealed to the soccer crowd much more, rather than grasping at thin air for all the traditional Oklahoman sports fans that barely support the Barons or Redhawks as is. As for the crest, they are creative, yes, but they do not fit in this sport or league. If we want to transform American soccer into a product that is taken seriously by football/futbol/fussbal fans and teams overseas then we need to stop coming up with immature, childlike names. I wouldn't even name a youth soccer team the "Wind" or "Spirit," let alone a professional soccer team. This is why, although I still support it, American soccer continues to drive me crazy. Alas, I digress. I'm getting off of my soapbox now.

I really hate to say this, but this is an absolute joke. The design and colors were completely stolen from Seattle simply because they are one of the most popular teams in the league with a large fan base. Also I sense a bit of a jab towards them in regards to the Thunder. I never liked any of the names or logos really and I wish we had been more simplistic. Oklahoma City FC, AC Oklahoma, etc. Then if we wanted to afterwards we could attach a nickname; similar to Manchester United. They are officially called Manchester United FC but they are nicknamed the Red Devils. I think this would have been a much better, more traditional approach that would have appealed to the soccer crowd much more, rather than grasping at thin air for all the traditional Oklahoman sports fans that barely support the Barons or Redhawks as is. As for the crest, they are creative, yes, but they do not fit in this sport or league. If we want to transform American soccer into a product that is taken seriously by football/futbol/fussbal fans and teams overseas then we need to stop coming up with immature, childlike names. I wouldn't even name a youth soccer team the "Wind" or "Spirit," let alone a professional soccer team. This is why, although I still support it, American soccer continues to drive me crazy. Alas, I digress. I'm getting off of my soapbox now.

There's some truth and some ridiculousness to your post. Guess what people did when "Real Salt Lake" came out? They made fun of it, saying it was too much a reach to "be like the rest of the world."

Pro soccer in the USA unfortunately has to dumb itself down to reach a broader spectrum of sports fans. It knows it'll have the diehards. I'm okay with that. It's the approach the MLS took and it's working (yes it's a slow process, creating a wildly successful global league does not happen overnight, despite what you want to happen).

As far as you thinking it's a complete rip on the Sounders and a jab re: the Thunder, doubtful. I also was unaware the Sounders have a kit that resembles our home kit.

http://www.energyfc.com/en/img/content/blog/full02.png

Energy FC - Oklahoma City Energy FC Secures a Home (http://www.energyfc.com/en/news-node-2.html)

SL PRO team Oklahoma City Energy FC will play their regular season home and playoff games at Pribil Stadium on the campus of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Oklahoma City.

The stadium is conveniently located in the central part of Oklahoma City near a thriving business district at I-44 and Western. Prodigal Owner Bob Funk Jr. says of the venue, “It’s located in the heart of the city, has a wide variety of pre- and post-game dining options around the Western Avenue corridor, and provides sports fans with an opportunity to see soccer in an intimate environment.”

Initially drawn to the stadium for its natural grass field which is ideal for soccer, Prodigal consulted their advisory board, staff, alumni and boosters of Bishop McGuinness, and executives of MLS and USL PRO, who felt that playing at Pribil was hands down the best option.

“We appreciate the staff, alumni and boosters from Bishop McGuinness for providing our team with the opportunity to play soccer in their stadium. The tradition of athletic success is strong at McGuinness, and we look forward to adding to that tradition,” said Prodigal Owner Bob Funk Jr.

Though Oklahoma City Energy FC is excited to have a home for the forseeable future, Prodigal is already developing plans for a stadium in downtown OKC, which would be a catalyst for an even more tailored professional soccer experience.

Since when is I-44 and Western the heart of the city?

So I am guessing with them playing games at a Catholic school field no beer sales at games (oh wait, nevermind, it's Catholic, not Baptist, hooray!)

"Though Oklahoma City Energy FC is excited to have a home for the forseeable future, Prodigal is already developing plans for a stadium in downtown OKC, which would be a catalyst for an even more tailored professional soccer experience."

Glad they are committed to downtown...

But where will they build??

Also what happen to the Soccer Team that is affiliated with NASL

"Though Oklahoma City Energy FC is excited to have a home for the forseeable future, Prodigal is already developing plans for a stadium in downtown OKC, which would be a catalyst for an even more tailored professional soccer experience."

Glad they are committed to downtown...

But where will they build??

Same thought. Not really sure.

Even though it looks like a Sounders kit, I'm really digging that darker one.

Plus the darker one seem less likely to blend into the field, though there is something to be said for adding the color(s) of the team they are temporarily using the stadium of, since that field probably has that lighter shade of green around and would not be changing just for the soccer team.

While I was not really tied to any of the names, I am glad it was not Wind or 46ers.

That locations is perfect to get sponsorship from Chesapeake and AEP.

I just tried to post an extremely long reply and it vanished. Great.

I just tried to post an extremely long reply and it vanished. Great.

Sucks. I hope you don't think I was attacking you.

it sounds like we are going to get both a USL and NASL Soccer team.NASL will come in 2015.

I just tried to post an extremely long reply and it vanished. Great.Had that happen to me a few weeks ago, man I was so mad.

"Though Oklahoma City Energy FC is excited to have a home for the forseeable future, Prodigal is already developing plans for a stadium in downtown OKC, which would be a catalyst for an even more tailored professional soccer experience."

Glad they are committed to downtown...

But where will they build??Would somewhere in or around the C2S area work?

Do their plans to use Bishop McGuinness mean Taft is out? or is Taft the fall back consideration for NASL?
BTW, I consider Bishop McGuiness just as "central OKC" as Taft, is.

Maybe Taft is being used by the competing team?

Taft is being used by the NASL group, while BMHS is being used by the USL group.

5062

From the Energy Facebook page.

I'm rooting for both groups to be successful; our city is expanding and so is our sports' menu. Soccer will round out our sports calendar and become a welcomed addition to NCAA college football (OU,OSU), NBA Thunder basketball and AHL Barons' AAA hockey.

The competition between Oklahoma City & Tulsa has made for some strange bedfellows--both communities are now exhibiting pride as many companies, private donors and large energy companies are stepping up to the plate to expand our profile.


Oklahoma City:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GJIHhypBmU&feature=player_embedded

The competition between Tulsa & Oklahoma City has made for some strange bedfellows--both communities are now exhibiting pride as many companies, private donors and large energy companies are stepping up to the plate to expand our profile.


Tulsa:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt8no0s5lSM&feature=player_detailpage

The Energy have released the seating chart for the tickets


Energy FC - Tickets (http://energyfc.com/en/tickets.html)

Do their plans to use Bishop McGuinness mean Taft is out? or is Taft the fall back consideration for NASL?
BTW, I consider Bishop McGuiness just as "central OKC" as Taft, is.

The current PDL team that will transition to NASL is Oklahoma City FC and will play at Taft Stadium.

Houston Dynamo plans to announce a new (never have had one before) USL Pro affiliate for 2014. I really hope it's OKC (selfishly)...

Dynamo To Announce USL-Pro Affiliate Tomorrow - Dynamo Theory (http://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/11/25/5143290/houston-dynamo-usl-pro-affiliate-announcement)

Houston Dynamo plans to announce a new (never have had one before) USL Pro affiliate for 2014. I really hope it's OKC (selfishly)...

Dynamo To Announce USL-Pro Affiliate Tomorrow - Dynamo Theory (http://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/11/25/5143290/houston-dynamo-usl-pro-affiliate-announcement)

No, I want OKC to be Sporting KC's new affiliate since Orlando City went up.

No, I want OKC to be Sporting KC's new affiliate since Orlando City went up.

That would be fantastic.

I'd be thrilled with either one to be honest, just as long as it's not FC Frisco

Houston Dynamo plans to announce a new (never have had one before) USL Pro affiliate for 2014. I really hope it's OKC (selfishly)...

Dynamo To Announce USL-Pro Affiliate Tomorrow - Dynamo Theory (http://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/11/25/5143290/houston-dynamo-usl-pro-affiliate-announcement)


I'd be thrilled with either one to be honest, just as long as it's not FC Frisco

Update: "Houston Dynamo strike USL PRO affiliation with Pittsburgh Riverhounds." http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/11/25/source-houston-dynamo-strike-usl-pro-affiliation-pittsburgh-riverhounds

Let's transition forward, we don't need another farm team.

It's time for us to begin our 'breakthrough' into major professional soccer. The NASL & the USL-Pro will both market our city's soccer community. Can we support one or both and eventually move to the highest caliber of major professional soccer in North America?

Our demographics mirror that of Salt Lake City who has NBA and MLS. Are we ready for both?

We're not large enough for major professional baseball or ice hockey; so we can live with being one level below the great communities like Houston, Philadelphia, Cleveland & Fort Worth-Dallas (AAA baseball); meet the same challenge having hosted Boston, Minnesota and Edmonton (AAA ice hockey). Now we're competing with Dallas, Cleveland, Houston, Minnesota & Philadelphia in the NBA.

We now have a chance to increase our profile in professional soccer at the highest level and not as an affiliate.

Studies show that we have the income available to support soccer as a major league sport; we don't need the umbrella of a Texas mother hen (Houston or Dallas) to get to the next level.

The time is ripe for Oklahoma City to expand our menu in major professional sports.



NBA in OKC 2008; now MLS in Oklahoma City 2020.

Orlando city was the KC farm team now they are going to mls

Orlando city was the KC farm team now they are going to mls

I'm more sold on getting to the MLS through the NASL (McLaughin & Sold Out Strategies) either through expansion or a possible future merger.

In all fairness to the USL-Pro; four of its former teams made the jump to MLS: Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps, Portland Timbers and the Montreal Impact.

Robert Funk Sr., explored the MLS in the early 2000s with a partnership to enlarge Wantland Stadium on the CSU campus to 20,000-plus; that project was put on the shelf when Funk purchased AAA PCL Oklahoma RedHawks.

Funk's track record hasn't been impressive about possible NHL & MLS expansion franchises. We've heard this chorus line before with the NHL in 2000 and the MLS in 2004. How much longer will the AHL Barons survive under this leadership?

Does the OKC USL-Pro (Funk) group have the expertise to take the city to the MLS level?

NHL club moving to Oklahoma City?

NHL club moving to Oklahoma City? - Hockey - CBC (http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl-club-moving-to-oklahoma-city-1.207389)

We've heard this chorus line before with the NHL in 2000 and the MLS in 2004.

One of the NHL teams was reportedly just using OKC as leverage to get public funding from the city they were (are still in) and were not seriously considering moving, it would not surprise me if that was the case in other cities as well. Between the time the arena was built (maybe even once construction was underway) and the Thunder arrived, the statistics of available sports dollars coupled with a new facility here would make it a convincing threat to any city wanting to keep a team in their city.

There are now 5 USL teams in MLS with the addition of Orlando City

The question for MLS in OKC will all come down to whether the league wants to continue to expand by the time OKC is ready to move up. With Miami, Orlando City SC, NYCFC we're looking at 22 teams. There have been rumblings about Atlanta and a couple more cities already. Unless MLS increases the salary cap along with expansion the league will be too watered down as far as talent goes. There is already a serious shortage in players that can finish clinically on a consistent basis. Not saying OKC doesn't have the chance to move up, just saying that the league is pretty full as it is and without a larger salary cap they may not want to add more teams when OKC is ready.

Slight downside but according to the Energy Twitter feed they wont be selling beer on the stadium grounds. probably since it is a high school stadium

I'm more sold on getting to the MLS through the NASL (McLaughin & Sold Out Strategies) either through expansion or a possible future merger.

In all fairness to the USL-Pro; four of its former teams made the jump to MLS: Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps, Portland Timbers and the Montreal Impact.

Robert Funk Sr., explored the MLS in the early 2000s with a partnership to enlarge Wantland Stadium on the CSU campus to 20,000-plus; that project was put on the shelf when Funk purchased AAA PCL Oklahoma RedHawks.

Funk's track record hasn't been impressive about possible NHL & MLS expansion franchises. We've heard this chorus line before with the NHL in 2000 and the MLS in 2004. How much longer will the AHL Barons survive under this leadership?

Does the OKC USL-Pro (Funk) group have the expertise to take the city to the MLS level?

NHL club moving to Oklahoma City?

NHL club moving to Oklahoma City? - Hockey - CBC (http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl-club-moving-to-oklahoma-city-1.207389)

Maybe the reason the NHL isn't coming to OKC is because they aren't the best thing for the metro. I would argue that the NHL is the worst managed league of the four and, as much as I love hockey in deference to the other three sports represented by a major league in contention at the time (2000?), we're fortunate to NOT have an NHL franchise here. The AHL Barons are a different entity than the Blazers and a suitable hockey presence in Oklahoma City. I don't know about how good the OKC USL-Pro group is, but we dodged a bullet in avoiding the NHL in 2000.

Slight downside but according to the Energy Twitter feed they wont be selling beer on the stadium grounds. probably since it is a high school stadium

That's a real drag. I wonder if they will allow BYOB in the parking lot beforehand for tailgating?

We have supported a higher league sports' franchise than the MLS. If one of these groups breaks ground on a stadium or one is put before the voters for MAPS IV 2017, we should be poised to secure (expansion or relocation) an MLS franchise by 2020.

I recall when the Oklahoma Raiders first mentioned relocating the team from the Emerald City, their city leaders laughed. It became a pawn game when Kansas City was mentioned as a possible relocation destination besides OKC. They knew that the Oklahoma ownership group was seriously contemplating a move from Seattle if they didn't get a new arena. Seattle's Key Arena at the time was the smallest NBA venue in the league; also it had the highest lease among franchises. When negotiations included Kansas City; they knew the ownership was serious about relocation.

"Bennett said he remains concerned about Oklahoma City's long-term viability as an NBA market but has concerns about Kansas City, too, which already has two major-league franchises."--Oklahoman

Sonics open talks with OKC, KC Sonics begin relocation talks<br/><span class='hl2'>Bennett: City is likely destination if team leaves SeattleTeam's chairman says OKC likely destination if Sonics leave Seattle, but negotiations will include Kansas Cit (http://newsok.com/article/3060094/)


After five full years of this franchise being successful in OKC we have passed the NBA's litmus test as we being our third year of consecutive sellouts in the Thunder's sixth season in our city.

There is room for soccer to grow in our city as we have proven ourselves as an NBA city. Now we're ready for another high profile league to add to our sports menu. The NASL vs. USL-Pro battle may be just the fix to elevate OKC back to the MLS radar.

I know this isn't a popular opinion among a lot of Americans, but why not just go to a promotion/relegation system like every other country? We have the MLS/NASL/USL that could serve as the different tiers of one league... Rebrand it and go from there. I know I am just one guy on a forum, but that would be the best way to go IMO.

I am on the fence about the MLS. when it comes to wanting a MAJOR sports franchise I want that particular sport to be where the best in the world compete. unfortunately for the USA and soccer the best go to Europe. NBA, NFL, and MLB are where the best in the world go to play (maybe not so much for NFL). That's why Im ok if the tier we are stuck with is USL/NASL. Where we don't have to shell out top dollar to build stadiums for not top talent.

If that makes any sense whatsoever. Hard to put it in writing.

a mls expansion article.
No mention of okc being even a canidate....




David Beckham said to be planning 75,000-seat soccer stadium in Miami - chicagotribune.com (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/la-sp-sn-david-beckham-stadium-20131126,0,4111612.story)

Glad Oklahoma City isn't associated in any way with this article; neither were San Antonio, Sacramento, Cleveland or Phoenix.

Post #409 on NFL in OKC

We hear these type of '5 second commercials' all the time. This was about a soccer stadium in Miami which about the same chance of getting under construction as a new gothic cathedral being built in Valley Brook, Oklahoma.

Oklahoma City will not be on the MLS' radar until after the NASL & USL-Pro begin their seasons and butts are put in the seats.

MLS names five candidiate cities for expansion (http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sbnation/SBNation_20131203_MLS_names_five_candidiate_cities _for_expansion.html)

There was a USL-Pro team announced for Colorado Springs today.
Colorado Springs Gazette - Pro soccer franchise coming to Colorado Springs (http://gazette.com/pro-soccer-franchise-coming-to-colorado-springs/article/1510347)

I talked with some Energy people last night at a marketing event and they told me they were going to be announcing their MLS affiliation before Christmas. Here's to hoping it's going to be SKC..

I talked with some Energy people last night at a marketing event and they told me they were going to be announcing their MLS affiliation before Christmas. Here's to hoping it's going to be SKC..

I really hope that happens.

I talked with some Energy people last night at a marketing event and they told me they were going to be announcing their MLS affiliation before Christmas. Here's to hoping it's going to be SKC..

That would be cool but I'm not sure that will happen since SKC still has Orlando City as an affiliate for one more year. While I'd love to see it I'm starting to think maybe it's FC Dallas simply due to proximity...just a gut feeling though.

The Energy now have subreddit dedicated to em

OKC Energy FC - Oklahoma's USL-PRO team! (http://www.reddit.com/r/okcenergy/)

EnergyFC: We're excited to welcome @uslprotulsa to the @USLPRO family! We're looking forward to having a turnpike rival in 2015. #Tulsa2015

Tulsa set to get USL Pro club as third-tier expansion continues to build steam | Planet Futbol - SI.com (http://soccer.si.com/2013/12/18/mls-usl-pro-tulsa-nielsen-kansas-city-sacramento-oklahoma/)

Some really good nuggets here, including a possible coach for OKC and that we're looking likely to be KC's affiliate.

It's official, via Twitter (@EnergyFC):

We’re excited to announce our @MLS affiliation with the 2013 @MLS Cup Champions @SportingKC > Energy FC Announces MLS Affiliation - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybOYOTpu2MU) … pic.twitter.com/LcRVH2WRSx

And to welcome @PumaNielsen1 as our head coach > Jimmy Nielsen Named Energy FC Head Coach - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EChSqtudipk) … pic.twitter.com/zxo3Bs7SO4

It's official, via Twitter (@EnergyFC):

We’re excited to announce our @MLS affiliation with the 2013 @MLS Cup Champions @SportingKC > Energy FC Announces MLS Affiliation - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybOYOTpu2MU) … pic.twitter.com/LcRVH2WRSx

And to welcome @PumaNielsen1 as our head coach > Jimmy Nielsen Named Energy FC Head Coach - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EChSqtudipk) … pic.twitter.com/zxo3Bs7SO4

Was just coming to post that, my wish has come true. I'm very excited about Nielsen being our first coach as well.

Looks like we will have Tulsa as a USL Pro rival, one odd thing about their plan is using the baseball field for the drillers to play in. From the conceptual renderings it looks like they are pushing the field out so they can avoid the pitchers mound.

(apologies in advance, very opinionated rant forthcoming)

Can't stand when stadiums that were built as "baseball only stadiums" hold football games (or other sports, would be similarly annoyed if a baseball team played in a football or soccer-only stadium). It's just so awkward. There's a bowl game at Yankee Stadium... what??? The XFL played on some baseball fields as well. We tore down most of those 70s era multi-sport stadiums partially on the basis of fan experience in a venue not designed for the sport and built single-sport stadiums at great cost, but then we still use them for multiple sports... so what happened to the importance of that fan experience? Sigh...

I'm sure it's a temporary thing for the Tulsa soccer team, so I don't mind it as much.

i think NASL team is getting beaten baldly by the OKC USL team

My understanding is that the NASL team will be "Division II" and the USL team will be "Division III", right? So they should not be in competition with each other any more than the Redhawks (AAA) and Drillers (AA) would be? Aside from the personal beef between the owners, I've not quite understood the strife between these two teams...

That is the designation given by the USFF They have mls tier 1 nasl tier 2 and usl tier 3.

However this was from a while ago. In practice usl and nasl are more and more co tier 2. And the usl now has a deal to be the sub league to the mls. While the nasl wants to compete with mls

I see. Thanks for the clarification. I tried to read up on Wikipedia, but it still was not clear what the hub-bub was between these leagues...

My understanding is that the NASL team will be "Division II" and the USL team will be "Division III", right? So they should not be in competition with each other any more than the Redhawks (AAA) and Drillers (AA) would be? Aside from the personal beef between the owners, I've not quite understood the strife between these two teams...
Competing for fan money and loyalty can be just as competitive , in a lot of markets (especially ones where the sports market is getting overextended) the other local teams no matter the sport are a bigger rival to management than anyone they play on the feild.

Interview with head coach Jimmy Nielsen

Interview with Jimmy Nielsen - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oO0PqGWZ70)

I don't understand NASL's position in trying to compete with MLS.

I think nasl starting a year later is going to hurt them badly. Would be surprised if they play for more than a year.

Hopefully okc energy can get beer sales at mcguinnes, maybe not during the school year but during the summer.