Just read over on BigSoccer that somebody saw a tweet saying the Energy will be playing at Taft next season. Wonder if that's the big announcement.

Just read over on BigSoccer that somebody saw a tweet saying the Energy will be playing at Taft next season. Wonder if that's the big announcement.

Wasn't that the other soccer team?

Just read over on BigSoccer that somebody saw a tweet saying the Energy will be playing at Taft next season. Wonder if that's the big announcement.

That was a speculative tweet I saw as well. I don't think that's the announcement.

With McLaughlin backing out of the NASL group and keeping the lease to Taft, I don't think it is to far fetched for them to move there. I'm hoping the news is about a new stadium all together though.

MCLAUGHLIN JOINS OKC ENERGY FC AS PARTNER (http://www.energyfc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.article&articleID=D4EDD5F4-41B4-E311-A1F9-000C296FBAA9)
MARCH 25, 2014
BACK TO NEWS
OKC Energy FC announced today that respected local businessman Tim McLaughlin has joined the management team as an equal partner with Bob Funk Jr.

The partnership represents a major step towards uniting the Oklahoma City soccer community and strengthens Prodigal’s commitment to bring top level professional soccer to Oklahoma City including a potential Major League Soccer team in the years ahead.

Beginning in early April 2014, OKC Energy FC begins practicing on the campus of Oklahoma City University. OKC Energy FC will compete during the 2014 season at Pribil Stadium on the campus of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. The following Spring, OKC Energy FC will begin play at the re-modeled and historic Taft Stadium, currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. As part of the lease with Taft Stadium, $2 of every soccer ticket sold will benefit Fields & Futures.

Still think their new stadium will be near the Downtown Airpark, although I don't think any details on that will be coming out for a while.

That was a speculative tweet I saw as well. I don't think that's the announcement.

I was wrong.

Call me a little confused. What does this officially mean for the NASL team?

NASL team is dead

Not gonna lie, kind of what I wanted to happen all along. I don't think OKC is big enough right now to support two semi-pro soccer teams but with the possibility of a stadium on the river and a 10,000-20,000 seating capacity could do quite well.

Basically bob funk jr will bring in d-league team to play at McGuinness

Chances their stadium could be a part of MAPS 4 if we have to wait that long?

Basically bob funk jr will bring in d-league team to play at McGuinness


Just to be clear you mean like a d-league in basketball or a triple A team in baseball, not a d-league in baseball, like the Oklahoma state league was from 1912-1924

Chances their stadium could be a part of MAPS 4 if we have to wait that long?

I believe they'll be looking at private funding, maybe supported by TIF(?) before then.

NASL team is dead

Well, it's not officially dead yet. Oklahoma City FC is still going to be playing this year, they are just going to be in the NPSL league. They are still trying to get into NASL next year, but with McLaughlin moving over to the Energy that might have been the blow OKC FC needed to not join the NASL.

Was McLaughlin the major money behind the NASL bid?
Can the OKC FC ownership group pay the franchise fees & player salaries without McLaughlin's backing?

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.article&articleID=D4EDD5F4-41B4-E311-A1F9-000C296FBAA9)

OKC Energy FC announced today that respected local businessman Tim McLaughlin has joined the management team as an equal partner with Bob Funk Jr.

The partnership represents a major step towards uniting the Oklahoma City soccer community and strengthens Prodigal’s commitment to bring top level professional soccer to Oklahoma City including a potential Major League Soccer team in the years ahead.

“We’re pleased to have Tim join OKC Energy FC as an equal partner,” said Prodigal owner Bob Funk Jr. “His passion for the continued success of Oklahoma City and its citizens is unmatched. By uniting our efforts, it brings us another step closer to our shared vision of bringing a Major League Soccer (MLS) team to Oklahoma City in the future.”

McLaughlin’s dedication to Oklahoma City, particularly the students of the Oklahoma City Public Schools, is underscored through the success of the Fields & Futures program founded by him and his wife Liz in early 2012. The program provides much needed funds to build and maintain athletic fields throughout the Oklahoma City Public Schools district. The program contributes to the positive development and retention of coaches as well as inspires student-athletes. Overhauling 44 athletic fields within the Oklahoma City Public Schools district and establishing an endowment for upkeep is the long term goal of the organization.

“I’m looking forward with great enthusiasm to working with Bob Funk Jr. and OKC Energy FC to unite the soccer community in Oklahoma City,” said McLaughlin. “The professionalism of Bob Jr. and his staff along with the strength of the league and their partnership with MLS and Sporting KC attracted me to partner with them. I am excited about what we can do together for soccer and Oklahoma City.”

Beginning in early April 2014, OKC Energy FC begins practicing on the campus of Oklahoma City University. OKC Energy FC will compete during the 2014 season at Pribil Stadium on the campus of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. The following Spring, OKC Energy FC will begin play at the re-modeled and historic Taft Stadium, currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. As part of the lease with Taft Stadium, $2 of every soccer ticket sold will benefit Fields & Futures.

“We greatly appreciate the very generous donation from Tim McLaughlin as part of the Fields & Futures program for rebuilding the vintage Taft Stadium into a modern facility for Oklahoma City Public Schools events and pro soccer,” said interim OKC Public Schools Superintendent Dave Lopez. “The joint efforts of Bob Funk Jr. and Mr. McLaughlin to bring professional soccer to our community also deserves applause."

“Soccer’s popularity continues to soar, not only nationally but also in our community,” said Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. “This is a great time to bring professional soccer to Oklahoma City and lay the foundation for a possible Major League Soccer team in a few years. Oklahoma City has always been at its best with people pulling on the same rope. We appreciate the shared vision of Bob Jr. and Tim to introduce professional soccer to our community and commend them for working together to make it happen.”

OKC Energy FC’s move to Taft allows for Prodigal to operate a franchise in USL’s Premier Development League (PDL). The PDL is the top amateur league in the United States and a professional development league for the United Soccer League. The league consists of 64 teams, playing in four conferences and nine regional divisions. The PDL season runs from May through July. The yet-to-be-named team will play its home games at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School.

“Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School has developed a close relationship with OKC Energy FC,” said Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School athletic director Gary Savely. “We will continue to support the team and work together in whatever role that meets the needs of the team and the community.”

OKC Energy FC opens its home slate of game April 26 at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. Season tickets are available by calling (405) 235-KICK or visiting EnergyFC.com.

Originally they started a USDL team in OKC back in 2012 and McLauglin group wanted to join USLPro team which Energy is under but couldn't because Funk JR got it before they did so they went after NASL which they got.So i think Energy will still be under USL Pro until we get move up to MLS

Also i can confirmed that Supporting KC Soccer team games will be shown live on the Cox Channel 3 and 703

^ This should put the NASL franchise on life support, and although I was an early supporter -- good riddance. We need to support one team if we're going to have any shot at a future MLS franchise. I'm all in with Energy FC.

^ This should put the NASL franchise on life support, and although I was an early supporter -- good riddance. We need to support one team if we're going to have any shot at a future MLS franchise. I'm all in with Energy FC.
It does not look good for NASL now they don't even have a Stadium to play next year.

Also i can confirmed that Supporting KC Soccer team games will be shown live on the Cox Channel 3 and 703

Starting when?

This saturday. I just looked on the guide and it shows up on channel 703 at 5pm.

I admit I don't know much about McLaughlin.
What does he do? How did he make his money? What's he worth?

I'm curious what his stack of money next to Funk's stack of money means for the new combined ownership group. Together do they now have a realistic shot at making this work and lasting into the future? Do they have enough money to acquire riverfront land and build a new stadium down the road?

Slightly unrelated to the current conversation but a bunch of Grid members are meeting Thursday night at 51st Speakeasy for some beers before Saturday's match.

We'll Likely be there around 730p. Open invite for everyone to come out.

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I think it's fine that the Grid meets at Speakeasy, but I never understood why they didn't pick the only real soccer pub in OKC to meet at. -> Skinny Slim's

whats lost in all of this is when they move to Taft there will be a lack of pre and post game social opportunities compared to speakeasy and the proximity to the western corridor

Breaking news:Saturday Friendly Match has been Moved to Yukon High School Stadium

whats lost in all of this is when they move to Taft there will be a lack of pre and post game social opportunities compared to speakeasy and the proximity to the western corridor

On the other hand, Taft will most likely allow beer sales in the stadium during the matches plus tailgating with beers in the surrounding lots. Both of which are banned at Pribil Stadium.

I think it's fine that the Grid meets at Speakeasy, but I never understood why they didn't pick the only real soccer pub in OKC to meet at. -> Skinny Slim's

Sean Cummings just put you on his ignore list :p

On the other hand, Taft will most likely allow beer sales in the stadium during the matches plus tailgating with beers in the surrounding lots. Both of which are banned at Pribil Stadium.

I know that Airon at Skinny Slims has offered to provide the beer sales at Taft, so hopefully they could get some type of deal going. I remember at the NASL focus group they had last year they had talked about getting a bus to shuttle all us drunk bastards to and from the stadium, that would be kind of fun if they could do that with the Energy. I'm not a fan of Speakeasy but it is close to where they will be playing so I guess you have to put that into consideration.

That really is one of the main factors we have taken into account. It requires less drive time for pre and post match gathering and it is far, far bigger than Skinny's. Nothing against Skinny's though, it's a great soccer placer.

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I agree, it's just convenient.
Driving from Edmond to Bricktown to have a few beers at Skinny Slims, then driving back north to McGuinness on gameday isn't very practical.
As far as the Thursday night meet up, you've got a point.

http://www.energyfc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.article&articleID=AF946C20-01B5-E311-A1F9-000C296FBAA9

OKC Energy FC has announced the signing of forward Pete Caringi III, General Manager Jason Hawkins announced today. Caringi was selected by the Montreal Impact in the third round of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft.

“We’re very happy to have Pete on board,” said Energy FC Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen. “We’re looking forward to working with him. He’s a well-schooled, intelligent soccer player who will play a big part on our offense. We can’t wait to see his game develop."

Caringi finished his collegiate playing career in May at the University Maryland, Baltimore County, where he scored 37 goals and had 17 assists in four years for the Retrievers. He earned America East Player of the Week honors twice as a senior and was named CSN’s Player of the Week on Sept. 8, 2013. He also earned a spot on the teams of the week for Top Drawer Soccer and College Soccer News.

Caringi was named the conference’s player of the week three times as a junior and named to the CSN and Soccer America teams of the week a combined three times. The league’s coaches voted him striker of the year and the fans named him the fans’ choice player of the year. He was also the ECAC Offensive Player of the Year and an all-star. Caringi was named to the NCSCA All-Northeast Region second team and earned his team’s most valuable player honors. He was also a Soccer News Net College Boot finalist, recognizing the men’s collegiate player of the year.

He was named to the America East All-Rookie team as a freshman and also earned second team all-conference honors that same season. He was an all-conference first team honoree as a sophomore.

He played for the USL PDL’s Baltimore Bohemians in 2013 and became the league’s Golden Boot winner that season with 16 goals and five assists in 12 games. He also earned player of the week honors on two occasions. Caringi also earned the Young (U-21) Player of the Year award.

We have a Full Roster now.

Sean Cummings just put you on his ignore list :p

Yeah well when they decide to upgrade to HD television like everyone else I will consider them a soccer pub

Was McLaughlin the major money behind the NASL bid?
Can the OKC FC ownership group pay the franchise fees & player salaries without McLaughlin's backing?
I spoke with the the remaining ownership group for OKC FC. They said they have already replaced him, and they have people are who are still looking to join them who "have more money than Tim..." We'll see

On the other hand, Taft will most likely allow beer sales in the stadium during the matches plus tailgating with beers in the surrounding lots. Both of which are banned at Pribil Stadium.

The only problem with that is there are NO surrounding lots. There is the small lot in front of the stdium, on May. And there is NW Classen's school lot, across the street. With school security being what it is I don't know if they will like tailgating, with alcohol, on school property. We'll see.

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.article&articleID=6A040D76-A2B6-E311-A1F9-000C296FBAA9)

Your OKC ENERGY FC needs your help.

We’re shooting a video to be used in pre-game festivities all season long and are looking for individuals to be Extras during the video shoot.

Thursday, April 3 and Friday, April 4 a production company is shooting video all across our great city. We need soccer fans of all ages to make this video and show how much everyone loves OKC Energy FC soccer.

There is no compensation for taking part in the video other than knowing your face may be seen by fans not only in OKC, but across the world and you helped produce complete awesomeness!

Interested candidates must be available for the full portion of either day (8 hours). Please email you name, date(s) available, contact information (email & phone) along with a photo to: Casting@FunnelDesign.Info.

No phone calls please.

Love watching kc on a local channel 703. Some sound problems but overall good deal

HORRIBLE sound problems! My wife made me change the channel because of that super loud popping sound. Same thing happened last week. Luckily I have the MLS package so I was able to switch channels and watch the game. Lost HiDef, but also lost that God-awful popping sound.

I took the family out to Yukon on Saturday night to check out the final pre-season match. We had a great time. The Grid was loud and entertaining.
I never realized how distracting football lines are on a soccer field. I assume there will only be soccer lines at McGuinness since they just laid down new sod.
Really looking forward to the home opener.

I took the family out to Yukon on Saturday night to check out the final pre-season match. We had a great time. The Grid was loud and entertaining.
I never realized how distracting football lines are on a soccer field. I assume there will only be soccer lines at McGuinness since they just laid down new sod.
Really looking forward to the home opener.
It will be Soccer Lines Only.If Energy are in the playoffs they may have both Football Lines and Soccer Lines due to Football will be underway

I really enjoyed watching the first Energy match on YouTube last night. I listened to the local radio broadcast and liked the paring of announcers. They did a nice job. 2-0 win to start off the franchise on the right foot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30P-uM_vKGg

There was a great turn out of around 30 people to Speakeasy last night for the match as well. Hoping that, as everyone gets to know each other more with each match, the atmosphere becomes electric for away matches.

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wasn't able to make it to Speakeasy, but the wife and I watched it at home. really encouraged that being up 2 on the road, we didn't park but kept attacking.

90 minutes till match time against LA Galaxy II

I thought about going to the match tonight but it didn't work out in my schedule.

Interestingly, they play at the track & field stadium next to StubHub field, where the Galaxy plays it's MLS matches.

FYI, I have official word from the team that their goal is to turn this franchise into an MLS franchise, hence why they chose this league and the high profile coach, etc. Next year the team will move to Taft Stadium and the goal is to build a permanent stadium designed to MLS specifications.

FYI, I have official word from the team that their goal is to turn this franchise into an MLS franchise, hence why they chose this league and the high profile coach, etc. Next year the team will move to Taft Stadium and the goal is to build a permanent stadium designed to MLS specifications.

My heavens I hope this is correct and comes true.

FYI, I have official word from the team that their goal is to turn this franchise into an MLS franchise, ...

They made that pretty clear in their press conference announcing the team too; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEemLxEJw8o

Having the team move up to MLS would be awesome. Might have to tweak the colors a little considering they're basically the same as the Seattle Sounders.

Ironic.

FYI, I have official word from the team that their goal is to turn this franchise into an MLS franchise, hence why they chose this league and the high profile coach, etc. Next year the team will move to Taft Stadium and the goal is to build a permanent stadium designed to MLS specifications.

You are outdoing yourself on this one. Your teasers, as of late, have been nothing but rehashing what many others have said and of what has been announced previously.

See post 125 (http://www.okctalk.com/sports/36829-okc-energy-fc-5.html#post764567).

I wonder if they might build a small stadium initially, with the option of expanding it if and when we got an MLS franchise.

I have to say, I'm very impressed with Funk Jr. and Prodigal. Everything they have done thus far has been first-class and they certainly seem to have the resources and professionalism to get us to the MLS.


You have to believe the stadium would go near the downtown airpark. Absolutely perfect location and would really help to draw from the Latino community on the near south side.

Watched the game last night on youtube. For a minor league team for the MLS, they really were fun to watch despite the L.

At one point there were almost 600 viewers.

It's also starting to look like the Galaxy II might be the class of the league.

They have a bit of a built-in advantage, effectively being a farm team for a very well established MLS club.

I for one can't wait to be able to walk or bike to a downtown (or at least downtown adjacent) stadium. I'll certainly visit the reconfigured Pribil. And Taft won't be too bad as my daughter goes to NW Classen so I pick her up and hit a game. But downtown... that will be sweet...

FYI, I have official word from the team that their goal is to turn this franchise into an MLS franchise, hence why they chose this league and the high profile coach, etc. Next year the team will move to Taft Stadium and the goal is to build a permanent stadium designed to MLS specifications.

It would have been awesome if both of these groups could have joined forces to eventually bring OKC an MLS franchise.:D

They (Prodigal) appear to be getting it right for 2014; also impressed with 2015 NASL Oklahoma City FC initial images. Oklahoma City will have to show a lot of support for either the Oklahoma City Energy or the Oklahoma FC to break ground & invest in a stadium.

Let the battle begin; we will see who will break ground and who will break wind.


http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

This is a good sign for Energy FC. Today I logged on to their site to purchase two single-game tickets for the home opener against Orlando City FC. Every section I selected was absolutely booked solid, save for the lawn.

7365

That means about 4,000 peeps should be in attendance in a couple weeks. If we can sustain this (crossing fingers), that would put us at about third in the league in attendance. That's behind only MLS-bound Orlando City FC, long-time football-mad Rochester Rhinos, and newcomer Sacramento FC.

2013 USL-Pro Attendance Logs
Team (number of home games): Average attendance

Orlando (14): 8053
Rochester (13): 5840 *
(new) SACRAMENTO FC Est. 5,000 <--- based on current season ticket sales
(new) ENERGY FC Est. 4000 <--- based on boitoirich's inability to get tickets
Charleston (14): 3554
Pittsburgh (14): 3316
Wilmington (14): 3162
Richmond (14): 2527
(new) LA GALAXY II 2500 <--- based on attendance estimates from soccer forums
(new'ish) ORANGE COUNTY BLUES 1600 <--- based on attendance estimates from soccer forums
Phoenix (14): 1532
Harrisburg (14): 1456
Charlotte (14): 807
Dayton (13): 737 *
VSI Tampa Bay (13): 381 *

* Missing match data from each team

Those numbers are good, but they're not MLS good (yet). There's competition from Sacramento, San Diego, Phoenix, Austin, San Antonio, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Raleigh, Nashville, and Atlanta for the limited remaining slots in MLS. The league hopes to expand to 28. Reports have Atlanta as the 23rd franchise, and Minneapolis as the 24th. That means there are really just four slots remaining, with at least one sure to be San Antonio, and one almost certainly sure to be Sacramento. That pits us against the others for what is essentially two slots. MLS will be looking to see who has the stadium, operations, and fan support to bolster their league. The team in Cary (Raleigh) is already averaging 4800 a game. The Indianapolis 11 have sold 7,000 season tickets so far. THAT'S what we're up against.

That's also why (and with apologies to bourchard) I can't support the NASL franchise at this point. That would be cannibalizing the market here. Whatever issues Prodigal and SOS have with each other, at this point playing into that only feeds egos and starves the city.