Energy FC feasibility study (http://www.energyfc.com/index.cfm?fa=pressreleases.article&articleID=021C394B-3BD1-E311-A98F-000C296FBAA9)

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/index.cfm?fa=pressreleases.article&articleID=0CBF40AC-6BD1-E311-A98F-000C296FBAA9)

OKC Energy FC has announced the signing of forward Adnan Gabeljic, General Manager Jason Hawkins announced today. Gabeljic was selected 38th overall by Sporting Kansas City in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft.

“We’re excited to have Adnan here,” said Energy FC Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen. “He performed well with Kansas City during the preseason. We saw him at Sporting KC’s camp and soon as he got released from SKC, we knew we wanted him here. We’re happy we were able to come to an agreement to have Adnan join us in Oklahoma City."

Gabeljic played for the Saint Louis Billikens for four years and started a career-high four games in 16 appearances as a senior. Had three goals and one assist as a senior, while posting seven goals and five assists as a junior to lead the team in points. He appeared in 13 games as a sophomore and tied for the team lead as a freshman with three goals and one assist. He was also an academic all-district honoree.

Gabeljic was the 2009 Gatorade Boys Soccer Player of the Year for the state of Missouri. He was also named the Missouri 3A Offensive Player of the Year. He was an NSCAA all-America selection with 23 goals and eight assists as a senior at Mehlville High School.

“It is an honor to have this opportunity to begin my professional career with Energy FC,” Gabeljic said. “The city has already shown great support for the team, and I am excited to be a part of that. Jimmy has proven to be a great leader at Sporting KC, and he will be a great coach to play for and to learn from.”

Gabeljic was born in Zagreb, Croatia and lived in Stuttgart, Germany before immigrating to Saint Louis at age seven in 1999.

If you have about 5 minutes, there is an MLS feasibility survey (an important part of the process of getting a major league team). Sacramento Republic FC and other cities already have completed theirs:

Energy FC MLS Feasibility Survey
http://surveys.customintercept.com/CSL/OKCEnergyFC14_Web/

Completed.

Anyone else watching the Orlando City feed? Very well done. Impressed with the commentary as well.

Anyone else watching the Orlando City feed? Very well done. Impressed with the commentary as well.

They looked tired......

Energy lost 1-3 at Orlando.

Orlando and LA Galaxy II looking like they may be a cut above in the league.

They're 2-4 now?

They're 2-4 now?

Right, though two of those losses are to last years league champ that is moving to MLS next year and was at least reported as having already signed at least a few they will be keeping in that league.

Plus the other team they played there is no shame in loosing to is like 1/3 are the reserves of LA Galaxy in this league mostly to keep in shape to play full games or maybe work a few techniques the club would not want them trying out in a MLS match.

No shame in losing to the more "prestige" teams.

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.article&articleID=3B79BA95-FAD6-E311-A98F-000C296FBAA9)

OKC Energy FC asked fans to complete a survey following the team’s home opener on April 26. As a result of that survey, several changes and/or clarifications have been implemented for Energy FC’s home game on Saturday, May 10 against the Orange County Blues.

PARKING
Parking has moved to garage No. 1 on the Chesapeake campus, near the intersection of NW 63rd and Western. It’s suggested that fans enter the garage from Western Avenue. Shuttle pickup and dropoff occurs across Western Avenue at the Chesapeake Energy lawn. Click here for more information.

CONCESSIONS
Concession lines and credit card machines have been added at the main stand to decrease fan wait time.

FAN ZONE
OKC Energy FC encourages only the most spirited fans to sit in the fan zone at the north end of the stadium. The supporters clubs of OKC Energy FC are encouraged to make noise, sing chants, wave flags and generally have fun during the entire match. Sitting in the fan zone is not for the faint of heart. Fans sitting in the fan zone do risk hearing "colorful" language during the match.

ALCOHOL SALES
Energy FC is proud to support Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School's policy of no alcohol on campus. As such, we will not serve alcohol or beer on stadium grounds during matches.

I'm glad they reiterate the warning about the fan zone, hopefully nobody will come and get offended tomorrow.

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/index.cfm?fa=gamenotes.article&articleID=5CFCEB94-B1D7-E311-A98F-000C296FBAA9)

OKLAHOMA CITY – OKC Energy FC hosts the Orange County Blues Saturday evening at 7 p.m. CT at Pribil Stadium, 801 NW 50th Street, in Oklahoma City. Team officials today announced that the game is officially sold out. Official sell out is 3,741. This is the second consecutive sellout for Energy FC. The game airs live via YouTube Live and can be heard locally on 96.1 FM KXY.

The box office at Bishop McGuinness will release a limited number of obstructed view seats and standing room only sections beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Prices for the obstructed view tickets start at $13. Tickets can only be purchased at the box office at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in person.

Energy FC enters Saturday’s game with a 2-4-0 record with shutout wins over Orange County (2-0) and Arizona United SC (4-0). Energy FC has dropped three straight games, including two to defending USL PRO champion Orlando City. Orange County fell 2-0 to the Charlotte Eagles Thursday evening.

Festivities begin at 4 p.m. CT at the Chesapeake Energy lawn. Beverages for purchase, along with family-friendly activities, are available at the lawn for fans until 6:30 p.m. Admission to the lawn event is free.

Parking for all Energy FC home games is available at the Chesapeake Energy parking garage #1 south of NW 63rd and Western. A shuttle is available for fans at the lawn party to the stadium beginning at 5 p.m. for $1 per person each direction. Complete details regarding parking and shuttle services can be found at EnergyFC.com.

Stadium gates open at 5:30 p.m. CT. Programs are also available free of charge. The box office opens at 1 p.m. and remains open through the duration of the game for fans wishing to buy tickets to future Energy FC games.

Fans are asked to refer to the FAQs at EnergyFC.com for information regarding prohibited items and other necessary information related to attending Saturday night’s contest.

Match Day Activities
Chesapeake Lawn (features family activities & beverages) 4 – 6 p.m.
Shuttle Service from Chesapeake Lawn area begins 5 p.m.
Doors open for match 5:30 p.m.
Kickoff for OKC Energy FC vs. Orange County 7 p.m.

Just announced on Facebook that they sold out tomorrows match. Two sellouts in a row that's good to see.

An update on a potential new stadium.

http://www.oklahoman.com/article/4748134?embargo=1


After selling out their team’s first two home games at Bishop McGuinness High School, the owners of the Oklahoma City Energy FC are already plotting where the soccer franchise might eventually build a new stadium to become the team’s permanent home.
The Energy recently launched an online survey for its fans, in part to gauge interest locating the stadium in downtown Oklahoma City.

“A new stadium could be located in close proximity to Chesapeake Energy Arena and the Bricktown area with easy access from Highway 40,” one question in the survey states. “ As well, the stadium would include many of the modern amenities that are common with new stadiums including premium seating areas, updated concession areas.”

Oklahoma City Energy ownership talks private-public partnership to get new stadium constructed. Phase I (7,000 seats), Phase II (20,000) as they hint about MLS future:

The Energy does not have a firm location chosen yet, Energy co-owner Bob Funk Jr. said. The Energy has identified five potential locations for its new stadium, but won’t reveal the potential sites for competitive reasons.

The team hopes to build the stadium in the next three to four years and could eventually pursue public money to help build the venue.

“I am in favor of some type of public-private partnership, because I would like to see everyone buy into this,” Funk said. “Everyone has to buy in for this to succeed.”

Energy FC considers where to build soccer stadium in Oklahoma City | News OK (http://newsok.com/energy-fc-considers-where-to-build-soccer-stadium-in-oklahoma-city/article/4748134)

Let's see how this develops over the years. This is the path Funk should have taken back in early 2000s when an MLS franchise would have cost $10 million; now it's $75 million. A stadium could have been added to MAPS III. Now we're looking at 2017 when the MAPS IV referendum goes on the ballot.

Key: If Oklahoma City is willing to partner with the Funks to get this stadium built, we will be in a position to be considered for MLS expansion.


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

The Energy travel to Tulsa tonight for the US Open Cup match against the Tulsa Athletics. No streaming video, but there will be radio play by play coverage on 96.1 FM.

Is that the Tulsa USL team or something else?

Is that the Tulsa USL team or something else?

National Premier Soccer League (NPSL)

Is that the Tulsa USL team or something else?

An amateur league, one level below the USL. The way I understand it, and I may be wrong, is that their teams are mostly comprised of college players. They cannot be paid, so they maintain their NCAA eligibility.

OKC Energy beat Tulsa Athletics 2-0.OKC Energy will advance to the 3rd round to take on Arizona United SC Locations and Time is TBA.Round 3 will take place Wednesday May 28th

OKC 2-0 TUL
Energy FC move on in to the next round of the Open Cup and take on Arizona United SC. Winner of that game will take on an MLS side in Round 4!

2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Lamar_Hunt_U.S._Open_Cup)

edit: didn't see the above post said the same thing but awesome win for our boys and we can do some damage in the US Open Cup!

The Winner of OKC Energy FC vs Arizona United will take at LA Galaxy the MLS Team

Has nothing to do with Energy FC, but after giving my other scarves to Skinny Slims I finally got my new one in. WOOT!!

7913

I hate to say it, but the Energy appear to be simply terrible.

5-nil loss last night at Galaxy II and 2nd to last in the 14-team table, only 3 points from dead bottom.


Their marketing and professionalism are fantastic, but they need to put a decent product on the field.

I hate to say it, but the Energy appear to be simply terrible.

5-nil loss last night at Galaxy II and 2nd to last in the 14-team table, only 3 points from dead bottom.


Their marketing and professionalism are fantastic, but they need to put a decent product on the field.

It's their backline, it's freaking terrible. It might be the goalkeeping too, but it's hard to tell because the defending is so bad.

No reason to stop support though, we'll be there Saturday again.

They've conceded more goals (20 in 9 games) than anyone else in the league.

On the other hand, they can't score either.


They have played 6 of their first 9 on the road but, they've lost all three home games so I'm not sure where they play has much to do with anything.


I'm not saying people shouldn't support them, but if they don't improve their squad the initial interest and excitement will quickly fade.

A certain other team in OKC started off horrible. Just might be the way things work themselves out in OKC sports.

At least that other team had the decency to be in a league at the top of its domestic pyramid :p

They've conceded more goals (20 in 9 games) than anyone else in the league.

On the other hand, they can't score either.


They have played 6 of their first 9 on the road but, they've lost all three home games so I'm not sure where they play has much to do with anything.


I'm not saying people shouldn't support them, but if they don't improve their squad the initial interest and excitement will quickly fade.

I know you weren't sorry if my post came across that way.

I believe they've played a pretty tough scheduled to begin as well. Orlando twice (defending champs) and Galaxy II are two of the better teams in USL I think. No excuses though, Nielsen's gotta fix that leaking sieve of a defense.

I'm sure it's very hard to evaluate personnel and have any idea how they'll do against other squads until you play a fair bit.

I'm really impressed with the organization and I'm sure they'll make some needed changes.

At least with the Thunder, that was an existing NBA squad. This is an entirely new team, so very little to zero carried over cohesion between players which we all know is incredibly important in soccer.

Another thing I'm not sure on and maybe someone else could chime in, how much of an influence does the MLS parent club of each USL team have? Could be one of those instances where results in the form of wins and losses isn't the most important, but development of talent and instruction of upper league tactics is.

At least with the Thunder, that was an existing NBA squad. This is an entirely new team, so very little to zero carried over cohesion between players which we all know is incredibly important in soccer.

Another thing I'm not sure on and maybe someone else could chime in, how much of an influence does the MLS parent club of each USL team have? Could be one of those instances where results in the form of wins and losses isn't the most important, but development of talent and instruction of upper league tactics is.

Even then the parent club is still spiting talent they send over to us with Orlando's this year, I am guessing is was part of an earlier agreement and Orlando leaving the league was why they had some urgency in finding a different affiliate. Poor records seem extremely common among expansion teams, the Barrons were a bit of an outlier there but like you said there are some other league dynamics that can affect results.

The Barons just happened to be the benefactor of the worst NHL team in the league, meaning we had some pretty solid young talent when we got the team.

I wasn't aware that Sporting was still sending some of their players to Orlando, that will certainly help next year.

It's their backline, it's freaking terrible. It might be the goalkeeping too, but it's hard to tell because the defending is so bad.

No reason to stop support though, we'll be there Saturday again.

I'd hate to say Kempin is bad. But he has made some pretty dumb mistakes on the pitch. I'm pretty sure he was one of SKC's first home grown players.

Apparently Ellis did really well with SKC against Toronto FC the other night and gave Defoe hell.

I'd hate to say Kempin is bad. But he has made some pretty dumb mistakes on the pitch. I'm pretty sure he was one of SKC's first home grown players.

Apparently Ellis did really well with SKC against Toronto FC the other night and gave Defoe hell.

Yeah Kempin deserves blame too. Ellis was obviously the shining star back there, the problem was with the center backs. I thought someone told me Kempin was the U-21 keeper for the USMNT. If so....dayum.

LOL soccer

LOL soccer

dynamite drop in :mad:

At least with the Thunder, that was an existing NBA squad. This is an entirely new team, so very little to zero carried over cohesion between players which we all know is incredibly important in soccer.

Another thing I'm not sure on and maybe someone else could chime in, how much of an influence does the MLS parent club of each USL team have? Could be one of those instances where results in the form of wins and losses isn't the most important, but development of talent and instruction of upper league tactics is.

Good point!

The first start-up franchise, USL-Pro Oklahoma City FC vs. NASL Oklahoma City FC (2015) to put a winner or a competitive team on the field might swing the advantage in their favor.

Got to admit that the Energy's front office has done a superb job with the market aspects of the organization.


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

Yeah Kempin deserves blame too. Ellis was obviously the shining star back there, the problem was with the center backs. I thought someone told me Kempin was the U-21 keeper for the USMNT. If so....dayum.

Yeah he is the U-21 keeper.

I hate to say it, but the Energy appear to be simply terrible.

5-nil loss last night at Galaxy II and 2nd to last in the 14-team table, only 3 points from dead bottom.


Their marketing and professionalism are fantastic, but they need to put a decent product on the field.

I'm giving it a full year, even two, to expect greatness. It's tough to build a team from scratch.

Yeah Kempin deserves blame too. Ellis was obviously the shining star back there, the problem was with the center backs. I thought someone told me Kempin was the U-21 keeper for the USMNT. If so....dayum.

Kempin is definitely out of position very often. And, me just being the observer, it doesn't seem like the opponent is causing it, he just always seems in the wrong spot.

Badr played in goal during the Tulsa USOC game and did really well. Really should give him a go more often.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

NASL/USL Pro attendance as of last weekend. This is encouraging for Energy FC as the club is just behind what MLS-bound Orlando FC is averaging. Hopefully after the downtown stadium is built, the team can give the Indy Eleven and Sacramento Republic FC a run for their money.

7955

Kempin is definitely out of position very often. And, me just being the observer, it doesn't seem like the opponent is causing it, he just always seems in the wrong spot.

Badr played in goal during the Tulsa USOC game and did really well. Really should give him a go more often.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

I agree with your assessment of Kempin. It seems like a number of the goals are due to being out of position. I don't get it.

Do you think Badr will play tonight against Arizona?

I agree with your assessment of Kempin. It seems like a number of the goals are due to being out of position. I don't get it.

Do you think Badr will play tonight against Arizona?

He will, if only because Kempin can't.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

Energy lost to Arizona United last night, 2-1. Could have equalized in the 119' but Christian Duke missed the PK.

I was listening the the pregame last night with Jimmy and he said a lot of interesting stuff about not really judging our first handful of games against teams like Orlando City, LA Galaxy II, FC Dallas, and people who we really aren't expected to compete against, but more caring about how we play against teams like AU. I think we had a pretty good showing last night.

i know interest may be low since the Thunder are also playing, but we've got two extras available for Saturday if anyone is interested

i know interest may be low since the Thunder are also playing, but we've got two extras available for Saturday if anyone is interested

I could take one, didn't get my fan zone ticket in time. How much would ya want for one?

wife found a taker, sorry man!

Hey! The Energy won one, and at home no less.

Congrats on first home victory, 1-0.

That was a great game and great finish tonight

I'm mad I missed it.

NASL/USL Pro attendance as of last weekend. This is encouraging for Energy FC as the club is just behind what MLS-bound Orlando FC is averaging. Hopefully after the downtown stadium is built, the team can give the Indy Eleven and Sacramento Republic FC a run for their money.

7955

Good attendance at events throughout Oklahoma City yesterday (Saturday, May 31st):

USL-Pro: Oklahoma City Energy-New York Red Bulls' reserves @ Pribil Stadium A-3,777
WCWS: Oklahoma-Louisiana (Lafayette) @ Hall of Fame Stadium A-9,192
WCWS: Oklahoma-Oregon @ Hall of Fame Stadium A-9,323
PCL: Oklahoma City-Memphis @ Bricktown Ballpark A-10,142
NBA: Oklahoma City-San Antonio @ Chesapeake Energy Arena A-18,203



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

Good attendance at events throughout Oklahoma City yesterday (Saturday, May 31st):

USL-Pro: Oklahoma City Energy-New York Red Bulls' reserves @ Pribil Stadium A-3,777
WCWS: Oklahoma-Louisiana (Lafayette) @ Hall of Fame Stadium A-9,192
WCWS: Oklahoma-Oregon @ Hall of Fame Stadium A-9,323
PCL: Oklahoma City-Memphis @ Bricktown Ballpark A-10,142
NBA: Oklahoma City-San Antonio @ Chesapeake Energy Arena A-18,203


I noticed that too! The Thunder were playing a big elimination game, and the WCWS was in town, yet the Redhawks and Energy FC drew large crowds. I think our USL Pro side is going to absolute kill when they finally build their riverfront stadium.

By the way, the NPSL team played yesterday at Stars Field. Does anyone know the attendance, and how it stacks against last year's PDL opener?

I was absolutely shocked at the crowd at the game last night considering the Thunder game was at the same time, that was very encouraging.

I noticed that too! The Thunder were playing a big elimination game, and the WCWS was in town, yet the Redhawks and Energy FC drew large crowds. I think our USL Pro side is going to absolute kill when they finally build their riverfront stadium.

By the way, the NPSL team played yesterday at Stars Field. Does anyone know the attendance, and how it stacks against last year's PDL opener?

The game was played at Yukon High School's 6,000-plus seat Millers Stadium. Heard that Stars Field (OCU) wouldn't be available to the NPSL Oklahoma City FC this season.

The 2014 NPSL Oklahoma City FC and the 2015 NASL Oklahoma City FC made an agreement to play in Yukon.

A poster on the Big Soccer Boards' forum talked with one of the owners who estimated the attendance was around 1,200-1,300 in Yukon.


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

The game was played at Yukon High School's 6,000-plus seat Millers Stadium. Heard that Stars Field (OCU) wouldn't be available to the NPSL Oklahoma City FC this season.

The 2014 NPSL Oklahoma City FC and the 2015 NASL Oklahoma City FC made an agreement to play in Yukon.

A poster on the Big Soccer Boards' forum talked with one of the owners who estimated the attendance was around 1,200-1,300 in Yukon.

Thanks for the clarification. I actually knew it was Millers Stadium but did not catch my mistake. Anyway, 1300 is pretty good for NPSL/PDL. Would be nice to add that to the 4000 that go to Energy FC games and get people to notice that this is a great sports town.

My younger daughter works for the Redhawks and I was SHOCKED when I picked her up from work and she said the game was packed considering the other events going on in town. Incidentally my older daughter went to the Energy game with her boyfriend and when I asked her impression she said it was fun but "it seems like our team plays dirty and whines to the refs too much". I was surprised to get that response. Her boyfriend has played soccer for years so I suspect that's his words coming out through her (though she has played softball all her life and so is an athlete and not just a girl that is clueless about sports), but still, I was surprised to hear that. That said, I haven't been to a game yet myself to observe and form my own opinion.

My younger daughter works for the Redhawks and I was SHOCKED when I picked her up from work and she said the game was packed considering the other events going on in town. Incidentally my older daughter went to the Energy game with her boyfriend and when I asked her impression she said it was fun but "it seems like our team plays dirty and whines to the refs too much". I was surprised to get that response. Her boyfriend has played soccer for years so I suspect that's his words coming out through her (though she has played softball all her life and so is an athlete and not just a girl that is clueless about sports), but still, I was surprised to hear that. That said, I haven't been to a game yet myself to observe and form my own opinion.

We're playing like a new team... and you might say some of our guys play like they're still in high school. I don't see the dirty plays, but whining I've seen. Whining and diving are too prevalent in a lot of soccer right now though.

United We Stand!

https://sp1.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.608022478565740489&pid=15.1 https://sp3.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.608021215842274923&pid=15.1

The competition between the North American Soccer League (NASL) and United Soccer League (USL-Pro) in our city does have its upside. One of these groups will eventually take control of the OKC market.

NASL is primed set to become more of a junior league to Major League Soccer (MLS). Whereas, the Funks who own and manage the Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL-Pro) has stated its goals to initially build a soccer specific stadium with dreams toward bringing an MLS franchise to our city.

Fans do not have to alienate themselves in this process; support the NASL and/or the USL-Pro. When one of these groups take control; let us unite behind one Oklahoma City soccer franchise.



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

MLS Expansion: Oklahoma City Eyes Future Bid

Get in line Oklahoma City, just get in line... ...Once again, I love clubs that see the future and aren’t afraid to tackle it. OKC is going to start small and dream big.

Prodigal (OKC’s owner) and ADG are exploring sites to build the stadium and are engaged in discussions about long-term strategy, location and design...
MLS Expansion: Oklahoma City Eyes Future Bid | WVHooligan.com - MLS Blog (http://wvhooligan.com/2013/07/mls-expansion-oklahoma-city-eyes-future-bid/)

Funk Sr., had a chance to get an MLS franchise in the early 2000s; he cited the possibility of the city losing the RedHawks, so he purchased the PCL minor league club for $10 million. MLS franchise expansion franchises were $10 million at the time. Now it's going to be a challenge for an Oklahoma City group to pay $75 to $100 million for an MLS franchise as 2020 approaches.

One interesting observation about the MLS; they are in some of the NBA (Salt Lake City, Portland, ) and NHL (Columbus) 'break-through' markets. MLS was in Columbus, OH before an NHL expansion franchise (Bluejackets) was granted.

Oklahoma City does have the population base to support an MLS franchise along with NBA name recognition.

We will need:

3. Population base
1. Ownership
2. Facility



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