I'm sorry you are having to go through all of that, I had no idea.

I can't believe that there are people on the internet that would go around and spread rumors and accusations about people without knowing if any of that is true. What kind of person would do something like that?

Back on topic: I have heard that the Producers Coop might be one of the locations in play for a future stadium. I think that would be an awesome location and would give a big shot in the arm to the lower Bricktown area.

I just cant understand why a bunch of grown adults can't stop taking shots at each on an internet forum. Grow up.

Oh well yeah, I can 100% get behind this. It's rather annoying, but kids will be kids I guess. I'll take pop shots at Tulsa here and there but that's all in good fun. This Rayo VS Energy thing is way out of hand IMO.

When someone makes one of those ridiculous (off the wall) comments you just have to ignore it; move on.

I thought this tweet was interesting -

"Canadian Co. clerk says her office received 103 protests to Rayo's beer permit, setting a record during her time in office."


That is pretty useless.

A lot of time most of those kind of responses will be form letters a few groups encouraged their members to sign their name and forward on (unless they accept web forms so takes even less effort to copy/paste/submit), you also inevitably get incoherent rants based more off rumors than actual fact and conditions. Then government agencies tend to dutifully writes a response on how they listened to feedback and go ahead with what they wanted to begin with. So they are highlighting that the public is with them, even though 103 is really a tiny percentage of the public (less than half of one percent the population of Yukon, and less than eight for every thousand people in the county). Most likely they did not tweet how many were against their position, though given normal human behavior, people who like the idea or do not care one way or the other tend not to send letters to the County Clerk.

Then their is the weasel words "in her time in office", which is something slightly more than five years. There have not been a whole lot of crazy petitions for things in the area in that time.


yes i wonder if they will release the names of the people 103 people who were protesting. Were they actual residents of Canadian Co.?
Harder to say, it generally is not required and it is not likely they are going to be doing any in depth verification if they even take an address.

Ah, more implications of a vast conspiracy in this great business of minor league sports... right...

*eyeroll*

Don't buy the conspiracy theory--Energy FC isn't behind any attempt to stop beer sales in Canadian County; our Oklahoma City Energy FC have bigger fish to fry.

Funk's Express Clydesdales are based in Yukon, OK. Don't think he would want his name associated with any attempts to attack Rayo OK in that area. After all, Energy FC had to get their beer sales approved for Taft Stadium; much like Miller Stadium is a district owned facility.

I thought this tweet was interesting -








Canadian Co. clerk says her office received 103 protests to Rayo's beer permit, setting a record during her time in office.

All this tells me is that 100,000 people don't care.



|

It GAME DAY!
Match Preview ? Miami FC vs Rayo OKC | Rayo OKC (http://www.rayookc.com/news/2016/04/21/match-preview--miami-fc-vs-rayo-okc)
12526

All this tells me is that 100,000 people don't care.

And? You could say that on any issue... but if 100+ people actually objected, this going to a judge for review is 100% appropriate. And it worked appropriately. That's why the process is in place. It's really that simple, except for those that want to create libelous claims against the judge and sheriff.

It GAME DAY!
Match Preview ? Miami FC vs Rayo OKC | Rayo OKC (http://www.rayookc.com/news/2016/04/21/match-preview--miami-fc-vs-rayo-okc)
12526

Need a good win; an opportunity to get one in South Beach on the road.

103 is really not a lot of people, and if there is one thing we don't have a shortage of it would be angry people writing angry letters to their governments.

It wouldn't take a large organized campaign by some shadow organization to get those numbers either, an email by the local chapter of MADD, the PTA, or the Baptist Ladies Luncheon would probably be enough.

103 is really not a lot of people, and if there is one thing we don't have a shortage of it would be angry people writing angry letters to their governments.

It wouldn't take a large organized campaign by some shadow organization to get those numbers either, an email by the local chapter of MADD, the PTA, or the Baptist Ladies Luncheon would probably be enough.

That's not the point. The point of the appeal process for a liquor permit is for folks to file their objections. 100 is a decent amount, actually. Even in OKC that would be a lot. This isn't rocket science or a conspiracy people... it really is this simple.

1. Someone applies for a permit.
2. Folks are allowed to appeal.
3. The appeal is reviewed. A judge issues an opinion.
4. If denied, it can get a hearing.
5. The hearing happens.

The process worked. Move on. This is so normal it's beyond stupid for folks to be acting like there's something else going on.

Anywho... looking forward to the game tomorrow. Hopefully can find somewhere to watch it since I don't have cox. I'm thinking I may be able to pick up the ESPN3 feed.

Sorry for the misunderstanding. I didn't mean to imply that the process didn't work or wasn't followed, or anything along that line. I was trying to say that it wouldn't be a conspiracy theory to think that there was some kind of organized efforts behind getting 103 objections, but that there are a lot of groups that could organize such an effort pretty easily and that it really wouldn't be something that unusual. I was also trying to point out that you wouldn't have to draw a long link to the Energy for such an effort, but that there are a lot of well known organizations (such as MADD, PTAs, church groups, etc) that are much more likely to object to selling alcohol at a school.

But Rayo got their permit, so now we will see if not being able to sell beer has hurt their attendance at all. They should be able to benefit from the media coverage and people who don't follow soccer should have been exposed to the team through all of this. Maybe they will get some increase attendance from the "government can't tell me what to do, let me buy beer" crowd.

Yukon has a jewel in their backyard that's an asset to their community.

There are other cities who would welcome the NASL into their community. Tulsa would love to get back into the North America Soccer League, they have previous ties to the original NASL.

Sorry for the misunderstanding. I didn't mean to imply that the process didn't work or wasn't followed, or anything along that line. I was trying to say that it wouldn't be a conspiracy theory to think that there was some kind of organized efforts behind getting 103 objections, but that there are a lot of groups that could organize such an effort pretty easily and that it really wouldn't be something that unusual. I was also trying to point out that you wouldn't have to draw a long link to the Energy for such an effort, but that there are a lot of well known organizations (such as MADD, PTAs, church groups, etc) that are much more likely to object to selling alcohol at a school.

But Rayo got their permit, so now we will see if not being able to sell beer has hurt their attendance at all. They should be able to benefit from the media coverage and people who don't follow soccer should have been exposed to the team through all of this. Maybe they will get some increase attendance from the "government can't tell me what to do, let me buy beer" crowd.

At the courthouse the other day before the hearing they said that 60 protests had came in the previous day, all from one church.
The attendance wasnt hurt the first two games at all, it seemed. But in the dog days of summer, when it's still 90 degrees at kickoff a cold beer will hit the spot :-)
Also, the team won the beer battle, but the war may still be on. This is why, other than an official statement that went out from the GM, there is going to be no advertising that beer is available at the next game. They were granted the right to sell beer at the NEXT game. It's my understanding that they have to re-apply for the permit before EVERY subsequent game. Just listening to the testimony it became clear what a labyrinthine maze the liquor laws in OK are. They have to fill out the proper paperwork, in the proper order. They then apply for the permit. They then have to post the permit in designated areas. They then have to deliver the permits to certain city and county officials. They are going make sure that they do EVERYTHING by the book, so that they don't give the sheriff's dept ANY reason to do this again. Maybe this will be a stimulus to fast track any stadium plans, just get out of this crap! WHo knows?

At the courthouse the other day before the hearing they said that 60 protests had came in the previous day, all from one church.
The attendance wasnt hurt the first two games at all, it seemed. But in the dog days of summer, when it's still 90 degrees at kickoff a cold beer will hit the spot :-)
Also, the team won the beer battle, but the war may still be on. This is why, other than an official statement that went out from the GM, there is going to be no advertising that beer is available at the next game. They were granted the right to sell beer at the NEXT game. It's my understanding that they have to re-apply for the permit before EVERY subsequent game. Just listening to the testimony it became clear what a labyrinthine maze the liquor laws in OK are. They have to fill out the proper paperwork, in the proper order. They then apply for the permit. They then have to post the permit in designated areas. They then have to deliver the permits to certain city and county officials. They are going make sure that they do EVERYTHING by the book, so that they don't give the sheriff's dept ANY reason to do this again. Maybe this will be a stimulus to fast track any stadium plans, just get out of this crap! WHo knows?

Yeah, unless you own a venue, and the venue itself gets a liquor license, you end up having to get an event license to sell beer or alcohol, and you have to file for a new license for each "event". It's a PITA.

Anything alcohol related is a PITA in Oklahoma.

Anything alcohol related is a PITA in Oklahoma.

Yeah, but in this I'm not sure it's an Oklahoma thing.

Rayo OKC notches first win in history, defeating Miami FC, 3-2 | Rayo OKC (http://www.rayookc.com/news/2016/04/23/rayo-okc-notches-first-win-in-history-defeating-miami-fc-3-2)
12529
Great win for the team! Was starting to think we were going to have a repeat of the Carolina game. Seemed like the team went into a defensive shell in the 2nd Half. ALOT of firsts in this game:

1. First road game in history for Rayo OKC
2. First win (and first ROAD win) in history
3. First road goal in history, scored by Robbie FIndley
4. First PK in history.
5. First winning goal (and ROAD winning goal) in history, scored by Michel on a PK.

Overall, great first win for the team!

Rayo OKC College Night April 30 | Rayo OKC (http://www.rayookc.com/news/2016/04/25/rayo-okc-college-night-april-30)
12547
Rayo OKC plays its third home match of the club’s inaugural season Saturday at 7pm against the Indy Eleven. Tickets, starting at $12, are available online at rayookc.com, or can be purchased at the Miller Stadium box office at Yukon High School (1777 S Yukon Pkwy, Yukon, OK 73099). The box office is located at Gate B (NW Corner) and will be open Monday thru Friday from 3pm – 6pm, and at noon on the day of game and closes at the end of halftime.

College students! Celebrate the end of the school year by enjoying World Class Soccer at a discounted price! Saturday’s theme is College Night; each college student that shows their respective College ID will receive a $5 ticket. Come be a part of the action and help fill up the stadium for the third straight game!

Rayo OKC returns home after winning its first ever match in a rainy matchup between expansion teams at Miami FC. Forwards Robbie Findley and Billy Forbes put the visitors ahead early in the match before seeing Miami come storming back to tie the game 2-2. Rayo OKC was able to hold on for a 3-2 victory after forward Billy Forbes was taken down in the penalty box. Midfielder Michel stepped in to put the ball past the keeper in the 86th minute.

Saturday’s game will be televised statewide on Cox HD 703, and nationally on beIN sports.

For more information, please visit rayookc.com or call 405-232-7296.

1255012551
Congratulations to Robbie Findley and Pecka for being named to the NASL Weekly Eleven for last week's game.

I hope that Michel get's a chance to step up his game and get some of his old touch back, so the last game was a good boost for him.

I personally always had some mixed feelings about him when he played for FC Dallas. He was just such a weird mix of good/bad on the field. He was a master at any dead ball situation, and when his feet touched the ball during any set piece it was like he was able to cast some sort of spell on that thing. It was especially great when we had players getting hacked left and right and were able to take advantage of constant fouls. But at the same time he was never that great of a player when you actually had to play, not a great defender and just so-so in the midfield. Then during the last year it just seems like he lost his touch for the set pieces as well, so I think letting him go was absolutely the right call for FCD.

But I hope he gets his magic back, because when he's on his game he is just wonderful to watch and you always get excited when he gets ready for a set piece.

I hope that Michel get's a chance to step up his game and get some of his old touch back, so the last game was a good boost for him.

I personally always had some mixed feelings about him when he played for FC Dallas. He was just such a weird mix of good/bad on the field. He was a master at any dead ball situation, and when his feet touched the ball during any set piece it was like he was able to cast some sort of spell on that thing. It was especially great when we had players getting hacked left and right and were able to take advantage of constant fouls. But at the same time he was never that great of a player when you actually had to play, not a great defender and just so-so in the midfield. Then during the last year it just seems like he lost his touch for the set pieces as well, so I think letting him go was absolutely the right call for FCD.

But I hope he gets his magic back, because when he's on his game he is just wonderful to watch and you always get excited when he gets ready for a set piece.

I agree. Every time he sets up for a free kick within 30yds of goal he has a chance to score. The goal he scored against Carolina was amazing, because it came in the run of play, and he drove into the box and just roofed it from an impossible angle.
I have to admit, I have never been a fan of FC Dallas, so when he was with them I reallt didnt like him. But now that he plays for Rayo, Woo Hoo! WAY TO GO MICHEL! LOL!

FC DALLAS LOANS DEFENDER MOISES HERNANDEZ TO RAYO OKC | Rayo OKC (http://www.rayookc.com/news/2016/04/29/fc-dallas-loans-defender-moises-hernandez-to-rayo-okc-)
12559
Sweet! Rayo OKC has as many FC Dallas players as their official farm team does!

FC DALLAS LOANS DEFENDER MOISES HERNANDEZ TO RAYO OKC | Rayo OKC (http://www.rayookc.com/news/2016/04/29/fc-dallas-loans-defender-moises-hernandez-to-rayo-okc-)
12559
Sweet! Rayo OKC has as many FC Dallas players as their official farm team does!
It will be funny if he plays one game with Rayo OKC and then FC Dallas moves him to Energy FC

That would be funny! But he is apparently on loan for the rest of the season

I think the Energy are pretty set in the defender category, so even though they are the "official" affiliate it likely didn't make sense to send him there.

I think this is a sign that the FCD/Energy partnership is working well and that the coaches and trainers are actually spending time and talking to each other now that they are located closer together. Last years affiliation with Arizona was pretty much a big bust and the few folks FCD send down didn't see any playing time because they were not a good fit for the USL team. But seems like FCD and the Energy know what each team needs and has to offer, so they are not sending someone down the pipeline if if won't benefit both teams.

I don't mind Rayo getting an FCD guy if it means he gets minutes and a chance to develop. No point sending him to the Energy if they won't play him.

^ ^ ^ ^

Very well stated d-usa...

A. Miguel Cervantes ‎@MasElote
@EnergyFC passed @RayoOKC in average attendance 5930 to 5665 last nite they had the 10th and 11th best non-MLS attendance @northernpitch

Semantics. Since they didn't have a home game last week. Rayo OKC actually dropped with the crowd of 4,700 plus rather than the Energy passing them.

Rayo needs a home victory to keep the fires burning. But since they are on the road the next couple of weeks, they also need some road victories.

Michel had a strong overall match, but Findlay couldn't close the deal and Samaras gave up a little too soon on the pass that went off his chest near the goal.

The Rayo OKC product is better and their television broadcasts plus the NASL national broadcasts are light years ahead of the Energy mom and pop TV deal, but it won't make any difference until the players start getting the job done on the field.

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_146221936876311&key=40ca283ade7e55388a1bbb1a6f57b0e0&libId=inqfeui5010004ld000DAdarje2x0&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.bigsoccer.com%2Fthreads%2F rayo-okc-v-indy-eleven-gameday-thread.2031254%2F&v=1&out=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rayookc.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2F0 4%2F30%2Frayo-okc-falls-at-home-to-indy-eleven&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.bigsoccer.com%2Fforums%2Fr ayo-okc.1592%2F&title=Rayo%20OKC%20v%20Indy%20Eleven%20GameDay%20T hread%20%7C%20BigSoccer%20Forum&txt=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rayookc.com%2Fnews%2F2016%2F0 4%2F30%2Frayo-okc-falls-at-home-to-indy-eleven
12565
Indy broke on top in the game’s seventh minute at Miller Stadium. Goalkeeper Jon Busch quickly launched a goal kick to Vukovic, who found Jair Reinoso with a lead pass over the top into the penalty area. Reinoso struck the ball off one bounce and powered his right-footed shot inside the far post and past Rayo OKC goalkeeper Daniel Fernandes.

Rayo OKC drew even in the 26th minute. Michel scored his third goal in three games when he struck a free kick and connected from about 30 yards. His left-footed shot bounced and skipped past Busch inside the near goalpost.

Nemanja Vukovic drew a foul, then scored on the tail end of the ensuing free kick as Indy Eleven came away with three points in a 2-1 victory.

Second-half substitution Georgios Samaras had a chance in the match's dying moments, but the touch off his chest ran long and was scooped up by Busch.

Well, the Energy did their part last night in Mississippi. Now, June 1 at Miller Stadium Rayo OKC v Energy FC in the 3rd Round of the U.S. Open Cup. Should be good!

I have no faith in the Energy, and I say that as an Energy fan. I've seen nothing this year to show me they can beat anybody. We have an OK defense but besides that we are lacking everywhere else. I'll be out there for the game but I'm not expecting anything spectacular.

I have no faith in the Energy, and I say that as an Energy fan. I've seen nothing this year to show me they can beat anybody. We have an OK defense but besides that we are lacking everywhere else. I'll be out there for the game but I'm not expecting anything spectacular.

Look forward to seeing you guys there. We all got what we said we wanted. I'm hoping for a huge crowd and maybe some Oklahoma City TV Love for soccer...for once. How knows? Maybe even Traber will have to talk about it.

Yeah, I just have not been impressed this year like I was during stretches last year.

This is a good summary of my feelings: http://www.indomitablecitysoccer.com/around-the-usl/2016/5/17/11680874/why-does-the-energy-hate-me

Look forward to seeing you guys there. We all got what we said we wanted. I'm hoping for a huge crowd and maybe some Oklahoma City TV Love for soccer...for once. How knows? Maybe even Traber will have to talk about it.

If he is there, I will send Tonya Harding's ex-BF over his way.

Rayo OKC loss last night 2-1 Attendance was around 3,000 last night.

Rayo OKC loss last night 2-1 Attendance was around 3,000 last night.

What's your point, Tydude?

Congratulations on our OKC Energy FC 1-0 win against San Antonio at Toyota Field last night.

Let's not forget that this is Rayo OKC's first season in a market where the OKC Energy FC has had a two year head start to establish its footprint inside the city's core--plays in a stadium that is centrally located inside the metro.

The Energy FC had some crowds under 3,000 its first year @ 3,200-seat Pribil Stadium when they had the whole market to themselves.

I think the big thing is that the Energy played on Saturday and Rayo played on Sunday competing with the Western Conference Finals.

I think the big thing is that the Energy played on Saturday and Rayo played on Sunday competing with the Western Conference Finals.

The Rayo game was Saturday night. I dont know if it was end of school? Graduations?, whatever, but it wasn't a great crowd. It was an (ok) crowd, but not great by any means. I'm not going to sugar-coat it when it isn't good. That doesn't help anyone. Everyone I know is expecting a GREAT crowd for the USOC game on June 1.
If you have developed a good business plan going into a new venture you always have a Bottom Line, and a Mid Line and a Top Line to gauge where you are. From what I know the bottom line for Rayo OKC is to average at least 3K/game. If they do that they will be alright for now. Of COURSE they want to increase that bottom line, and not limp along like the barons did. But for now they are doing alright. I personally want to see full stands EVERY night!
After going to see a Timbers game last week I saw what soccer in America COULD look like. They ENTIRE stadium standing, and chanting, and singing, not just the supporter's section.
Will it ever happen here? Who knows?
For me, the BOTTOM LINE is 3K/game through the door.
MID LINE would be 4-5K/game with people not just sitting in the stands, but somewhat engaged with the game.
The TOP LINE, for me, would be sellouts EVERY game, and hardly anyone sitting during play.
It's a dream, but let's see what we can do about it.

Oh really? Did they replay the game last night on Cox? I swear I saw it playing.

OKC Derby is going to be awesome.

Oh really? Did they replay the game last night on Cox? I swear I saw it playing.

I think they may have

OKC Derby is going to be awesome.

The Dustbowl Derby?
The Red Dirt Rumble?
The Crosstown Cup?
The Capital City Cup?

http://www.rayookc.com/news/2016/05/24/rayo-okc--energy-fc-to-be-televised-on-cox-channel-703
12598
Cox Communications will televise the US Open Cup match between Rayo OKC and Energy FC on June 1 at 8 p.m. on Channel 703. Local sports personalities Mark Rodgers and Todd Lisenbee will be calling the game. The game will also be available for online viewing via U.S. Soccer's YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/ussoccer).

Tickets for the third-round matchup will go on sale to the general public Thursday at 9 am CT. Rayo OKC season ticket holders have until Wednesday to reserve their seats in advance. Ticket prices range from $13 to $41. For ticket information call 405-232-7296 or visit www.rayookc.com.

12600
Congratulations to Michel!

Live Video: 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup - Third Round: Rayo OKC vs. OKC Energy FC


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAdLKVWQ-M0

I'm with him, let's all laugh at the Yukon team. Two red cards towards the end of the match from Rayo, come on guys show some sportsmanship. There is only one team in OKC and we all know who that is.

Watching the video, it looks like one of the Energy guys had a bottle or something thrown at him from the Rayo supporter section after the 2nd goal.

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13315759_10154423136898643_4977301138131583906_n.j pg?oh=91049dacf41a253f9203c013d0222767&oe=57C4817B

And these are the supporters that led me to stop buying season tickets. Total dickheads.

Hope that some of these guys aren't parents yet; there's room for growth. Young men, don't let spectator sports become the focal point of your life (preoccupied/obsession)--the name-calling is totally unnecessary.

You guys don't know me personally, so I won't take it personally.

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/13339543_10154423804468643_5154457217321149779_n.j pg?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=d218165bf5a60b97e411217e79089a5d&oe=580FE773

Don't know if anyone knows the guy, but here is the Rayo fan that threw a can at one of the Energy guys. Hope that Rayo handles this the right way.

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/13339543_10154423804468643_5154457217321149779_n.j pg?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=d218165bf5a60b97e411217e79089a5d&oe=580FE773

Don't know if anyone knows the guy, but here is the Rayo fan that threw a can at one of the Energy guys. Hope that Rayo handles this the right way.

Agree,

This type of behavior shouldn't be tolerated in any level of spectator sports. Athletes should be treated with respect at all times; these guys put a lot of hard work and preparation into the game.

Until fans learn to be fans and treat the athletes and the game with respect; they should be barred from attending any future events.

And just for transparency: I'm a member of the Grid, and I'm also a member of the Beer Guardians (FC Dallas fan group). A few years ago the guy behind me at an FC Dallas home game, in our own supporter section, threw a bottle at the players and hit our own guy. We all pointed him out to security and police and made sure they got a hold of him to handle it. Turned out he wasn't a member of any of the groups and this was his first game, or else he would have been kicked out of the group, but that is how you police your own section.

I'm all about talking crap and giving the other team hell during the game, and ripping the opposing supporter groups as well. I don't do physical fights, and other than Houston or Rayo most of us are able to hang out before and after the game. I have made one or two tongue-in-cheek posts in this thread, but I don't think that there is much to be gained from gloating in here. I celebrated in the Energy thread, and if it wouldn't have been for this specific event from the Rayo side of the supporters I wouldn't have posted about the game at all in here.

I don't do physical fights, and other than Houston

Dale Dynamo!!!

12654
They already know who this was and are dealing with the individual.

Now they just need to create and post a Code of Conduct, which they don't have, so that visitors to the visiting teams fan section, which they told the visiting fans doesn't exist, know what to follow!

Michel has been suspended for 2 games by NASL after his action against New York.

RAYO OKC NOTCHES FIRST WIN AT HOME
http://www.nasl.com/news/2016/06/04/rayo-okc-notches-first-win-at-home
12661