Our affiliation last 2 season with Sporting KC.

Thanks, Tydude!

I think you're going to find quickly that this isn't a sh*t talking site. There are other spaces online for that and Pete is likely just going to end up banning you. More than that, you keep referencing all Energy fans as if they're one entity, which they're not. Instead you're likely just alienating a lot of people that actually didn't have any dog in the fight and might have been Rayo fans also...

You just described me. I haven't been to an Energy game and have no allegiance there. I honestly don't give a flip about either team, other than in general wanting OKC teams to do well. But posts from people like borchard and treydogg have COMPLETELY turned me off to Rayo. I can't imagine that is what the ownership hoped for.

Non-soccer person here. Are Rayo and Energy in the same soccer league (or whatever it's called in soccer)? Will they play against each other?

Non-soccer person here. Are Rayo and Energy in the same soccer league (or whatever it's called in soccer)? Will they play against each other?

RayoOKC is in NASL Energy FC is in USL.The only way for them to play each other is in the 3rd round of the US Open Cup. If Energy FC makes it that round.

RayoOKC is in NASL Energy FC is in USL.The only way for them to play each other is in the 3rd round of the US Open Cup. If Energy FC makes it that round.

So would this be akin to the AFC and the NFC in pro football many moons ago?

So would this be akin to the AFC and the NFC in pro football many moons ago?

No. NASL is much larger and far more talented than USL.

Rayo OKC has 4 players who have played in the World cup, 14 who have played (or still do) for their National Team. Energy may have a few who have played in MLS, not sure.

Yet when USL teams faced off against NASL foes in the USOC last year they were 7-0.

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but the impression I get is that USL's relationship to MLS is akin to AA and AAA baseball's relationship to the majors, whereas NASL is attempting to be a major-league alternative to MLS, similar to how the USFL and even XFL tried to compete directly with the NFL.

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but the impression I get is that USL's relationship to MLS is akin to AA and AAA baseball's relationship to the majors, whereas NASL is attempting to be a major-league alternative to MLS, similar to how the USFL and even XFL tried to compete directly with the NFL.

That's mostly correct. There are a lot of MLS2 teams in the USL but there are some teams that have no ties to any MLS side. The Energy are affiliated with FC Dallas, but we don't have send players up if they need a player like in Baseball. It's already happened this year, FCD wanted Danny K but the Energy told them no they couldn't have him.

NASL is trying to be an alternative league just like what you described.

I would consider the USL more like the NBA d-league where maybe 1 or 2 players get called up in the year. In AAA baseball half the roster sees playing time in the majors during the year.

I thought we all agreed that we would keep the **** talking about the other teams out of these threads?

No kidding. I mean, we are ALL talking about MINOR league soccer here...whether it be NASL or USL.

I would consider the USL more like the NBA d-league where maybe 1 or 2 players get called up in the year. In AAA baseball half the roster sees playing time in the majors during the year.

That's why I included AA baseball when I made the comparison. Although, after elitespy's breakdown I would say that it sounds like a hybrid of AAA/AA/A and independent league baseball. That is, respectable degree of talented professional athletes - some of whom may make the show and a few who have been there - and some teams with a major league affiliation (same as AAA/AA/A baseball) but also some teams without affiliation (independent league). All in all a mixed bag, but mostly guys working within an existing system hoping to get to a higher level.

Whereas with NASL it sounds like a lot of guys - some of them recently considered fairly elite - banking on the idea that NASL will replace or at the very least compete with MLS, which seems like much more of a gamble. That sounds a LOT like USFL and XFL vs NFL, where there were some elite guys (Anthony Carter, Herschel Walker, Jim Kelly, Reggie White) some really solid pros (Doug Williams and Luis Zendehas played for the Oklahoma/Arizona Outlaws for instance), some out-of-the-game guys who were previously excellent (Efren Herrera played for the Outlaws too), but mostly a lot of guys who were busts (Marcus Dupree) or operated at the fringe of the pro sport.

Either way, can we all just agree that soccer sucks? ;)

Sorry, all of that (American) football talk made my testosterone spike.

Sorry, all of that (American) football talk made my testosterone spike.

Hate to let you in on this - Worldwide more people watch soccer than American football....:cool:

Urbanized, I'm sure you knew this.....

More people also watch cricket and field hockey than baseball and ice hockey, respectively. Doesn't mean that they are better sports; it only means that a TON of people live in India. ;)

No need to troll. If you don't like it, don't comment. I don't like motorcycles, but I don't come in that thread and tell you how dumb they are.

It's a joke, dude. Lighten up. I actually PLAYED soccer as a youngster. And even as an adult I played some indoor. Plus, when I was growing up the only (pro) game in town was...soccer, and the Wichita Wings, who were gods to us. I had a poster of Pele on my wall. I understand the appeal of the game.

I also enjoy field hockey (which I understand), and cricket (which I do not, fully).

Soccer fans tend to get WAY too bent out of shape when they think someone isn't giving their precious game its due. BTW, I don't give one flip if you like motorcycles or not. Heck, I don't like most of them myself... ...many of which are in fact, dumb. Post away. I'll start with this one:

http://cl.jroo.me/z3/O/C/H/d/a.aaa-Glamorous-Biker.jpg

nm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym1l_s-V2ps&index=2 OKC Energy FC vs Saint Louis FC Youtube feed.You can also watch it on KSBI 52 on Saturday Night

Matchday in okc!!

12490

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym1l_s-V2ps&index=2 OKC Energy FC vs Saint Louis FC Youtube feed.You can also watch it on KSBI 52 on Saturday Night

Watching it now, and I can see where the complaints are coming from. Signal quality is good, and crystal clear. I think the problem is the field isn't bright enough.

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/t31.0-8/12967267_858809910912920_8012208916559986474_o.jpg

6,455 paid attendance tonight. Damn, that wind was awful though.

6,455 paid attendance tonight. Damn, that wind was awful though.

From the pictures I have seen actual attendance looked about half of that.
Also have seen tweets that the 50 from St. Louis were louder than the Grid.

From the pictures I have seen actual attendance looked about half of that.
Also have seen tweets that the 50 from St. Louis were louder than the Grid.

Depends on where you were sitting. We couldn't hear the St. Louligans in the Grid. But could hear La Fever Verde when we weren't chanting. Actual attendance was probably between 4,000 - 5,000. That was why I said paid attendance.

the wind had a big factor last night and with it being so cold some people may of deiced to stay home and watch the game on KSBI.

The Hispanic Grid pretty much drowned out the STL supporters

Depends on where you were sitting. We couldn't hear the St. Louligans in the Grid. But could hear La Fever Verde when we weren't chanting. Actual attendance was probably between 4,000 - 5,000. That was why I said paid attendance.
Paid is more important than actual anyway

Paid is more important than actual anyway

I would completely disagree with you.
So would you rather 500 people buy $15 dollar tickets and never show up to a game or give away 500 tickets, have those people each spend $5 on parking, buy $4 cokes and $3 hotdogs, not to mention merchandise.

I'd take the $15 gift, rather than $12 - food costs.

Ideally, I'd rather have the $15 ticket plus the food and merchandise.

I'd take the $15 gift, rather than $12 - food costs.

Ideally, I'd rather have the $15 ticket plus the food and merchandise.

Yes ideally would be a person to show up. But my point was I would rather have a person with a free ticket spend money possible more than $15 bucks than a person who buys the a ticket and no shows the event

Yes ideally would be a person to show up. But my point was I would rather have a person with a free ticket spend money possible more than $15 bucks than a person who buys the a ticket and no shows the event

I'd guess the COGS is at least 50% for anything sold on site, so they'd need to spend $30+ to make as much money as the ticket.

I'd guess the COGS is at least 50% for anything sold on site, so they'd need to spend $30+ to make as much money as the ticket.

I think what he's trying to say is empty seats look bad.

I think what he's trying to say is empty seats look bad.

Eh, I can agree with that, but if that was the case why bring up the money argument?

Watching it now, and I can see where the complaints are coming from. Signal quality is good, and crystal clear. I think the problem is the field isn't bright enough.

Reminds me of high school football playoffs. Not really impressed and was expecting the quality to be better.

Reminds me of high school football playoffs. Not really impressed and was expecting the quality to be better.

I think the reason it felt like watching high school football was because it is a high school field, with high school lighting. The actual image quality was fine, IMO. However, when you have low lighting, you'll get a poorer quality of image. Also the camera angle wasn't ideal. I haven't been able to check out Rayo on TV to compare since I don't have Cox, so not sure what it looks like.

Neither have I. I should do that soon.

I think the reason it felt like watching high school football was because it is a high school field, with high school lighting. The actual image quality was fine, IMO. However, when you have low lighting, you'll get a poorer quality of image. Also the camera angle wasn't ideal. I haven't been able to check out Rayo on TV to compare since I don't have Cox, so not sure what it looks like.

The visual broadcast quality on Cox is very good since it HD. Actually exceptional, although Mark Rogers is a fair announcer, they could get a little better color man.

[/B]

The visual broadcast quality on Cox is very good since it HD. Actually exceptional, although Mark Rogers is a fair announcer, they could get a little better color man.

What's the field lighting like?

What's the field lighting like?

Excellent ! Like a college field. It is the best facility on the western side of the state. It compares with Tulsa Union, Owasso and Jenks. The only high school with advanced training in Oklahoma at the time it was constructed. Not sure if others have not caught up or not. A rebuilt Taft Stadium facility does not hold a candle to Miller stadium and its facilities.

If what was on the TV and was the same thing that was on the web broadcast then I honestly couldn't see a difference in them. I watched a bit of the first home Rayo match online and thought the quality seemed just about on par with the Energy. I'm really picky when it comes to quality streams though, both could use some more work IMO.

Oklahoma City USL owners share long-term vision for MLS expansion bid | MLSsoccer.com (http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/04/09/oklahoma-city-usl-owners-share-long-term-vision-mls-expansion-bid)

Glad to hear USL Oklahoma City Energy FC ownership continue to aspire to move to the highest level. Our city will be ready sometime after 2017 to welcome another major league sport into our community.

As a city, we need to decide what kind of venue to build to put us in a position to move to the next level. A partnership with the city to accomplish a multipurpose venue to serve the needs of soccer & American football would be a win-win situation for all.

Tomorrow's match has been postponed. The team is stuck in Denver due to their flight (among 100 others) being cancelled.

WFC2 vs. Energy FC Game Postponed (http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/637827?referrer_id=2333971)

Can't believe that Rayo OKC would bribe the airport in Denver just to mess with the Energy like that...

Can't believe that Rayo OKC would bribe the airport in Denver just to mess with the Energy like that...

Lol. Time to call the Canadian County Sheriff.

http://youtu.be/k2uuF8DEa6I

It does matter what side of the aisle you are on. This is a moving video about OKC.

I embedded it for you.


http://youtu.be/k2uuF8DEa6I

Thanks man.

He lost me when he said you don't have the connection with the city at a Thunder game.....

That's when I stopped listening.

I've been to Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, to see the history of soccer is amazing.

He lost me when he said you don't have the connection with the city at a Thunder game.....

That's when I stopped listening.

I've been to Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, to see the history of soccer is amazing.
Yeah that was a little hyperbolic. College sports have student sections which is similar as well. That's just nit picking though, great video.

Yeah that was a little hyperbolic. College sports have student sections which is similar as well. That's just nit picking though, great video.

I will watch it again when I have a little more time.

WATCH LIVE: OKC Energy FC vs Swope Park Rangers KC 4-23-16
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oAHcL7E_bw&list=PLd9ii5X4fOZa7-CW72fKfFCRSP9xa3hDW&index=4

Tulsa seems to have a similar problem brewing between the USL Roughnecks and the NPSL Tulsa Athletics. The Athletics will lose the use of Drillers Park (former baseball venue) after this season.

Soccer fans have a lot of passion about team loyalty.

We have two organizations that have invested in our metropolitan area. Should one fail; let's be prepared to unite behind one team for the betterment of our community.

Personally, I feel that Oklahoma City will be ready after 2020 to step up to the highest level of professional soccer offered in North America--the MLS.

We have two organizations that have invested in our metropolitan area. Should one fail; let's be prepared to unite behind one team for the betterment of our community.


That will be a hard sell for many though.

I was a fan behind the original OKC FC and stood in their supporter section quite a few times. When the whole NASL/USL/Taft/Ownership Groups thing went down I felt that it stunk like crazy and that the Energy ownership group played dirty and that they were only out for themselves and had no interest in the community as a whole, nor the sport of soccer. I felt like they just saw soccer as another way to make money for themselves, and that they were not really interested in the sport itself. I refused to go to an Energy game for the first year they played because "feth the owners" (which, ironically enough, is a pretty common mindset between soccer fans everywhere, regardless of the team).

But eventually my love of soccer prevailed, and I realized that even if the ownership is shady as hell they still put on a good team and that I want soccer to succeed in Oklahoma City. So I joined the Grid and, work permitting, I stand in the stands to cheer on the team instead of the ownership. It took me a year to get there, but many people never will reach that point if either team fails.

Looks like the expansion into the MLS ship has sailed. Aren't even on the list anymore
We shouldn't waste tax payers money unless building a stadium will guarantee us a team.

MLS expansion pecking order for St Louis, Sacramento, next cities (http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/04/20/mls-expansion-future-cities-st-louis-sacramento-san-diego-austin-detroit)

MLS: Don Garber speaks on expansion cities, NWSL, equal pay, more (http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/04/21/don-garber-mls-expansion-miami-st-louis-sacramento-nwsl-equal-pay)

USL Announces Partnership with ESPN (http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/640008?referrer_id=2333971)

Looks like the expansion into the MLS ship has sailed. Aren't even on the list anymore
We shouldn't waste tax payers money unless building a stadium will guarantee us a team.

MLS expansion pecking order for St Louis, Sacramento, next cities (http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/04/20/mls-expansion-future-cities-st-louis-sacramento-san-diego-austin-detroit)

MLS: Don Garber speaks on expansion cities, NWSL, equal pay, more (http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/04/21/don-garber-mls-expansion-miami-st-louis-sacramento-nwsl-equal-pay)

I disagree, I would still much rather have a smaller Soccer Specific Stadium than Taft. I mean I like Taft and think it's a great spot, but a stadium specifically for soccer would be much nicer. I'm not calling for a big one that would seat 15k+ but a nice 8-10k seat stadium would be nice.

Looks like the expansion into the MLS ship has sailed. Aren't even on the list anymore
We shouldn't waste tax payers money unless building a stadium will guarantee us a team.

MLS expansion pecking order for St Louis, Sacramento, next cities (http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/04/20/mls-expansion-future-cities-st-louis-sacramento-san-diego-austin-detroit)

MLS: Don Garber speaks on expansion cities, NWSL, equal pay, more (http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/04/21/don-garber-mls-expansion-miami-st-louis-sacramento-nwsl-equal-pay)

Yes, the 2020 expansion targets the 2 million MSA areas; however, did someone forget to tell our Energy FC owners (Funks, McLaughlin) as they continue to dangle the MLS caret to fans as they clear benchmarks along the way.

There are a number of needs for a stadium. True, an anchor tenant would help. We wouldn't be building a stadium for soccer or American football only.

Just don't think that there's anyone (including Express Sports) out there that wants to tie $50 - $100 million (doesn't include land acquisition) into a private venue for Oklahoma City--let alone a $100 million MLS expansion fee. OKC could accomplish a stadium thru MAPS. We need a feasibility study done to help with this process.

Stadium construction costs continue to rise. Build something 70,000 seat range (close off the upper deck for smaller events) that could attract some OU & OSU non conference games to the city; NFL exhibition games, an annual college football bowl classic, couple of big concerts, motocross etc... You want to continue to build hotels in our area (?); then stop half stepping.