Sporting KC has partnered with USL PRO clubs Orlando City SC and OKC Energy FC for the 2014 season. As part of the agreement, Sporting KC will loan players to the clubs to play games and gain experience throughout the year. Each week, we’ll recap the performances of the Sporting KC players on loan.
Orlando City SC opened a nine-point lead atop the USL Pro standings with a pair of victories this week. Manager Adrian Heath’s squad remains undefeated in USL Pro (8-0-3) and has won eight of nine games.
Mikey Lopez made second half substitute appearances in Orlando City’s wins over Arizona United SC on Saturday (1-0) and the Charlotte Eagles on Wednesday (3-1). Lopez set up the third goal against Charlotte in the 77th minute—his first assist of the season—as Kevin Molino completed his hat trick.
OKC Energy FC fell to 2-6-0 with a 4-1 defeat at the Richmond Kickers on Friday. Jon Kempin played 90 minutes in goal and made three saves. Midfielder Christian Duke started and played 75 minutes, picking up a yellow card in the first half.
Defender Kevin Ellis was recalled from Energy FC on Friday to provide depth on Sporting KC’s backline. The homegrown player made three 90-minute appearances for manager Jimmy Nielsen’s side during his four-week loan spell.
Both affiliate clubs earned Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Second Round victories on Wednesday, May 14. Orlando City SC defeated the Ocala Stampede (Premier Development League) 4-1, while OKC Energy FC earned a 2-0 road win over the NPSL’s Tulsa Athletics.
Orlando City will host the Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) and Energy FC will visit Arizona United (USL Pro) in third round contests on May 28.
Mikey Lopez (Orlando City SC)
The 21-year-old midfielder registered his first USL Pro assist on Wednesday.
2014 USL PRO Stats
<strong>Matches Played</strong> |
<strong>Minutes Played</strong> |
<strong>Goals</strong> |
<strong>Assists</strong> |
<strong>Shots</strong> |
<strong>Fouls</strong> |
8 |
149 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
Christian Duke (OKC Energy FC)
The Overland Park, Kansas native has started three straight matches in manager Jimmy Nielsen's midfield.
2014 USL PRO Stats
<strong>Matches Played</strong> |
<strong>Minutes Played</strong> |
<strong>Goals</strong> |
<strong>Assists</strong> |
<strong>Shots</strong> |
<strong>Fouls</strong> |
6 |
416 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
5 |
Jon Kempin (OKC Energy FC)
The homegrown goalkeeper made his seventh consecutive start against the Richmond Kickers on Friday.
2014 USL PRO Stats
<strong>Matches Played</strong> |
<strong>Record</strong> |
<strong>Goals Against Average</strong> |
<strong>Shutouts</strong> |
<strong>Saves</strong> |
7 |
1-6-0 |
2.14 |
1 |
22 |
