OKC Energy U23 goes local with latest roster additions
Photo credit: Steven Christy
While it’s awfully common for clubs to seek out local players to help connect with their fan bases, OKC Energy U23 has taken the personnel strategy to a whole new level. Hey, why go “loco” when you can go local?
On Tuesday, the team announced the addition of 11 players to the roster. All 11 guys — in some way, shape or form — have a connection to the Oklahoma area. Here’s a list of all the additions along with their most recent local ties:
Daryl Dike (Edmond North High School)
Munashe Raranje (University of Tulsa)
Cooper Clark (University of Tulsa)
Dante Brigida (Oral Roberts University)
Butch Hampton (University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma)
Josh Berney (Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School)
Omar Urquiza (Oral Roberts University)
Tyler Lacourse (Metro Christian Academy)
Garrett McLaughlin (Heritage Hall)
Colton Haskin (Oral Roberts University)
Brandon Brus (Oral Roberts University)
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with these promising local players,” Energy FC U23 head coach Jon Pearlman said in a release. “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to build on the excellent development work done by their local Oklahoma club and college coaches. I believe these players will be an integral part of the Energy FC PDL program this summer with an eye on a potential first-team opportunity in the future.”
The PDL affiliate of Energy FC of the USL, the U23s won’t begin league play until May 20. They will have meaningful matches prior to that, however, with their first U.S. Open Cup game set for May 9.
The senior squad, meawhile, has already begun USL play, falling to Orange County SC 1-0 at home Wednesday night to move to 1W-0D-2L (3 points) on the young season.
With a multitude of skilled local products on the roster and a well-supported parent club, OKC Energy U23 has positioned itself as one of the more intriguing sides to follow in 2018 PDL action.
Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.
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