Energy FC Moves Into First Place

OKC Energy FC won its fourth straight match, 1-0 over Real Monarchs SLC Saturday night at Taft Stadium, and moved into first place in the USL Western Conference.

Kyle Greig netted the match's lone goal in the 74th minute of play, when he received a cross from Michael Thomas at the top of the Real box and rolled a shot under diving Monarchs' keeper Victor Rodriguez. The goal was Greig's seventh of the season and second in as many games. 

OKC outshot Real Monarchs 13-4 for the match, but Rodriguez made a number of saves to keep the match scoreless late into the second half. Greig, Pete Toth and Danni König each had two shots on goal for the match, with Greig the only Energy FC player to beat Rodriguez. 

Energy FC goal keeper Evan Newton made two saves for his eighth clean sheet of the season, giving him sole possession of second place in the USL in shutouts, two behind leader Brandon Miller of Rochester.

With the win, Energy FC extended its unbeaten streak to eight games.

At 40 standings points, OKC holds a one-point advantage over second-place Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and a four-point lead over third-place LA Galaxy II. Energy FC and Colorado Springs meet once more in the 2015 campaign, Sept. 12 at Taft Stadium.

OKC's next match is Saturday, Aug. 29, when the club welcomes the Austin Aztex to Taft Stadium for a 7 p.m. kickoff.