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Matchday Report: Energy FC, 901 FC End Scoreless

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 05/29/21, 10:37PM EDT

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OKC’s Donovan makes key goal-line clearance to deny visitors second-half tally at Taft Stadium.

OKLAHOMA CITY – OKC Energy FC and Memphis 901 FC shared the points after a 0-0 draw on Saturday night at Taft Stadium that saw OKC’s Conor Donovan record a key second-half clearance to earn his side a point.

With both sides looking for a first win of the season, OKC opened the more brightly as Frank Lopez had an early chance blocked behind by Memphis defender Skylar Thomas before Sam Rogers headed a delivery by Brad Dunwell from the ensuing corner kick over the crossbar inside the opening five minutes. Memphis’ first real chance arrived midway through the first half as Andre Reynolds III found space on the left to send a cross to the back post for Kadeem Dacres, only for his header to go over the crossbar.

A minute later Lopez had another chance for Energy FC as Roberto Coronado looped in a fine cross from the left that the Cuban caught on the volley but sent high of the net. Lopez threatened again six minutes before halftime as well as he stole possession on the right side just outside the penalty area and bore down on goal, but Memphis goalkeeper John Berner stood up well to deny the chance from a tight angle as the game went to the break scoreless.

Berner had to come up big once again four minutes into the second half as he denied OKC’s Villyan Bijev after a quickly-taken free kick sent the attacking midfielder into the left side of the penalty area for a near-post shot, while Memphis’ Laurent Kissiedou almost found an opening just past the hour-mark only to be closed down by Donovan who blocked his effort from 10 yards out.

Donovan produced another crucial intervention in the 73rd minute as Memphis’ Michael Salazar flicked a pass into space for Kissiedou to shoot toward the left corner only for Donovan to clear off the line after the effort had beaten OKC goalkeeper CJ Cochran. 901 FC was reduced to 10 men with a minute to go as Dacres was sent off for his second yellow card of the game, but the hosts were unable to capitalize and find a late winner as the game ended in a scoreless draw.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Leston Paul, Memphis 901 FC – Paul proved effective in the center of midfield for the visitors, winning 9 of 12 duels and recording nine recoveries while also completing 39 of 48 passes in the contes.

Scoring Summary
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