Energy FC Must Win In Vancouver For A Shot At Hosting Playoff Game

Energy FC clinched a playoff berth last weekend, but the team still has work to do to clinch home field advantage and it starts with a road trip to Vancouver Whitecaps 2 tonight at 9:00 p.m. CT. A win doesn’t solidify a home playoff game but a loss ends OKC’s shot at hosting.

The Energy has lost twice and tied once in its past three matches and sits seventh in the West with two games remaining.

“There’s a lot on the line at this point of the season,” head coach Jimmy Nielsen said. “We’ve got to be able to handle that pressure. Lately the results have not gone our way. We’re still in it. When we come down to this year, it’s the small details you win or lose games on and we need those details to go in our favor now.”

A win against the sixth-place Whitecaps would help but the Energy needs to finish fourth to host. That would mean passing Vancouver, Swope Park and LA Galaxy II.

“Despite our last game I think our team is positive,” defender Kalen Ryden said. “We know what can happen if we get two wins these next two games, the possibility of hosting a game, and we think that’s important.”

After the Vancouver trip, the Energy is back home for the regular season finale against St. Louis FC on Saturday, Sept. 24th, a 6:00 p.m. CT start.