Energy FC Signs OKC Native Bryan Byars

OKC Energy FC has announced the signing of Oklahoma City native and goalkeeper Bryan Byars, General Manager Jason Hawkins announced today. Byars recently completed his collegiate career at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha.

Byars started four years at USAO, ending his career with the university's career shutouts record (46) and career wins record (64). He posted 229 career saves and a 64-15-4 record during his collegiate career.

Byars earned All-Southwest Region honors from the NSCAA and All-Sooner Athletic Conference first team honors as a junior. He posted his career-high of 11 saves in a double overtime loss to Missouri Valley at the NAIA national tournament.

Byars earned NAIA All-America Honorable Mention honors as a sophomore and was also named the Sooner Athletic Conference's Goalkeeper of the Year. He had 17 wins and recorded an opening-round win over Missouri Valley in the NAIA national tournament as a freshman. He earned SAC first team all-conference honors.

“I am honored to be a part of my hometown team,” Byars said. “I've worked hard to get to this point, and I can't think of a better place to start my professional career.”

Byars was named All-America and All-State as a senior at Putnam City North High School. He was an all-district selection for three straight years and a nominee for Gatorade's National Player of the Year in 2009. The Panthers finished as state runner-up in 2006.