Energy FC Advances At U.S. Open Cup

OKC Energy FC entered the 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup second round Wednesday evening and came away with a 2-0 win over the NPSL's Tulsa Athletics at Athletics Stadium. Energy FC advances to the U.S. Open Cup third round and faces fellow USL PRO team Arizona United on May 28. Additional details regarding the third round match will be announced at a later date.

David Leichty opened the scoring in the 10th minute to give Energy FC a 1-0 lead over the Athletics. Energy continued applying pressure. Michael Thomas sent a free kick into the box in the 20th minute but the ball hit off the post.

Tulsa had a chance early but Energy FC goalkeeper Samir Badr came up with the save. Blaine Gonsalves had a header go over the crossbar in the 30th minute for the Athletics, but Tulsa couldn't capitalize on their chances.

Energy FC controlled the final 10 minutes of the opening period to take a 1-0 lead into the locker room at the intermission.

Leichty sent one over the crossbar in the 56th minute and had another chance in the 59th as Energy FC continued to apply pressure on the Athletics defense.

Pete Caringi gave Energy FC a 2-0 lead in the 69th minute as the ball hit out before Caringi put it home. The Athletics responded in the next minute as Dave Leung sent the ball just wide of the post.

Leung was sent off in the 77th minute with a red card following a late tackle against Energy FC defender Tarek Morad. Tulsa's Stephen Brocks was sent off in stoppage time.

Badr earned the clean sheet in his first start of the year for Energy FC.

Energy FC returns to league action on Friday, May 16, against the Richmond Kickers.