USL Week 24: New Div III competition, move to rel/pro gains traction

Swope Park Rangers (H) vs Oklahoma City Energy

SPR’s magnificent summer run came to an abrupt end on July 30. They lost 1-4 that evening at home to Reno. Swope have managed just 4 points in the 6 matches since that loss. It was a long August for the men from KC. But now August is done and September’s begun. If the playoffs started today Swope would be in. In rather comfortably in fact. Oklahoma City on the other hand would be right on the tie-breaker edge. Possibly looking in. OKC Energy tied LA Galaxy II away, 1-1, on July 30. In contrast to SWP, OKC have won 3 of their last 5 and earned 10 points. Both teams have 7 matches to play including this one and the last regular season meeting with one another scheduled for October 8 in Oklahoma City.

• Last time out: SPR became the latest victim of Reno’s win streak last Saturday, as mentioned above, losing away, 0-1. Energy defeated Orange County FC away, 2-1, a week ago Friday.
• Players to watch for: Oklahoma City’s better fortunes coincide rather remarkably with their acquisition of striker, José Argulo, on loan from Saint Louis FC since July 11 of this year. The 29 year-old Columbian forward has 8 goals in 20 appearances for his two clubs. He could leave fans of SPR wondering if August is really over. OKC also have a standout no. 1 in Cody Laurendi. To keep an eye on the growth of his beard…
• H2W: click the link on the next slide