Back-and-Forth Battle between Lone Star Conference Leaders Ends Even
By Oklahoma United FC
Oklahoma United FC had the first and last word Saturday evening in a 2-2 draw versus Lubbock Matadors at Chad Richison Stadium.
United (6-1-2, 20 pts.) led 1-0 at the break over Lubbock (7-0-2, 22 pts.) with French forward David Imbert’s team-leading seventh goal of the year in first-half stoppage time.
The Matadors responded with two quick goals to take the lead, scoring from a corner in the 50th minute followed by a 65th-minute finish from Momo Diop at close range.
Jarrod McKechnie, a midfielder from New Zealand making his first start in a United home match, placed a shot perfectly into the upper right-hand corner from outside the box to level the scoring at two apiece in the 68th minute.
Both sides fought hard for a winner, but honors remained even. The draw was Lubbock’s first of the year and the first draw at home for OKUFC.
With the result, Lubbock maintains control of the Lone Star Conference and the top seed for the conference playoffs.
Conference playoff matches are yet to be finalized, but are slated to be played July 9.
“We are all very, very excited [about the playoffs],” OKUFC forward Thomas Brulay said. “Whatever happened in the past now has to stay in the past, and we need to focus on the next couple of games. Regardless of what you’ve done, whether it’s good or bad, you have to do it better for the next game.”
Lubbock hosts West Texas FC looking to win the “El Dustico” trophy, while Oklahoma United travels to Arkansas Wolves SC in a bid to win both matches of the series.
Photo Credit: Dakota Wahkinney/Oklahoma United FC
