Tulsa Roughnecks Open Season With Draw Against OKC Energy

OKC Energy FC met in-state rival Tulsa Roughnecks FC in the 2015 season opener for both teams Saturday night at Tulsa's ONEOK Field. Energy FC's Michael Thomas scored in the 45th minute, while Tulsa's Bailey Ballew added a goal in the 72nd minute for the first-ever meeting to end in a 1-1 draw.

Energy FC goalkeeper Evan Newton made four saves in his season debut for the club. Newton got assistance from his backline as Cyprian Hedrick, Jacob VanCompernolle and Christian Duke all came through with key plays throughout the contest, including two blocked shots from Duke and a goal-line kick-out from VanCompernolle in the 40th minute. Hedrick earned man of the match honors for his performance.

Thomas's goal came just before stoppage time in the first half as he put in a header behind Tulsa goalkeeper Zac Lubin off a Chuy Sanchez corner kick. Energy FC held that lead until Ballew's long-range shot in the 72nd minute caromed past Newton on the far post to pull the score even.

Tulsa put five shots on goal during the match and Energy FC had two. Tulsa had nine corner kicks, while Energy FC had six.