Sporting KC: Mikey Lopez Loaned To OKC Energy FC
Sporting KC have announced that they have loaned former first round MLS SuperDraft Pick Mikey Lopez to Oklahoma City Energy FC ahead of the 2015 USL Pro Season. OKC Energy FC are coached by former Sporting KC goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen.
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Lopez was drafted in the first round of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of North Carolina by Sporting KC. He did not make a huge splash during his rookie season, making no appearances in MLS regular season play. He did make his debut in the U.S. Open Cup competition on May 26th, 2013 against the Des Moines Menace.
2014 was a much more active year for Lopez. He was first loaned out on March 17th, 2014 to former USL Pro powerhouse Orlando City SC who are now a new MLS expansion team along with New York City FC. He made nine appearances for Orlando City, notching one assist for the team. He was recalled back to Sporting KC on June 4th, 2014.
After being recalled from Orlando City SC, Lopez was loaned out to Oklahoma City Energy FC. He managed five appearances for the team, scoring one goal. He was recalled back to Sporting KC after less than a month with the team on June 30th, 2014.
Lopez made his regular season MLS debut on July 16th, 2014 in a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew. He made eight total appearances for Sporting KC in 2014 including five starts.
Lopez was an important player for Sporting KC in 2014 as they were hit with injuries and World Cup call ups that thinned the roster. He stepped up and played admirably. It was thought that he would be in the competition for the starting defensive midfield spot that was left vacant after the transfer of Uri Rossell.
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He has a rough couple games during the pre-season prior to the 2015 season, and it seems he lost the competition. Midfield is one of the strengths of Sporting KC with Benny Feilhaber, Roger Espinoza, and Paulo Nagamura.
It is also rumored that Sporting KC and midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart have agreed on a deal to bring him to the team according to FubolMLS.com. The loan of Lopez could be making room for Van der Vaart which would support the rumor.
Sporting KC will be back in action on Saturday, March 28th against new expansion side New York City FC at Yankee Stadium at 6:00 PM Central time.
Sporting KC are currently at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with two points in three games played.