FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Domestic Return: USL Pro Expansion Franchise OKC Energy Signs Ex-FC Porto and U20 USMNT GK Samir Badr
Washington, D.C. (Stone Sports Management, LLC) -- February 18, 2014
Stone Sports Management is pleased to announce that the OKC Energy have signed American Goalkeeper Samir Badr to a one-year contract for the USL Pro franchise's inaugural 2014 season. OKC Energy is led by recently retired Danish Goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen who Captained the 2013 MLS Cup winning side Sporting KC. OKC Energy recently unveiled its new kits and identiy, which Badr is glad to be a part of for the upcoming season.
"I am privileged and honored to have sign for OKC Energy and will prepare myself to push my teammates as much as possible to fulfill our goals for the upcoming and inaugural season. I am really excited to work under Jimmy Nielsen who has been one of the MLS Goalkeepers I have recently looked up to and know that I can learn a lot from him and the other coaches. Having a head coach who has excelled at the goalkeeping position is a rare and invaluable priviliege that I must not take for granted nor this opportunity as a whole," remarked Badr on his signing. He comments further on the opportunity and expresses gratitude, "I would like to thank the entire OKC Energy organization for having me part of this new project and also to thank my family, personal goalkeeping coach Andre Christian and my agent Justin Stone for supporting me. I cannot wait to get started and meet my new teammates and all the fans who will support us in our inaugural season!"
(Above: Samir Badr Signs His OKC Energy Contract at the Stone Sports Management Office)
Badr will soon travel to Oklahoma City from his Fairfax, Virginia home where he has spent the past months. Badr was last under contract with Egyptian Premier side Haras El-Hoodood where he signed a three and a half year contract in Spring 2012, but unfortunately parted ways due to the uncertaintly in Egypt politically and in football. Badr is expected to compete with Jonathan Kempin, who is currently the #3 GK on Sporting KC's roster, to be the starting goalkeeper. OKC Energy invited Badr to the club's invitational trials and opened contract negotiations with the former FC Porto and U20 U.S. Men's National Team Goalkeeper shortly thereafter. Here is Samir Badr featured in the club's tryout recap:
"This is an ideal situation for Samir, as he will be working under Jimmy Nielsen whom I have known for several years. Samir will be given all the tools and environment necessary to develop, and I look forward to him taking this opportunity with great commitment," commented Agent Justin B. Stone. "It also is great that Samir will have a potential path to be a part of Sporting KC as the two clubs have a formal relationship. I must applaud Samir for keeping his fitness up during his time away from the pro game and wish him and the OKC Energy the best in their inaugural season."
Click HERE for OKC Energy's Schedule and following the club and Samir Badr through the 2014 Season.
You may contact Justin B. Stone by phone at +001 202 712 9104 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
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