OKC Energy FC forward Francis Atuahene was the difference maker in the team’s Week 1 victory against the Tulsa Roughnecks.  The rookie will play a large role in disrupting the Phoenix Rising back line on Mar. 24, with Rising FC faces OKC Energy at Phoenix Rising Football Complex.

Atuahene came to the United States through the Right to Dream Academy’s partnership with the Hotchkiss School in Connecticut, where he earned USC All-American recognition.  The 21 year-old Ghanan spent his college years at Michigan, earning Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Year honors in 2015 after scoring 10 goals in 17 games.  His production trailed off in 2016 and 2017, but his talent still earned him First Team All-Big Ten Conference honors (2016) and USC Second Team All-Midwest Region (2017) recognition.

Atuahene also played PDL ball with the Michigan Bucks, and was featured by the league after this impressive volley.

After being drafted No. 4 overall by FC Dallas in the MLS Superdraft, Atuahene joined the team, but suffered an ulna fracture in his left arm in a pre-season friendly against the University of Tulsa on Jan. 27.  On Mar. 2, after being found too far down the depth chart, he was loaned to OKC Energy FC.

Francis’ strong play against Tulsa in Week 1 seemed to indicate that the surgery was successful and his recovery is complete.  Positioned in a right forward position in the 4-2-3-1 formation, Atuahene played in position consistently during the match.

Should Atuahene suit up against Phoenix Rising FC, he will surely be one to watch.

If he doesn’t play?

Look out for another FC Dallas loanee, Ema Twumasi.  Also hailing from Ghana, Twumasi was selected 11th overall in the 2018 SuperDraft after playing at Wake Forest.  Entertaining forward Miguel Gonzalez (as seen on SportCenter Top 10) returns for a second season in Oklahoma, as does veteran midfielder Juan Pablo Guzman.

For a full preview of the March 24 game vs. OKC Energy, FC, check out Jeff Wendt’s preview here!