FC Tulsa Opens Up ONEOK Field with Preseason Draw: Recap Presented by Williams

TULSA – On Saturday, FC Tulsa soccer was officially back at ONEOK Field. While the result was a 1-1 draw against Austin Bold FC, the afternoon match presented an opportunity for Tulsa to re-introduce outdoor pro sports to the community after an extended offseason.

It was a slow start for Tulsa in the first half, who couldn't find much traction offensively. A controversial penalty was awarded to Austin in the 37' minute when Jorge Corrales committed a foul that appeared to be outside the 18-yard box. Tulsa keeper Austin Wormell saved Jason Johnson's initial penalty, but the ball ricocheted off Wormell's hands straight to an on-rushing Xavi Baez who slotted it home.

The start of the second half saw multiple changes for Tulsa as newly-acquired midfielder Kembo Kibato made his preseason debut and Sean Lewis replaced Austin Wormell in net. The changes created a spark for Tulsa that eventually resulted in an equalizer. Off a cross, the ball fell to the feet of defender Kevin Garcia who bundelled it into the goal for the first tally at ONEOK this year for FC Tulsa.

A physical final 20 minutes ensued to the end of the match with both teams unable to find a winner.

MATCH STORYLINES

1) Sean Lewis Makes His Return to Pitch
After dealing with a minor injury throughout much of preseason, goalkeeper Sean Lewis returned to the net for Tulsa to start the second half. Lewis had a standout season in 2020 and was named the team's MVP. Lewis was stout in his 45 minutes, keeping Austin off the scoreboard.

2) Hometown Kids Receive ONEOK Debut
Tulsa natives midfielder Ciaran Winters and keeper Austin Wormell made their ONEOK Field debuts on Saturday. Wormell started in net for Tulsa while Winters came on as a sub in the 80' minute. Wormell made a penalty save before Austin's goal to put an exclamation on what was an impressive preseason.

3) Garcia Bags His First for Tulsa
While it won't officially count, Kevin Garcia's goal was the first for the defender in a Tulsa uniform. A corner fell into the waiting feet of Garcia who didn't miss. In his career, Garcia scored one goal for Rio Grande Valley FC in the USL Championship and one goal for Houston Dynamo FC in MLS.

4) Another Tulsa/Austin Draw
It wouldn't be an FC Tulsa vs. Austin Bold FC match without a draw. The three matches between the sides in 2020 all ended in a draw. The two teams will meet once in the 2021 regular season, on September 18 (918 Day) at ONEOK Field.

UP NEXT
The USL Championship returns with a bang in 2021 next Saturday with FC Tulsa traveling to OKC Energy FC for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff in the Black Gold Derby. It will be one of two matches played on opening weekend across the league.

It was a slow start for Tulsa in the first half, who couldn’t find much traction offensively. A controversial penalty was awarded to Austin in the 37′ minute when Jorge Corrales committed a foul that appeared to be outside the 18-yard box. Tulsa keeper Austin Wormell saved Jason Johnson’s initial penalty, but the ball ricocheted off Wormell’s hands straight to an on-rushing Xavi Baez who slotted it home.

A physical final 20 minutes ensued to the end of the match with both teams unable to find a winner.

MATCH STORYLINES

1) Sean Lewis Makes His Return to Pitch
After dealing with a minor injury throughout much of preseason, goalkeeper Sean Lewis returned to the net for Tulsa to start the second half. Lewis had a standout season in 2020 and was named the team’s MVP. Lewis was stout in his 45 minutes, keeping Austin off the scoreboard.

2) Hometown Kids Receive ONEOK Debut
Tulsa natives midfielder Ciaran Winters and keeper Austin Wormell made their ONEOK Field debuts on Saturday. Wormell started in net for Tulsa while Winters came on as a sub in the 80′ minute. Wormell made a penalty save before Austin’s goal to put an exclamation on what was an impressive preseason.

3) Garcia Bags His First for Tulsa
While it won’t officially count, Kevin Garcia’s goal was the first for the defender in a Tulsa uniform. A corner fell into the waiting feet of Garcia who didn’t miss. In his career, Garcia scored one goal for Rio Grande Valley FC in the USL Championship and one goal for Houston Dynamo FC in MLS.

4) Another Tulsa/Austin Draw
It wouldn’t be an FC Tulsa vs. Austin Bold FC match without a draw. The three matches between the sides in 2020 all ended in a draw. The two teams will meet once in the 2021 regular season, on September 18 (918 Day) at ONEOK Field.

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