MATCH RECAP: Da Costa Brace Leads FC Tulsa to 2-1 Win – Presented by Williams

EDINBURG, Texas – FC Tulsa loves 2-1 wins in South Texas.

Despite allowing a stoppage time tally and playing the final minutes down a man, FC Tulsa recorded its second consecutive 2-1 victory down in the South Texas over Rio Grande Valley FC on Friday night.

Tulsa-native Austin Wormell made history in net for FC Tulsa, becoming the first Tulsa-native to start a match for the club in the new era of the franchise (2020-2021). Behind Wormell, a steady performance from his backline, and a pair of goals from red-hot Rodrigo da Costa, FC Tulsa secured its first road victory since May 8. 

Da Costa scored in his third consecutive match, and fourth of the last five in the 22' minute, sent in on a through-ball from Darío Suárez. Then in the 60' minute, da Costa doubled the lead when midfielder Kembo Kibato found the Brazilian in space inside the box. 

FC Tulsa had to show its mettle the final 10 minutes of the match as Kibato was sent off with a second yellow card in the 79' minute. Down a man, FC Tulsa battened down the hatches and held on for three points. 

Here are three quick takeaways from the victory…

1) Wormell Makes History
With his start on Friday, Austin Wormell became the first Tulsa native to start a match for the club in the FC Tulsa-era of the franchise. Wormell was one of the best high school prospects to ever come out of Tulsa after leading Bishop Kelley High School to a 2017 5A State Championship, scoring the match-winning goal while keeping a clean sheet in the title game. 

Tonight, Wormell made three saves in his professional debut and nearly kept a clean sheet, allowing a goal in stoppage time that ultimately didn't impact the result.

After the match Wormell said, "It’s honestly so surreal still, it’s a dream come true. I’m just soaking it all in right now.”

2) Rodrigo is Scorching Hot
Rodrigo da Costa is so hot right now. The Brazilian forward can't miss as he added two more goals to his impressive offensive résumé in Tulsa. Da Costa now has five goals and three assists this season, with four of those goals and two apples coming in his last five matches.

He has scored in three consecutive matches and his eight times on the scoresheet are the most of any Tulsa player this season. Da Costa is now up to 17 goals and 18 assists in 58 career appearances for FC Tulsa.

3) Bend but no Break
It had been five matches since the FC Tulsa defense held an opponent to 0 or 1 goals in a match, but the backline and Wormell stepped up in the victory. While Rio Grande Valley FC peppered FC Tulsa with shots, 27 in total throughout the match, only four made it through on target. The defense blocked eight shots, including seven in the second half, while Wormell made three big saves in the match.

EDINBURG, Texas – FC Tulsa loves 2-1 wins in South Texas.

Despite allowing a stoppage time tally and playing the final minutes down a man, FC Tulsa recorded its second consecutive 2-1 victory down in the South Texas over Rio Grande Valley FC on Friday night.

Tulsa-native Austin Wormell made history in net for FC Tulsa, becoming the first Tulsa-native to start a match for the club in the new era of the franchise (2020-2021). Behind Wormell, a steady performance from his backline, and a pair of goals from red-hot Rodrigo da Costa, FC Tulsa secured its first road victory since May 8. 

Da Costa scored in his third consecutive match, and fourth of the last five in the 22′ minute, sent in on a through-ball from Darío Suárez. Then in the 60′ minute, da Costa doubled the lead when midfielder Kembo Kibato found the Brazilian in space inside the box. 

FC Tulsa had to show its mettle the final 10 minutes of the match as Kibato was sent off with a second yellow card in the 79′ minute. Down a man, FC Tulsa battened down the hatches and held on for three points. 

Here are three quick takeaways from the victory…

1) Wormell Makes History
With his start on Friday, Austin Wormell became the first Tulsa native to start a match for the club in the FC Tulsa-era of the franchise. Wormell was one of the best high school prospects to ever come out of Tulsa after leading Bishop Kelley High School to a 2017 5A State Championship, scoring the match-winning goal while keeping a clean sheet in the title game. 

Tonight, Wormell made three saves in his professional debut and nearly kept a clean sheet, allowing a goal in stoppage time that ultimately didn’t impact the result.

After the match Wormell said, “It’s honestly so surreal still, it’s a dream come true. I’m just soaking it all in right now.”

2) Rodrigo is Scorching Hot
Rodrigo da Costa is so hot right now. The Brazilian forward can’t miss as he added two more goals to his impressive offensive résumé in Tulsa. Da Costa now has five goals and three assists this season, with four of those goals and two apples coming in his last five matches.

He has scored in three consecutive matches and his eight times on the scoresheet are the most of any Tulsa player this season. Da Costa is now up to 17 goals and 18 assists in 58 career appearances for FC Tulsa.

3) Bend but no Break
It had been five matches since the FC Tulsa defense held an opponent to 0 or 1 goals in a match, but the backline and Wormell stepped up in the victory. While Rio Grande Valley FC peppered FC Tulsa with shots, 27 in total throughout the match, only four made it through on target. The defense blocked eight shots, including seven in the second half, while Wormell made three big saves in the match.