TULSA – At the end of the week, we have reached the final Midseason Watch List in our series, where we will highlight the best moments around the club so far in 2021. These could be off the pitch moments, on the pitch moments, or anything in between. With plenty of great moments to choose from, take a look at what we decided made the cut.
If you missed any of our previous installments, please make sure to check them out below.
Tuesday – Midseason Watch List: Offensive Player of the Year
Wednesday – Midseason Watch List: Defensive Player of the Year
Thursday – Midseason Watch List: Comeback Player of the Year
Without further ado, let’s break down the race for Moment of the Year.
FRONT RUNNER – FC Tulsa’s Work in Greenwood
This year marked the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, and FC Tulsa wanted to do its part to commemorate the event, while also celebrating the present and future of Greenwood.
Before the season began, FC Tulsa made a $25,000 donation to Greenwood Rising, a state-of-the-art historical center, depicting how Greenwood was before the Massacre, and what transpired during those fateful days in 1921. FC Tulsa presented a check to the Centennial Commission Chair, Senator Kevin Matthews and Project Manager, Phil Armstrong.
During the club’s preseason, the entirety of FC Tulsa, from coaches, players, ownership and the front office all took a tour of Greenwood led by Chief Amusan, a descendant of victims of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Through the tour, FC Tulsa learned itself about Greenwood so those at the club can help educate others.
Finally, to celebrate the future of Greenwood, FC Tulsa is wearing a “Greenwood Ave.” patch on its jerseys throughout the season. “Greenwood Ave.” is a black-owned business in Greenwood, and 100% of the proceeds from sales of the patch are going towards the funding of the Black Wall Street Memorial.
While these are more than just a singular moment, it all adds up to an amazing initiative by the club to spread awareness, education and funds to help restore Greenwood.
RUNNER UP – FC Tulsa’s Season Opening Win at OKC Energy FC
What a way to start a season. On the road, at its biggest rival, FC Tulsa showed it’s a class above OKC Energy with a 3-1 victory to begin the season in the driver’s seat in the Black Gold Derby.
A dominating performance had the FC Tulsa fans who made the short drive to OKC in full voice throughout much of the 90 minutes. Many FC Tulsa players said after the match that the small section of the road fans were louder than the hundreds of home fans in attendance.
Two Joaquín Rivas goals, combined with a capper from Darío Suárez, sealed the victory. While the 2021 season has a been a roller coaster since that match, that result could be enough to clinch FC Tulsa the Wrench for the second consecutive season. The victory and +2 goal differential earned on that night in April mean that all FC Tulsa needs is a draw in its final meeting with OKC on October 30 at ONEOK Field to collect the rivalry hardware.
HONORABLE MENTION – 2021 Tulsa Dream League
Never before has the city of Tulsa had a fully funded elementary school soccer league in North Tulsa…until FC Tulsa came along. Through the generosity of the club and some corporate partners, FC Tulsa made possible the opportunity for under-resourced youth in North Tulsa to play the world’s game.
With several North Tulsa elementary and middle schools participating in the league, FC Tulsa had over 500 athletes playing soccer on Saturdays at the Tulsa Dream Center.
The league was so successful, it will continue in the Fall and of course be back next Spring as well.
DARK HORSE – Marlon Santos’ goal against Birmingham Legion FC
Could the late match-winner from Marlon in last Saturday’s victory be the turning point in FC Tulsa’s up and down season? We won’t know for sure until FC Tulsa is able to string some more wins together, but it certainly felt like a pivotal moment at the midway point of 2021.
From a three-match win streak to start the season, to a four-match losing streak that immediately preceded last Saturday’s victory, FC Tulsa has been inconsistent with its play. However, there are still 16 matches left to make a run and secure a Top-2 spot in the Central Division.
Needless to say, there are likely to be plenty more memorable moments as we hit the second half of the 2021 season. Don’t miss out on a single one by making sure you have the FC Tulsa app downloaded on your phone, follow @FCTulsa on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and tickets to the rest of the home matches in 2021.
We can’t wait to see what’s in store the rest of the season.
TULSA – At the end of the week, we have reached the final Midseason Watch List in our series, where we will highlight the best moments around the club so far in 2021. These could be off the pitch moments, on the pitch moments, or anything in between. With plenty of great moments to choose from, take a look at what we decided made the cut.
If you missed any of our previous installments, please make sure to check them out below.
Tuesday – Midseason Watch List: Offensive Player of the Year
Wednesday – Midseason Watch List: Defensive Player of the Year
Thursday – Midseason Watch List: Comeback Player of the Year
Without further ado, let’s break down the race for Moment of the Year.
FRONT RUNNER – FC Tulsa’s Work in Greenwood
This year marked the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, and FC Tulsa wanted to do its part to commemorate the event, while also celebrating the present and future of Greenwood.
Before the season began, FC Tulsa made a $25,000 donation to Greenwood Rising, a state-of-the-art historical center, depicting how Greenwood was before the Massacre, and what transpired during those fateful days in 1921. FC Tulsa presented a check to the Centennial Commission Chair, Senator Kevin Matthews and Project Manager, Phil Armstrong.
During the club’s preseason, the entirety of FC Tulsa, from coaches, players, ownership and the front office all took a tour of Greenwood led by Chief Amusan, a descendant of victims of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Through the tour, FC Tulsa learned itself about Greenwood so those at the club can help educate others.
Finally, to celebrate the future of Greenwood, FC Tulsa is wearing a “Greenwood Ave.” patch on its jerseys throughout the season. “Greenwood Ave.” is a black-owned business in Greenwood, and 100% of the proceeds from sales of the patch are going towards the funding of the Black Wall Street Memorial.
While these are more than just a singular moment, it all adds up to an amazing initiative by the club to spread awareness, education and funds to help restore Greenwood.
RUNNER UP – FC Tulsa’s Season Opening Win at OKC Energy FC
What a way to start a season. On the road, at its biggest rival, FC Tulsa showed it’s a class above OKC Energy with a 3-1 victory to begin the season in the driver’s seat in the Black Gold Derby.
A dominating performance had the FC Tulsa fans who made the short drive to OKC in full voice throughout much of the 90 minutes. Many FC Tulsa players said after the match that the small section of the road fans were louder than the hundreds of home fans in attendance.
Two Joaquín Rivas goals, combined with a capper from Darío Suárez, sealed the victory. While the 2021 season has a been a roller coaster since that match, that result could be enough to clinch FC Tulsa the Wrench for the second consecutive season. The victory and +2 goal differential earned on that night in April mean that all FC Tulsa needs is a draw in its final meeting with OKC on October 30 at ONEOK Field to collect the rivalry hardware.
HONORABLE MENTION – 2021 Tulsa Dream League
Never before has the city of Tulsa had a fully funded elementary school soccer league in North Tulsa…until FC Tulsa came along. Through the generosity of the club and some corporate partners, FC Tulsa made possible the opportunity for under-resourced youth in North Tulsa to play the world’s game.
With several North Tulsa elementary and middle schools participating in the league, FC Tulsa had over 500 athletes playing soccer on Saturdays at the Tulsa Dream Center.
The league was so successful, it will continue in the Fall and of course be back next Spring as well.
DARK HORSE – Marlon Santos’ goal against Birmingham Legion FC
Could the late match-winner from Marlon in last Saturday’s victory be the turning point in FC Tulsa’s up and down season? We won’t know for sure until FC Tulsa is able to string some more wins together, but it certainly felt like a pivotal moment at the midway point of 2021.
From a three-match win streak to start the season, to a four-match losing streak that immediately preceded last Saturday’s victory, FC Tulsa has been inconsistent with its play. However, there are still 16 matches left to make a run and secure a Top-2 spot in the Central Division.
Needless to say, there are likely to be plenty more memorable moments as we hit the second half of the 2021 season. Don’t miss out on a single one by making sure you have the FC Tulsa app downloaded on your phone, follow @FCTulsa on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and tickets to the rest of the home matches in 2021.
We can’t wait to see what’s in store the rest of the season.
