Brian Brown Scores First Preseason Goal for FC Tulsa in 2022
CASA GRANDE, Ariz. – The backdrop was better than the result in FC Tulsa’s opening match of the preseason as Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC beating Tulsa 3-1 in front of a beautiful Arizona desert skyline. Two goals allowed inside the first 11 minutes doomed FC Tulsa in its first of five preseason matches in 2022.
Colorado Springs boasted the league’s second-best offense in terms of goals scored last year, and that attack was on display early as a high press led to a brace from Switchbacks forward Elvis Amoh. With FC Tulsa facing a two-goal deficit by the 11’ minute mark, the answer was nearly immediate with Tulsa pulling a goal back off a set piece.
A Joaquín Rivas corner kick in the 13’ went back post and was powered home off a header from forward Brian Brown, who came to Tulsa this offseason in a trade with New Mexico United. The goal halved the deficit and was Tulsa’s only real chance of the first 45 minutes.
Wholesale changes at halftime saw an entirely new XI come on to the pitch for Tulsa while Colorado Springs left its starters in. The fresh legs immediately paid dividends as FC Tulsa jumped onto the front foot to start the second half. Two close chances from Honduran forward Machuca nearly leveled the match, including a chipped shot that looped over the Switchbacks’ keeper. With the ball destined for goal, a Colorado defender was able to track back and clear Machuca’s shot off the line.
Ultimately, the Switchbacks found the clinching goal late in the second half off a corner of their own for the final tally of the match.
FC Tulsa will be back in action on Sunday morning with a match against Oakland Roots FC in its final day in Arizona. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. CT.
