FC Tulsa Ready to Extend its Home Winning Streak on Saturday
TULSA – FC Tulsa has officially turned ONEOK Field into a fortress over the last three seasons. In 26 home matches since the start of 2020, FC Tulsa has earned a result in 73% of matches, outscoring opponents by 14 goals in that stretch. Wins in each of its last four home matches at ONEOK dating back to October of 2021 have solidified that success, with the club earning three clean sheets and allowing one total goal in 360 minutes of action.
Now FC Tulsa gets three home games in eight days – a dream week of soccer for any player.
That delectable stretch in downtown Tulsa starts Saturday night when FC Tulsa welcomes first-time opposition New York Red Bulls II. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. and of course a Fireworks Show is on deck after the final whistle.
Tickets start at only $12 to experience the best pro sports atmosphere in Tulsa.
SCOUTING RED BULLS II
A former USL Championship title winner in 2016, New York Red Bulls II has now gone two seasons without qualifying for the Playoffs after making it the first five years of the club’s USL Championship era. Since 2020, New York has won just 13 total matches and last season allowed the third-most goals of any team in the league (67 in 32 matches).
With three red cards already this season and only one total goal scored, 2022 looks a lot like 2021 so far for the “Baby Bulls.” Unlike other MLS 2 teams that Tulsa might face off against this season, New York has used a consistent roster through its first four matches as 14 of its 20 players with appearances have seen at least 100 minutes this season.
So far, the defense for Red Bulls II has been suspect, allowing the most shots on target in the league and conceding seven goals. Offense hasn’t been much better with its lone goal scored on the road in a 1-0 win over a 10-man Atlanta United 2 team.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
1) Tulsa Home Dominance over Twos
“MLS 2” teams have struggled, to say the least, at ONEOK Field. FC Tulsa went 4-0-0 against second sides in 2021 at home scoring 13 total goals, including four goals on two separate occasions. Rodrigo da Costa, Darío Suárez and Lebo Moloto all scored at least two goals at ONEOK Field against MLS 2 teams last season.
2) Back to Full Strength
After representing all of Tulsa admirably in the final set of World Cup qualifiers last week for El Salvador, forward Joaquín Rivas and defender Ronald Rodríguez returned to Tulsa on Thursday and will be available for head coach Michael Nsien on Saturday night. The duo each played in all three qualifiers for La Selecta over the last 10 days, so both should be match-fit to slot back into the 18 for FC Tulsa. Midfielder Lebo Moloto, who missed the Sacramento match last weekend after suffering a knock in the win over San Diego, could also be back in the mix after training this week.
3) Full 90s So Far
With significant squad depth, Nsien has had the luxury of giving several key players a breather at the end of the matches. However keeper Sean Lewis and forward Darío Suárez have played every minute so far for FC Tulsa in 2022. While it’s not unusual for a keeper, especially early in the season, it is a rare feat for a forward. In fact, Suárez is one of nine players in the league – not primarily considered a keeper or defender – to play every minute in four matches this season. He’s not just known as “Super Darío” for his goalscoring prowess.
HOW TO WATCH
There is no better way to experience an FC Tulsa match than to be at ONEOK Field on Saturday night. Tickets are available and fans that purchase in advance save $5 a ticket versus the matchday price.
For fans that can’t make it to ONEOK, every FC Tulsa match is broadcast locally over the air on My41 through the club’s partnership with Fox23. Matches can also be streamed digitally on ESPN+.
Follow @FCTulsa on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for all in-game highlights, updates and stats throughout matchday.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. CT.
