Defender Led FC Tulsa in Clearances, Tackles, and Interceptions a Season Ago
TULSA – After dazzling in his first season with FC Tulsa and cementing himself as the everyday starter for the club in 2022, center-back Adrián Diz Pe will make his return to Tulsa in 2023.
Diz Pe was one of six new faces added by FC Tulsa across the backline in 2022 and quickly commanded a mainstay spot in the Starting XI. The Cuban appeared in 30 of his club’s 34 matches with 28 starts and totaled 2,497 minutes, the second-highest mark on the squad.
When browsing the top of nearly any FC Tulsa defensive statistic list a season ago, Diz Pe’s name is ever-present as he led Tulsa in clearances (129), tackles attempted (71), tackles won (46), and interceptions (61). Among his USL Championship counterparts, Diz Pe ranked ninth in the league with 6.6 clearances per 90 minutes and 14th with 2.2 interceptions per 90 minutes. His 6’3” frame constantly threatened the opposition on set pieces, and on September 8, Diz Pe was able to leverage his towering stature to steer an 84’ minute equalizing cross into the back of the net vs. Louisville City FC for his lone goal of the season.
“Adrián is someone who is very difficult to get around defensively, he’s very tough in the tackle, and he sets the tone for the team,” said FC Tulsa head coach Blair Gavin. “What really impresses me is his ability to close guys down, to win duels, and then ultimately be composed enough to play the ball forward. His feet are very soft for a big guy and his ability to close space in wide areas is unique.”
Off the pitch, Diz Pe fully embraced the Tulsa community despite being new to the city. For his outgoing efforts and the selfless dedication of his time and energy to the people of Tulsa, Diz Pe was named the club’s 2022 #ForTulsa Community Man of the Year by his teammates and the organization.
“I am excited to start working with the new coaches, meet my new teammates, and work hard to fight for the title in 2023,” said Diz Pe.
Before siding with FC Tulsa in 2022, Diz Pe spent four seasons in the USL Championship with Portland Timbers 2, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, and Rio Grande Valley FC. Over his career, the defender has made 102 USL Championship appearances, including playoffs, with three goals and five assists. Internationally, Diz Pe capped 13 times for Cuba’s senior team between World Cup Qualifying, the 2012 Caribbean Cup in which Cuba won the title, the 2015 Gold Cup, and Friendlies.
Diz Pe joins Bradley Bourgeois and Brett Levis as defenders named to the 2023 Tulsa backline thus far.
FC Tulsa 2023 Roster:
Goalkeepers:
Defenders: Bradley Bourgeois, Adrián Diz Pe, Brett Levis
Midfielders: Eric Bird, Collin Fernandez, Blaine Ferri, Luca Sowinski
Forwards: Marcus Epps, Darío Suárez
