Tulsa Native Posted Fifth-Best Save Percentage in USL Championship a Season Ago
TULSA – Following a season in which the 24-year-old goalkeeper finished top-five in the USL Championship in save percentage and saves per 90 minutes played, FC Tulsa’s 2022 MVP Austin Wormell is back to man the woodwork for the club once again in 2023, pending league and federation approval.
It was another spectacular season for Wormell, who after two sparkling professional campaigns on the bounce, is quickly solidifying himself as one of the USL-C’s best. Following Sean Lewis’ midseason trade to Indy Eleven, Wormell was handed the goalkeeping reins and took full advantage of his opportunity. He concluded the campaign with 76 saves and fifth in the league in both save pct. (73.8%) and saves per 90 (3.6) over his 21 appearances.
“Austin is an excellent shot stopper with the right amount of composure to play out of the back,” said FC Tulsa head coach Blair Gavin. “His ability to make game-changing saves creates confidence throughout the rest of the team.”
The USL Championship recognized Wormell with three weekly awards over the course of the season, one of which included the Week 24 Player of the Week honor following his seven-save performance and clean sheet vs. Indy. After the conclusion of the season, the goalkeeper was voted the club’s 2022 Most Valuable Player by his teammates, coaches, and the FC Tulsa fans.
Wormell’s professional career has been one for the storybooks through two seasons as the skyrocketing keeper continues to script his incredible tale. A Tulsa native and graduate of Bishop Kelley High School where he propelled his team to the 5A State Championship in 2017, Wormell competed collegiately at Creighton and Oregon State before returning to Oklahoma in 2019 with Rogers State.
After being discovered by the FC Tulsa staff at an open tryout, Wormell was signed professionally by the club and made 17 appearances as a rookie in 2021 when forced into a starting role due to injury. Wormell rose to the challenge, posting a 65.3% save pct. and three clean sheets in his inaugural USL Championship campaign, only to quickly surpass those numbers in 2022.
FC Tulsa 2023 Roster:
Goalkeepers: Austin Wormell
Defenders: Bradley Bourgeois, Adrián Diz Pe, Brett Levis
Midfielders: Eric Bird, Collin Fernandez, Blaine Ferri, Luca Sowinski
Forwards: Marcus Epps, Darío Suárez
