Match Kicks Off at 7:30 p.m. CT
TULSA – The streak is nearly over. As of Friday, it has been 160 days without an FC Tulsa match at ONEOK Field. Thankfully, that shudder-inducing stretch will not reach 161 as FC Tulsa is back on its own turf tomorrow night for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff vs. Loudoun United FC.
Blair Gavin’s home debut comes off the heels of an overall impressive performance by his club in Birmingham last weekend, but one that slipped away in the dying moments of the match. FC Tulsa retained 62% of the ball, the most possession the club has enjoyed dating back to April 2, 2022. Four different players combined to find the scoresheet with both of its central midfielders earning assists (Collin Fernandez and Blaine Ferri) while Rodrigo da Costa and Marcus Epps hit the back of the net.
FC Tulsa’s home success has been well documented since its change in ownership and rebrand that took place in in 2020. Over that three-year span, the club has posted a 22W-12L-7D record at ONEOK Field and Gavin will aim to replicate that same success on Saturday night.
Speaking of ownership changes, Attain Sports & Entertainment purchased a controlling ownership stake in Loudoun United FC in the offseason, meaning the club can now operate independently of MLS’ D.C. United. Loudoun bolstered its attack immediately with its new-found freedom, signing forwards Tommy Williamson and Zach Ryan (who is unavailable for selection on Saturday due to suspension).
Last season, FC Tulsa earned a draw and a win over Loudoun in two clashes. The first took place in Virginia and saw FC Tulsa battle from two goals down to draw even courtesy of goals from Darío Suárez in the 85’ minute and Rodrigo da Costa in the 90+7’ minute. The second meeting finished 2-1 in favor of Tulsa as Darío Suárez scored the match winner in the 79’ minute.
The first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a 2023 schedule magnet and a full fireworks show will follow the final whistle.
Kickoff from ONEOK Field is set for 7:30 p.m. CT.
SCOUTING LOUDOUN
Perhaps to the surprise of some, Loudoun United FC has started the 2023 campaign with two strong results – a resounding win over Memphis 901 FC in its season opener and a draw vs. defending champions San Antonio FC. Zach Ryan, the club’s newly acquired forward from New York Red Bulls who made six MLS appearances in 2022, has been a revelation for Loudoun through two matches, tallying three goals and one assist for his squad. Unfortunately for the visitors, Ryan received a straight red card for violent conduct against a referee in stoppage time during last weekend’s draw with San Antonio. Loudoun will be looking elsewhere for offensive production in Ryan’s absence on Saturday night.
STAT OF THE MATCH
Last season, nobody allowed more goals in the final 30 minutes of matches than Loudoun United FC (38). Although both rosters are substantially different from 2022, that stat bodes well for FC Tulsa who scored 24 goals in the final 30 minutes a year ago, 19 of which came in the final 15 minutes of matches (the most in the USL Championship).
HOW TO WATCH
Tickets to FC Tulsa’s Home Opener are still available and can be purchased here. For those who can’t make it out to the match, the contest will be broadcasted locally on My 41 Tulsa and streamed on ESPN+.
PARKING
For information regarding parking, click here.
