Match Kicks Off at 8 p.m. CT
TULSA – FC Tulsa’s third and final match in seven days could very well end with FC Tulsa in sole possession of first place in the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference. A win over El Paso Locomotive FC would ensure the league’s highest-scoring club is also the league’s point leader across both conferences.
Fresh off the heels of its second consecutive clean sheet, the Tulsa defense has been stout as of late. Bradley Bourgeois and Brett Levis both notched their first start of the season against Pittsburgh this past Tuesday after battling preseason injuries over the first three weeks of the regular season. When factoring those two back into the mix with flexible center-backs/wing-backs Justin Malou and Ruxi, as well as Jorge Corrales who has been exceptional thus far playing center-back for the first time in his career outside of international duty, the depth across Tulsa’s backline is a luxury not afforded to many coaches in this league.
Tulsa’s goalkeeping situation is still up in the air after Michael Nelson, who leads the USL Championship in saves, was removed from the match following a collision with Pittsburgh’s Albert Dikwa on Tuesday. Hometown hero Austin Wormell replaced Nelson in the 21’ minute and went on to make three saves on three shots faced, securing the clean sheet for Tulsa. The Black and Patina is now one of only three sides in the USL Championship with multiple clean sheets alongside Sacramento Republic FC and San Diego Loyal SC.
El Paso Locomotive FC rolls into ONEOK Station after pulling off perhaps the most shocking upset from last weekend, shutting out reigning Eastern Conference champs Louisville City FC 3-0 on the road. However, its victory came at a potential cost valued at Ricardo Zacarias (El Paso’s goal leader) and Marc Navarro (has created the most scoring chances on the squad) who are both somewhere between questionable and doubtful, according to Locomotive FC head coach Brain Clarhaut.
The first $1 Beer Night of the season will be in full swing at ONEOK Field where fans can purchase a Midfield Terrace ticket and have access to beers for just a buck all night long. In addition, it is also College Night where fans can secure a special ticket package that includes an FC Tulsa hat in the colors of their favorite Oklahoma school – the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, the University of Tulsa, or Oral Roberts University.
Kickoff from ONEOK is set for 8 p.m. CT.
SCOUTING EL PASO
After three straight losses to begin first-year head coach Brian Clarhaut’s Texas tenure, El Paso Locomotive FC broke out in a big way last weekend with a 3-0 road win at Louisville City FC. The Locos lead the USL Championship in shots but are second in the league with six goals conceded.
In the offseason, Locomotive FC made a splash signing when it brought in former Premier League (Watford FC) and La Liga (RCD Espanyol Barcelona) right-back Marc Navarro. Navarro has one goal to his credit thus far, leads his club in chances created (7), and is tied for the league lead in crosses whipped in (22). As previously mentioned, Navarro’s status heading into Friday is doubtful.
STAT(S) OF THE MATCH
FC Tulsa’s defensive movement and ability to quickly close in on the opposition is backed up by its 42 interceptions and 41 tackles won, both of which are second-most in the USL Championship. Individually, Jorge Corrales ranks second in the league with 12 interceptions while Blaine Ferri ranks sixth with eight. Collin Fernandez is tied for the second-most tackles won in the USL-C with eight while Brett Levis leads the league with 3.8 successful tackles per 90 minutes played.
HOW TO WATCH
Regular tickets to the match, $1 Beer Night tickets, and College Night tickets are all still available for Friday night. If you can’t make it to the match, tune in locally on My41 Tulsa or stream nationally on ESPN+.
PARKING
$5 Parking passes for the BOK Lot can be purchased ahead of matchday here or at the lot with cash. For other parking options, including free parking areas, click here.
