Kickoff is Set for 8 p.m. CT
Kickoff is Set for 8 p.m. CT
TULSA – FC Tulsa has only one home match on the docket in the month of May, and in sports’ truest fashion, it comes against rivals Memphis 901 FC. As the club finds itself amid a stretch in which it plays five of six contests away from ONEOK Field, the home field advantage granted by the Tulsa fans on Friday night is critical to the Black and Patina securing all three points. The match is presented by Bill Knight Ford.
In 10 matches this season, Tulsa has split points on six occasions, tied for the most draws in the USL Championship. That being said, things in the East are tight with only five points separating FC Tulsa from a home Playoffs match. The club has held its own while affirming its new identity and playstyle under a new head coach, but with upcoming matches against the likes of Memphis 901 FC and Louisville City FC, wins will be needed to quickly recoup ground Tulsa has conceded in the standings.
Gavin has switched up his tactical formation multiple times throughout the season, employing both three-back and four-back systems. Last weekend, FC Tulsa lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Eric Bird returning to right-back following two consecutive weeks in which the club went with a 3-4-3 look.
The move from midfielder to right-back for Bird has seemed to pay dividends for the 30-year-old veteran who was named to the Week 10 USL Championship Team of the Week on Tuesday after scoring a goal, winning 3/3 tackles, and proving victorious in 8/9 duels.
Kickoff from ONEOK Field on Friday night is set for 8 p.m. CT.
SCOUTING MEMPHIS
Last season’s Eastern Conference runners-up got off to a slow start in 2023, registering its first win of the season in its fifth match after two losses and two draws. Since that 3-0 win over RGV FC on April 22, Memphis has looked like the Memphis of old, scoring five goals over its last three matches with two wins and a draw.
Luiz Fernando has been on a tear for 901 FC with three goals over his last three outings, including a brace last time out vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, en route to commandeering the club’s top scoring spot with four goals on the season. Between Fernando, Phillip Goodrum (22 goals & 7 assists last season), and Aaron Molloy (8 goals & 10 assists in 2022), Memphis is primed to light up the scoreboard at any minute.
ON THE GREEN LIVE!
FC Tulsa is hosting the first ever “On the Green LIVE!” festival at Guthrie Green before the match to get into the party spirit. There will be food trucks, yard games, alcoholic beverages, live music, and more. The event is free for everyone to attend and kicks off at 5 p.m. CT with a set from DJ Matt before King Cabbage Brass Band takes the stage at 6 p.m. CT. After On the Green LIVE! concludes, march across the street to ONEOK Field with 83 United and get ready for an action-packed night of soccer!
HOW TO WATCH
For fans not able to make it out to the match, tune in locally on My41 Tulsa or stream every minute on ESPN+.
STAY UP TO DATE
For highlights, polls, updates and more throughout matchday, be sure to follow @FCTulsa on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
