Match Recap: A 1-0 Victory and a Clean Sheet Against Oakland Roots SC

Well-Battled Three Points on the Road

OAKLAND, CALIF – Starting out the road streak against a competitive side from the West, FC Tulsa took stage against Oakland Roots SC Saturday evening. A routine headed attempt from no one other than Phillip Goodrum set the tone for the remaining 80-minute battle.

Tulsa took the early lead after Goodrum sends home his 10^th goal of the season for the club. Marcus Epps was allowed plenty of time out wide, giving him space to put a phenomenal ball to the edge of the six-yard box, straight to the head of Goodrum. The chemistry between these two this season has been incredible to watch.

We saw Lindo Mfeka get his second yellow card in the 44^th minute, but FC Tulsa kept cool during a very physical first half. They were able to finish with a 1-0 lead and took that advantage into a massive 45 minutes, being up a man and a goal.

It didn’t take long for the action to come back, with Oakland’s Neveal Hackshaw being awarded a yellow card in the 48^th minute, followed by an array of end-to-end play.

Nate Worth was solid this evening, earning himself Man of the Match honors, holding the midfield line high and keeping Oakland from dangerous counter attacks.

Oakland searched for an equalizer during the second half, putting in 14 crosses, and attempting 4 shots inside the box, but Tulsa’s defensive line were able to block, keeping Michael Nelson’s goal line clean.

An emotional rollercoaster for fans and players tonight, proving the depth of what it means to be out there fighting to play-off spots for both sides. There were 14 yellow cards presented in this game, including one to head coach Blair Gavin, with both sides receiving a red each (Marcus Epps of Tulsa for off-ball action – 79^th minute).

Playing the majority of the game a man up, Tulsa took their chances with the extra space, and give the league’s leading goalkeeper a real test.

FC Tulsa move back into the race for post-season tonight, regaining eighth place in the Eastern Conference with the win.

UP NEXT
Only four matches remain in the 2023 regular season for FC Tulsa, including next Saturday’s contest vs. Charleston Battery. The match will take place at Patriot’s Point Soccer Stadium and kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT.

GOALS
10′ TUL – Phillip Goodrum (assist: Marcus Epps)

LINEUPS
FC Tulsa: Michael Nelson, Patrick Seagrist, Ruxi, Rashid Tetteh, Keegan Hughes, Blaine Ferri, Eric Bird, Marcus Epps, Nathan Worth, Milo Yosef, Phillip Goodrum (Subs used: Collin Fernandez, Justin Malou)
Oakland Roots SC: Paul Blanchette, Daniel Barbir, Neveal Hackshaw, Emrah Klimenta, Guillermo Diaz, Irakoze Donasiyano, Napo Matsoso, Bryan Tamacas, Lindo Mfeka, Johnny Rodriguez, Jeciel Cedeño (Subs used: Baboucarr Nije, Trayvone Reid, Ryan Her, Anuar Peláez)