Kickoff is Set for 6:00 p.m. CT
Kickoff is Set for 6:00 p.m. CT
PITTSBURGH, PA. – FC Tulsa head to Pittsburgh this weekend with a strong force to snag some points from the Eastern Conference leaders – an exciting game that promises to be a thrilling showdown on the Riverhounds’ home turf.
Blair Gavin noted some key takeaways from Charleston which are essential to continue to build on for the closing of the season, “We were more on the front foot, more willing to release and press and win first and second balls and turn those into opportunities.”
The midfield of FC Tulsa continues to shine, creating 11 goals already this season. There are some key link ups that have led some great movement towards to opposing back line, feeding the ball into dangerous areas. Eric Bird leads the midfield in assists with four, putting out 17 key passes in all games.
Eric Bird gave some confident remarks post-game last Saturday, talking about the second half of the game, “It was a great showing and if we can play like that going forward, we’ll be a very tough team that no one wants to play.” It is evident that there is a lot of potential for the side to come out the gates quick and keep a strong work ethic.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC are averaging 7.9 shots per game, compared to 8.4 of Tulsa. We can expect a lot of close chances to be presented throughout this matchup, but FC Tulsa need to be on top with accuracy and convert the opportunities they are given against the side with leading clean sheets this season (13).
Albert Dikwa has history facing Tulsa, scoring three goals in three matches, making him a player that Tulsa’s defenders must keep a close eye on.
Michael Nelson’s impressive performance this season, facing a staggering 138 shots and contacting 92 of them, ranks him third in the USL Championship for saves. This proficiency in goalkeeping highlights Tulsa’s capacity to keep the score line at a minimum.
In the last three encounters between Pittsburgh and Tulsa, the games have been decided by just a single goal, with the exception of the most recent at the beginning of this season, which ended in a goalless draw. Tulsa dominated with 69.7% possession at ONEOK in March, hoping to take that control this weekend.
With no players listed on the injury or suspension roster, FC Tulsa has granted Gavin the flexibility to strategically select their top performers to face a formidable opponent during this away match.
Kickoff from Highmark Stadium is set for 6:00 p.m. CT on My41 Tulsa and ESPN+.
SCOUTING PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC has emerged as the Eastern Conference leaders as the season draws to a thrilling conclusion. Their recent form has been nothing short of spectacular, going unbeaten in their last five matches with an impressive record of four wins and one draw. They managed to edge out New Mexico United with a 2-1 victory last weekend, after holding the 2-0 lead for 82 minutes before a penalty was awarded.
The Riverhounds’ success owes much to the incredible performances of their star players. Albert Dikwa leads the league in goalscoring with a remarkable 17 goals to his name. Kenardo Forbes has been the playmaker extraordinaire, ranking second in the league for assists with nine; two of which came against New Mexico, proving his first-class form. He also tops the charts for big chances created with a remarkable 14, proving himself as the catalyst behind their remarkable campaign.
STAT OF THE MATCH
Milo Yosef has been a huge asset for the squad, standing out with 50 chances created this season, putting him at eighth in the USL-C rankings. Yosef has played in all but one match, ensuring there are opportunities on goal in each he is part of.
WATCH PARTY
The Official Watch Party of FC Tulsa will be held at Waldo’s Chicken and Beer in Broken Arrow, OK on Saturday night. Waldo’s is offering $1 wings (must buy 10+), $5 draft beer, mules and frozen margaritas, $3 domestic bottled beer, $12 buckets of domestic beer (5), and $25 buckets of import beer (5).
HOW TO WATCH
The match will be broadcasted locally on My41 Tulsa and streamed nationally on ESPN+.
STAY UP TO DATE
For highlights, polls, updates and more throughout Matchday, be sure to follow @FCTulsa on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
