TULSA – FC Tulsa looks to go unbeaten in 5 straight matches as they take on Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Standings: FC Tulsa enters the match with a record of 2W-2L-4D ranking 7th in the Western Conference. The Tampa Bay Rowdies enter the match with a record of 3W-2L-4D ranking 6th in the Eastern Conference.
FC Tulsa’s Last Match: FC Tulsa’s last regular season match was at ONEOK Field against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Within 10 minutes of the start of the match, forward Phillip Goodrum made a penalty kick from the 18 yard box that rebounded off the post and bounced in from the opposing Goalkeeper’s head, which was later determined to be an own goal for Pittsburgh. Goodrum later assisted midfielder Boubacar Diallo as he doubled FC Tulsa’s lead, leaving the score 2-0 in the first half. Daniel Griffin scored the Riverhounds’ first goal in the 63rd minute, and Kazaiah Sterling equalized the score after colliding with FC Tulsa goalkeeper Michael Creek, resulting in a goal for Pittsburgh. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, which is now FC Tulsa’s fourth of the season.
Last Matchup Against Tampa Bay Rowdies: FC Tulsa took on the Tampa Bay Rowdies twice last season. In July 2023, FC Tulsa was defeated 3-0 by the Rowdies, despite an impressive first half of play. FC Tulsa came close to a comeback against Tampa Bay at home in August 2023, but even with numerous injuries on the Rowdies and seven minutes of stoppage time being added, the match still ended in a 2-1 loss for FC Tulsa.
Players to watch: FC Tulsa’s player to watch this match is Midfielder Boubacar Diallo. With the help of Phillip Goodrum lining up the ball, Diallo saw his opportunity and took it, sending the ball directly into the net. Diallo scored his first goal of the season in the team’s match against the El Paso Locomotive, securing FC Tulsa’s 1-0 win.
Tampa Bay’s players to watch are Forward Cal Jennings and Midfielder Nate Worth. In the Rowdies’ last game against Birmingham Legion FC, Jennings came close to equalizing the score for Tampa Bay, taking a shot that barely missed a defender’s leg, but hit right on the far post. Jennings leads the Rowdies in shots (24) and is tied for first in goals (6). The Rowdies just acquired Nate Worth from FC Tulsa. He made his Tampa Bay debut in the team’s last match against Birmingham Legion FC, logging around 30 minutes after being subbed in. Worth will now face his former team this Saturday, already making for a riveting match-up.
Up Next: FC Tulsa will continue on the road as they move on in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 and take on MLS side Sporting Kansas City in Kansas City, Kansas. FC Tulsa is back at ONEOK Field on Friday, May 24 for Armed Forces Night and Dollar Beer Section Night. To purchase tickets visit SeatGeek.
