Standings: FC Tulsa enters the match with a record of 7W-7L-9D, ranking 7th in the Western Conference. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC enters the match with a record of 10W-10L-5D, ranking 5th in the Western Conference.
FC Tulsa’s Last Match: FC Tulsa got off to a quick start in Detroit on Saturday night. Within the first 30 seconds of the match, Forward Diogo Pacheco already fired off the first shot of the night.
In the first fifteen minutes the squad took four shots on target. In the 14th minute, Defender Alexis Souahy hit the crossbar off a corner kick from Diogo Pacheco before Forward Aaron Bibout got a foot on the ball and sent it into the back of the net, giving the visiting team a one goal advantage. Aaron Bibout was on loan to Detroit City FC from the LA Galaxy last season for five matches. Tonight, he notched his first goal of the season for FC Tulsa after being acquired late last week on loan from the Galaxy. “I’m so happy for my first goal with the club. I’m excited to make this playoff run and see how far we can go,” said Bibout after the match.FC Tulsa took the only shots on target in the first half and out shot the home side seven to two. The visiting team held only 40% possession in the first half but managed to keep Detroit City FC off the board. FC Tulsa racked up 11 fouls to Detroit City FC’s four in the first half. Two of the FC Tulsa fouls resulted in yellow cards for Harvey St Clair, in the 22nd minute, and for Boubacar Diallo, in the 27th minute. The second half kicked off with the home team making two substitutions hoping to break through and get on the board. Detroit City FC took 12 shots in the second half to FC Tulsa’s two. Goalkeeper Johan Peñaranda made a handful of saves to keep Detroit off the board. In the 66th minute, Defender Harvey St Clair received his second yellow of the night which caused FC Tulsa to play a man down for the rest of the match. Detroit City FC only received one yellow card on 12 fouls while FC Tulsa racked up 21 fouls. The fourth official indicated there would be six minutes of stoppage time for the second half and Detroit CIty FC took advantage of them. In the 91st minute, Johan Peñaranda had a massive save off a shot from Ben Morris that kept the clean sheet for FC Tulsa.
Last Match-Up Against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: FC Tulsa traveled to Colorado Springs for the 4th of July to take on Switchbacks FC. The action in the first half of the match was slow to build but the home team held most of the possession with 62.4 percent. They took 12 shots and four would be on target but Johan Peñaranda easily dealt with all four. FC Tulsa made an early sub having Harvey St Clair come on for Diogo Pacheco after he went down at the 42nd minute. In the second half, the possession was more even, with FC Tulsa having 47.5 percent. FC Tulsa took seven shots, two on target but the Switchbacks goalkeeper dealt with them. In the 87th minute, the Switchbacks would find the back of the net but a foul was called before the goal so ultimately it was ruled no goal. Things got heated in the 89th minute, with the Switchbacks Head Coach, James Chambers receiving a yellow card for arguing with the ref. Right after that yellow card, FC Tulsa Head Coach received a straight red card for leaving the technical box, leaving Assistant Coach Luke Spencer at the helm for the remaining minutes in the match and for the next match against Monterey Bay F.C. At the 90+3 minute mark, the Switchbacks would find the back of the net in what would be the match winner.
Players to Watch: FC Tulsa’s players to watch this match are newest addition Forward Aaron Bibout and Defender Alexis Souahy. Bibout joined FC Tulsa on loan from LA Galaxy 2 prior to Memphis 901 FC. Bibout scored the game winner last Saturday night against Detroit City FC. He had three shots, one on target and nine duels won.Defender Alexis Souahy made his second USL Championship Team of the Week after having eight clearances, six recoveries and one interception. He had a pair of blocked shots and won four of six duels.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC’s player to watch this match is Jonas Fjeldberg. The 25 year-old Norwegian Forward recorded a brace in Colorado Springs Wednesday night match against Memphis 901 FC making his season total three goals. He has 18 shots and 20 chances created in 19 matches this season.
Up Next: FC Tulsa return to ONEOK Field on Wednesday, September 11th at 7:30 p.m to take on Las Vegas Lights FC. The match is the clubs Pups at the Pitch night and fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to the match and sit in the lawn! Fans will receive a dog bandana giveaway. FC Tulsa will stay at home to take on Louisville City FC on Saturday September 14th at 7:30pm for Vamos Tulsa night. For tickets to both matches visit, fctulsa.com/tickets.
