Game Recaps

TULSA – FC Tulsa is headed east for 2021, joining the Central Division for the 32-match season. The move means there will be plenty of new faces and new opponents for FC Tulsa, so let’s break down the basics what you need to know about each team in the Heartland Central Division.

TULSA – FC Tulsa is headed east for 2021, joining the Central Division for the 32-match season. The move means there will be plenty of new faces and new opponents for FC Tulsa, so let’s break down the basics what you need to know about each team in the Heartland Central Division.

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TULSA – FC Tulsa has signed former Rogers State University and Bishop Kelley High School standout goalkeeper Austin Wormell to its 2021 USL Championship roster, pending league and federation approval. Wormell is a Tulsa native who grew up playing youth soccer with both Tulsa Soccer Club and Blitz United. He’s the third fourth Tulsa youth soccer product signed to the 2021 roster.

“Austin is an exciting addition to our goalkeeping position,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “He has all the tools to develop into the profile we look for as a keeper with a very clean technique with his hands as well as his feet. I know that he has the desire to improve daily, and I’m glad that another Tulsa native has started his professional journey with us.”

The view from the net will be a change for Wormell with FC Tulsa as the keeper served in the front office in 2020 as a Community Engagement and Operations. His hard work with the club last year, in addition to his body of work as a standout keeper, helped Wormell on the path to signing his first Professional Contract.

“I’m super excited to join FC Tulsa because of their commitment to Tulsa and to get the opportunity to represent this club in my community,” said Wormell. “It means everything to sign with my hometown club. I grew up in Tulsa without having a hometown pro club to support. Since FC Tulsa has been reintroduced, I have been highly involved in following the club. Getting the chance to put on the jersey and play in front of my hometown for Coach Nsien means the world to me.”

Wormell burst onto the local scene at Bishop Kelley as a senior in 2017. He posted 12 clean sheets in 19 matches, leading Bishop Kelley to the 2017 Oklahoma 5A State Championship. He became a local legend in the 5A State title game where he not only made 10 saves in a 2-0 victory, but also scored the match-winning goal with a 65-yard free kick from beyond midfield.

Following his 2017 campaign, Wormell was named a Top Drawer Soccer TeamSnap First Team All-American and was Tulsa World’s Player of the Year.

His prep success led to signing with Creighton University where he redshirted. He transferred to Oregon State University following a year at Creighton before landing at Rogers State in 2019. Wormell has made 16 appearances for the Hillcats since 2019, leading the team to the GAC/MIAA title with a match-winning save in penalties.

As a youth player in Tulsa, Wormell played for Tulsa Soccer Club from 2010-2016 before moving to Blitz United in 2016-2017. While with Blitz, Wormell played for coach David Bradford, an English soccer player who played for the Tulsa Roughnecks in the NASL in 1982 and 1984. 

TULSA – FC Tulsa has signed former Rogers State University and Bishop Kelley High School standout goalkeeper Austin Wormell to its 2021 USL Championship roster, pending league and federation approval. Wormell is a Tulsa native who grew up playing youth soccer with both Tulsa Soccer Club and Blitz United. He’s the third fourth Tulsa youth soccer product signed to the 2021 roster.

“Austin is an exciting addition to our goalkeeping position,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “He has all the tools to develop into the profile we look for as a keeper with a very clean technique with his hands as well as his feet. I know that he has the desire to improve daily, and I’m glad that another Tulsa native has started his professional journey with us.”

The view from the net will be a change for Wormell with FC Tulsa as the keeper served in the front office in 2020 as a Community Engagement and Operations. His hard work with the club last year, in addition to his body of work as a standout keeper, helped Wormell on the path to signing his first Professional Contract.

“I’m super excited to join FC Tulsa because of their commitment to Tulsa and to get the opportunity to represent this club in my community,” said Wormell. “It means everything to sign with my hometown club. I grew up in Tulsa without having a hometown pro club to support. Since FC Tulsa has been reintroduced, I have been highly involved in following the club. Getting the chance to put on the jersey and play in front of my hometown for Coach Nsien means the world to me.”

Wormell burst onto the local scene at Bishop Kelley as a senior in 2017. He posted 12 clean sheets in 19 matches, leading Bishop Kelley to the 2017 Oklahoma 5A State Championship. He became a local legend in the 5A State title game where he not only made 10 saves in a 2-0 victory, but also scored the match-winning goal with a 65-yard free kick from beyond midfield.

Following his 2017 campaign, Wormell was named a Top Drawer Soccer TeamSnap First Team All-American and was Tulsa World’s Player of the Year.

His prep success led to signing with Creighton University where he redshirted. He transferred to Oregon State University following a year at Creighton before landing at Rogers State in 2019. Wormell has made 16 appearances for the Hillcats since 2019, leading the team to the GAC/MIAA title with a match-winning save in penalties.

As a youth player in Tulsa, Wormell played for Tulsa Soccer Club from 2010-2016 before moving to Blitz United in 2016-2017. While with Blitz, Wormell played for coach David Bradford, an English soccer player who played for the Tulsa Roughnecks in the NASL in 1982 and 1984. 

TULSA – For the first time in nearly six years, Jorge Corrales has received the call. FC Tulsa’s star defender has been called up by Cuba to represent his country for its first two 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers later this month. A possible return to the international stage for Corrales coincides with the Cuban National Team calling up players who compete abroad for the first time in the country’s history.

“I can’t explain or describe the feelings that I got when I saw my name on the list for Cuba,” said Corrales. “I have so many great memories from my time playing on the National Team. This is a beautiful and exciting moment in my life. I hope to be able to represent my National Team for these matches and am looking forward to more moments like this in the future.”

From 2011-2015, Corrales was a mainstay in the Cuban National Team, making 34 appearances with 31 starts. However, once Corrales moved to the U.S. in 2015 to begin his soccer career abroad, his international career came to a halt as Cuba barred foreign-based players from suiting up for the national team. That all changed in November when Cuba began registering players foreign-based players, of which Corrales was one.

Corrales has plenty of international experience with appearances in the 2013 and 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cups, 2012 and 2014 Caribbean Cups and 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Primarily serving as Cuba’s left back, Corrales scored his first and only international goal in a 3-2 victory over Curaçao at the 2014 Caribbean Cup.

Cuba is looking to qualify for its second-ever FIFA World Cup and first since 1938 when it reached the Quarterfinals. Its quest begins in the CONCACAF First Round of qualification on March 24 against Guatemala before the second match on March 28 against Curaçao. 

Corrales is the second FC Tulsa player called up to play for their country this offseason, following forward Joaquín Rivas' call up to the El Salvador National Team in its friendly against the U.S. in December. 

TULSA – For the first time in nearly six years, Jorge Corrales has received the call. FC Tulsa’s star defender has been called up by Cuba to represent his country for its first two 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers later this month. A possible return to the international stage for Corrales coincides with the Cuban National Team calling up players who compete abroad for the first time in the country’s history.

“I can’t explain or describe the feelings that I got when I saw my name on the list for Cuba,” said Corrales. “I have so many great memories from my time playing on the National Team. This is a beautiful and exciting moment in my life. I hope to be able to represent my National Team for these matches and am looking forward to more moments like this in the future.”

From 2011-2015, Corrales was a mainstay in the Cuban National Team, making 34 appearances with 31 starts. However, once Corrales moved to the U.S. in 2015 to begin his soccer career abroad, his international career came to a halt as Cuba barred foreign-based players from suiting up for the national team. That all changed in November when Cuba began registering players foreign-based players, of which Corrales was one.

Corrales has plenty of international experience with appearances in the 2013 and 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cups, 2012 and 2014 Caribbean Cups and 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Primarily serving as Cuba’s left back, Corrales scored his first and only international goal in a 3-2 victory over Curaçao at the 2014 Caribbean Cup.

Cuba is looking to qualify for its second-ever FIFA World Cup and first since 1938 when it reached the Quarterfinals. Its quest begins in the CONCACAF First Round of qualification on March 24 against Guatemala before the second match on March 28 against Curaçao. 

Corrales is the second FC Tulsa player called up to play for their country this offseason, following forward Joaquín Rivas’ call up to the El Salvador National Team in its friendly against the U.S. in December. 

TULSA – It’s that time again. Hope springs eternal. Championship aspirations alight. It’s the preseason.

Coming off its best season in franchise history that culminated in a USL Championship Playoffs appearance, FC Tulsa enters this preseason with a new feeling on its shoulders, the weight of expectations. Premier signings mixed with a core of returning talent have changed the perception of FC Tulsa across the league. It’s a feeling fans can get used to.  

As the appetizer for the 2021 season approaches, some questions still remain. We have selected the five most burning as the 2021 preseason begins.

TULSA – It’s that time again. Hope springs eternal. Championship aspirations alight. It’s the preseason.

Coming off its best season in franchise history that culminated in a USL Championship Playoffs appearance, FC Tulsa enters this preseason with a new feeling on its shoulders, the weight of expectations. Premier signings mixed with a core of returning talent have changed the perception of FC Tulsa across the league. It’s a feeling fans can get used to.  

As the appetizer for the 2021 season approaches, some questions still remain. We have selected the five most burning as the 2021 preseason begins.

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1) WHO WILL WEAR THE ARMBAND IN 2021?

1) WHO WILL WEAR THE ARMBAND IN 2021?

"So, we’ll observe and see which guys the players naturally gravitate towards and have good command, good presence, and overall know how we want to function as FC Tulsa. I think we have a great selection of players to choose from.”

Those returners Nsien is referring to likely includes 2020 Vice Captain Bradley Bourgeois, who regardless of title will continue to be a vocal leader of the defense out on the pitch and a community leader around Tulsa. As Vice Captain, Bourgeois would get the armband if Martínez was subbed off or didn’t start.

Bourgeois’ fellow backline mate Kevin Garcia could be another returning option for Nsien to wear the “C.” As a 26-year-old in 2016 with Rio Grande Valley FC, Garcia served as the team’s captain, taking RGVFC to its highest-ever finish while leading the league’s best defense. One new face with a history of captaincy in the USL Championship is defender Mo Jadama. The centerback from The Gambia has served as a team captain in each of his stints with Portland Timbers 2 and Atlanta United 2 over the previous few seasons.

Regardless of who ends up with the honor of serving as FC Tulsa’s captain, there is no doubting the 2021 club is full of leadership options.

“So, we’ll observe and see which guys the players naturally gravitate towards and have good command, good presence, and overall know how we want to function as FC Tulsa. I think we have a great selection of players to choose from.”

Those returners Nsien is referring to likely includes 2020 Vice Captain Bradley Bourgeois, who regardless of title will continue to be a vocal leader of the defense out on the pitch and a community leader around Tulsa. As Vice Captain, Bourgeois would get the armband if Martínez was subbed off or didn’t start.

Bourgeois’ fellow backline mate Kevin Garcia could be another returning option for Nsien to wear the “C.” As a 26-year-old in 2016 with Rio Grande Valley FC, Garcia served as the team’s captain, taking RGVFC to its highest-ever finish while leading the league’s best defense. One new face with a history of captaincy in the USL Championship is defender Mo Jadama. The centerback from The Gambia has served as a team captain in each of his stints with Portland Timbers 2 and Atlanta United 2 over the previous few seasons.

Regardless of who ends up with the honor of serving as FC Tulsa’s captain, there is no doubting the 2021 club is full of leadership options.

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2) CAN FC TULSA'S DEFENSE GET EVEN BETTER?

2) CAN FC TULSA’S DEFENSE GET EVEN BETTER?

Bourgeois in particular has a history of being on elite USL Championship defenses, from Rio Grande Valley FC’s 2016 squad that allowed the second fewest goals to his 2018 and 2019 seasons with Nashville SC where no defense conceded less over that time frame. He knows a thing or two about defense.

“We have a lot of guys that are going to push each other,” said Bourgeois. “We have a standard we’ve set that only motivates the team, and makes the group stronger. It’s about pushing the group on and making the group better than it was last year. This defense looks really good on paper. It looks really good with the experience that we have, and the mentality that we have. With the group so far, it’s shaping up to be a good one.”

Bourgeois in particular has a history of being on elite USL Championship defenses, from Rio Grande Valley FC’s 2016 squad that allowed the second fewest goals to his 2018 and 2019 seasons with Nashville SC where no defense conceded less over that time frame. He knows a thing or two about defense.

“We have a lot of guys that are going to push each other,” said Bourgeois. “We have a standard we’ve set that only motivates the team, and makes the group stronger. It’s about pushing the group on and making the group better than it was last year. This defense looks really good on paper. It looks really good with the experience that we have, and the mentality that we have. With the group so far, it’s shaping up to be a good one.”

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3) IS JEROME KIESEWETTER THE MISSING INGREDIENT?

3) IS JEROME KIESEWETTER THE MISSING INGREDIENT?

His addition to an already potent group of wingers such as returners Darío Suárez and Marlon Santos, along with fellow newcomer Joaquín Rivas, gives FC Tulsa a frontline that rivals the best in the Central Division.

So, what secret sauce can Jerome bring to the FC Tulsa offense in 2021?

“At the end of the day, the whole team scores goals,” said Kiesewetter. “Maybe, I’m more likely to do so because I play closer to the goal, but this whole team can score. I’m here to score, though. That’s why coach brought me in and puts me in that position. We have to score to win, but it takes the whole team. We have to create chances, and us guys up front have to finish them.”

For Kiesewetter, the recipe for goalscoring success comes down to the team developing chemistry on the pitch, which will be built throughout the six-week long preseason.

“It’s chemistry and positioning,” said Kiesewetter. “We have to get to know each other and play to each other’s strengths. We have to spend time on the pitch together, building chemistry and scoring goals. We have to create chances and score. We have to score to win, but it takes the whole team. We have to create chances, and us guys up front have to finish them.”

His addition to an already potent group of wingers such as returners Darío Suárez and Marlon Santos, along with fellow newcomer Joaquín Rivas, gives FC Tulsa a frontline that rivals the best in the Central Division.

So, what secret sauce can Jerome bring to the FC Tulsa offense in 2021?

“At the end of the day, the whole team scores goals,” said Kiesewetter. “Maybe, I’m more likely to do so because I play closer to the goal, but this whole team can score. I’m here to score, though. That’s why coach brought me in and puts me in that position. We have to score to win, but it takes the whole team. We have to create chances, and us guys up front have to finish them.”

For Kiesewetter, the recipe for goalscoring success comes down to the team developing chemistry on the pitch, which will be built throughout the six-week long preseason.

“It’s chemistry and positioning,” said Kiesewetter. “We have to get to know each other and play to each other’s strengths. We have to spend time on the pitch together, building chemistry and scoring goals. We have to create chances and score. We have to score to win, but it takes the whole team. We have to create chances, and us guys up front have to finish them.”

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4) CAN RODRIGO DA COSTA KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING?

4) CAN RODRIGO DA COSTA KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING?

“I had some definite personal issues during COVID, not just with my wife but in Brazil too,” said da Costa. “That sometimes took me away from the game mentally, but these last couple months I’ve been working on my mindset, trying to separate things and leave my problems off the field when I step on it. I think I’ve found the right mindset, but that’s no excuse for what happens with my performance on the field.”

Looking like it was going to be a lost season, da Costa rediscovered his form in the season finale, scoring a goal. He then added another one in Tulsa’s playoff loss to El Paso, bookending his season with two goals in the first two matches and two in the final two. That momentum could be the ticket to a big 2021 for da Costa.

“I had a lot better confidence towards the end of the season,” said da Costa. “Now, I hope I can keep that confidence and help the team and bring success this preseason so we can get better as a team. Hopefully we can start hot and on the right foot, so we can build something special this year.”

“I had some definite personal issues during COVID, not just with my wife but in Brazil too,” said da Costa. “That sometimes took me away from the game mentally, but these last couple months I’ve been working on my mindset, trying to separate things and leave my problems off the field when I step on it. I think I’ve found the right mindset, but that’s no excuse for what happens with my performance on the field.”

Looking like it was going to be a lost season, da Costa rediscovered his form in the season finale, scoring a goal. He then added another one in Tulsa’s playoff loss to El Paso, bookending his season with two goals in the first two matches and two in the final two. That momentum could be the ticket to a big 2021 for da Costa.

“I had a lot better confidence towards the end of the season,” said da Costa. “Now, I hope I can keep that confidence and help the team and bring success this preseason so we can get better as a team. Hopefully we can start hot and on the right foot, so we can build something special this year.”

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5) WOULD KEVIN GARCIA CELEBRATE A GOAL AGAINST HOUSTON DYNAMO?

5) WOULD KEVIN GARCIA CELEBRATE A GOAL AGAINST HOUSTON DYNAMO?

“I think I’d go with a celebration,” said Garcia with a laugh. “I don’t score too many goals, so I think I’d have something prepared to go if I scored. I’m itching to get back to Houston, to get in front of them and give them a good competitive match. Eric [Bird], Bradley [Bourgeois] and I have already spoken about it, so we’re excited to get back there, and if either of us scores a goal, we’ll have something ready.”

Bourgeois and Bird don’t have the playing history that Garcia does with Houston, but each was signed by the Dynamo before being loaned to RGVFC. Garcia, on the other hand, did mention that he has been keeping up with his former teammates and friends over the offseason through text and social media, and is excited to play against them this Spring.

“I think I’d go with a celebration,” said Garcia with a laugh. “I don’t score too many goals, so I think I’d have something prepared to go if I scored. I’m itching to get back to Houston, to get in front of them and give them a good competitive match. Eric [Bird], Bradley [Bourgeois] and I have already spoken about it, so we’re excited to get back there, and if either of us scores a goal, we’ll have something ready.”

Bourgeois and Bird don’t have the playing history that Garcia does with Houston, but each was signed by the Dynamo before being loaned to RGVFC. Garcia, on the other hand, did mention that he has been keeping up with his former teammates and friends over the offseason through text and social media, and is excited to play against them this Spring.

TULSA – FC Tulsa’s 2021 preseason is officially set with six matches leading up to the start of the season in late April. Three road matches, followed by three home matches, and teams across the entire American soccer pyramid, provide a balanced preseason as FC Tulsa attempts to make it back-to-back USL Championship Playoffs appearances.

"The preseason schedule allows us the opportunity to focus on specific parts of the game against a very high level of competition," said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. "The objective is for our players to gain an understanding of the overall model and to see how players are adapting to each other. Out of the gate we will see where we stand, and from there we will continue to make improvements. The players have been off for quite some time so it’s important that we take advantage of every moment we play."

Following a blitz of three road matches in four days to start the preseason, FC Tulsa will settle into a typical once-a-week cadence to its preseason schedule. The club will take on USL League Two opponent FC Wichita at Titan Sports Complex on Friday, April 2 in a match that will be closed to fans.

FC Tulsa will play an intrasquad scrimmage to keep fitness on Saturday, April 10 before capping its preseason with the previously announced return of outdoor pro sports to Tulsa on Saturday, April 17 against Austin Bold FC at ONEOK Field.

Full 2021 Preseason Schedule… (all times CT)

·       Wed., March 24 @ Houston Dynamo FC (MLS), 1 p.m.

·       Thurs., March 25 @ North Texas SC (USL-1), 3 p.m.

·       Sat., March 27 @ North Texas SC (USL-1), 11 a.m.

·       Fri., April 2 vs. FC Wichita (USL-2), 7 p.m.

·       Sat., April 10 vs. FC Tulsa (Intrasquad), 10 a.m.

·       Sat., April 17 vs. Austin Bold FC (USL-C), TBD

TULSA – FC Tulsa’s 2021 preseason is officially set with six matches leading up to the start of the season in late April. Three road matches, followed by three home matches, and teams across the entire American soccer pyramid, provide a balanced preseason as FC Tulsa attempts to make it back-to-back USL Championship Playoffs appearances.

“The preseason schedule allows us the opportunity to focus on specific parts of the game against a very high level of competition,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “The objective is for our players to gain an understanding of the overall model and to see how players are adapting to each other. Out of the gate we will see where we stand, and from there we will continue to make improvements. The players have been off for quite some time so it’s important that we take advantage of every moment we play.”

Following a blitz of three road matches in four days to start the preseason, FC Tulsa will settle into a typical once-a-week cadence to its preseason schedule. The club will take on USL League Two opponent FC Wichita at Titan Sports Complex on Friday, April 2 in a match that will be closed to fans.

FC Tulsa will play an intrasquad scrimmage to keep fitness on Saturday, April 10 before capping its preseason with the previously announced return of outdoor pro sports to Tulsa on Saturday, April 17 against Austin Bold FC at ONEOK Field.

Full 2021 Preseason Schedule… (all times CT)

·       Wed., March 24 @ Houston Dynamo FC (MLS), 1 p.m.

·       Thurs., March 25 @ North Texas SC (USL-1), 3 p.m.

·       Sat., March 27 @ North Texas SC (USL-1), 11 a.m.

·       Fri., April 2 vs. FC Wichita (USL-2), 7 p.m.

·       Sat., April 10 vs. FC Tulsa (Intrasquad), 10 a.m.

·       Sat., April 17 vs. Austin Bold FC (USL-C), TBD

TULSA – FC Tulsa has signed local youth players Martin Martinez-Leyva and Tony Mota to Academy Contracts for the 2021 USL Championship season. Martinez-Leyva, a forward, and Mota, a midfielder, both come to FC Tulsa having previously played for Tulsa Soccer Club, a local youth club with a history of national success.

“Tony and Martin are both players that I’m familiar with, from long ago in my time in youth soccer,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “They’re two players who have always excelled, they’re always driven, trying to improve. I think the next step for them is to be around players at that higher level, the professional level, so they can continue their development. What I’ve explained to them is that they’ve got an opportunity – what they do with it is up to them.”

Martinez-Leyva, 17, has been one of the best 04’s in the country. After winning the 2011 SuperCopa with Tulsa youth club Blitz United, Martinez-Leyva moved to TSC in 2012. His list of accolades with TSC is long, including two ECNL National Championships in 2018 and 2019, was named the Texas Conference Player of the Year in 2018 and an XI National selection in 2017/18.

In addition to his play for TSC, Martinez-Leyva has spent the last three seasons playing high school soccer for Bixby High School.  

“I thank God for everything, and my family for being so supportive in my journey,” said Martinez-Leyva. “This opportunity is a dream come true. I’m very excited to work hard, grow as a player and do whatever I can to help achieve our team goals this season with FC Tulsa.”

Mota, 18, was born and raised in Green Country, and joined TSC in 2010, winning the Texas Conference championship in 2018. He played just one year of high school soccer at Claremore High School as a freshman, but made it count. In his lone high school season, Mota racked up 14 goals, was nominated for All-District, and was the team’s Offensive Player of the Year, leading the team to the State playoffs.

“Signing my first professional Academy Contract means the world to me,” said Mota. “It brings me a step closer to fulfilling a dream I’ve had since I was a little kid. I’m beyond blessed to be given the opportunity to start my journey in my hometown. I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without the support of my family. I’m ready to give Tulsa my all.”

The pair of Academy signees join midfielder Ciaran Winters as local standout youth players that FC Tulsa has identified and signed to Academy Contracts over the last two seasons. After spending a year as an Academy player, Winters signed a Professional Contract this offseason to become the first native Tulsan to complete the Pathway to Pro.

TULSA – FC Tulsa has signed local youth players Martin Martinez-Leyva and Tony Mota to Academy Contracts for the 2021 USL Championship season. Martinez-Leyva, a forward, and Mota, a midfielder, both come to FC Tulsa having previously played for Tulsa Soccer Club, a local youth club with a history of national success.

“Tony and Martin are both players that I’m familiar with, from long ago in my time in youth soccer,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “They’re two players who have always excelled, they’re always driven, trying to improve. I think the next step for them is to be around players at that higher level, the professional level, so they can continue their development. What I’ve explained to them is that they’ve got an opportunity – what they do with it is up to them.”

Martinez-Leyva, 17, has been one of the best 04’s in the country. After winning the 2011 SuperCopa with Tulsa youth club Blitz United, Martinez-Leyva moved to TSC in 2012. His list of accolades with TSC is long, including two ECNL National Championships in 2018 and 2019, was named the Texas Conference Player of the Year in 2018 and an XI National selection in 2017/18.

In addition to his play for TSC, Martinez-Leyva has spent the last three seasons playing high school soccer for Bixby High School.  

“I thank God for everything, and my family for being so supportive in my journey,” said Martinez-Leyva. “This opportunity is a dream come true. I’m very excited to work hard, grow as a player and do whatever I can to help achieve our team goals this season with FC Tulsa.”

Mota, 18, was born and raised in Green Country, and joined TSC in 2010, winning the Texas Conference championship in 2018. He played just one year of high school soccer at Claremore High School as a freshman, but made it count. In his lone high school season, Mota racked up 14 goals, was nominated for All-District, and was the team’s Offensive Player of the Year, leading the team to the State playoffs.

“Signing my first professional Academy Contract means the world to me,” said Mota. “It brings me a step closer to fulfilling a dream I’ve had since I was a little kid. I’m beyond blessed to be given the opportunity to start my journey in my hometown. I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without the support of my family. I’m ready to give Tulsa my all.”

The pair of Academy signees join midfielder Ciaran Winters as local standout youth players that FC Tulsa has identified and signed to Academy Contracts over the last two seasons. After spending a year as an Academy player, Winters signed a Professional Contract this offseason to become the first native Tulsan to complete the Pathway to Pro.

TULSA – FC Tulsa will continue its Texas tour during the preseason with a pair of road matches against North Texas SC of USL League One in late March. Following its preseason opener on Wednesday, March 24, FC Tulsa will travel to Frisco, Texas to play North Texas SC in a double dip on Thursday, March 25 and Saturday, March 27.

It will be the second consecutive season that FC Tulsa will play North Texas SC in the preseason following last year’s 3-1 victory over the 2019 USL League One champions. The three road matches in four days will offer Coach Michael Nsien and his staff an extensive look at all of the 2021 rostered players in match action against good competition.  

“It will be a good push mentally and physically with three matches in four days,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “This will provide a great opportunity for all of our players to see the field early in preseason play, and will allow our staff to experiment with different partnerships and groupings at every position on the pitch.”

While none of the three preseason matches in Texas will be streamed or broadcast, FC Tulsa will provide in-person coverage at all three matches. To keep up with all FC Tulsa preseason updates, follow the club @FCTulsa on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and download the Official FC Tulsa App on the App Store and Google Play Store.

TULSA – FC Tulsa will continue its Texas tour during the preseason with a pair of road matches against North Texas SC of USL League One in late March. Following its preseason opener on Wednesday, March 24, FC Tulsa will travel to Frisco, Texas to play North Texas SC in a double dip on Thursday, March 25 and Saturday, March 27.

It will be the second consecutive season that FC Tulsa will play North Texas SC in the preseason following last year’s 3-1 victory over the 2019 USL League One champions. The three road matches in four days will offer Coach Michael Nsien and his staff an extensive look at all of the 2021 rostered players in match action against good competition.  

“It will be a good push mentally and physically with three matches in four days,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “This will provide a great opportunity for all of our players to see the field early in preseason play, and will allow our staff to experiment with different partnerships and groupings at every position on the pitch.”

While none of the three preseason matches in Texas will be streamed or broadcast, FC Tulsa will provide in-person coverage at all three matches. To keep up with all FC Tulsa preseason updates, follow the club @FCTulsa on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and download the Official FC Tulsa App on the App Store and Google Play Store.

TAMPA, Fla. – FC Tulsa is packing its bags and heading East. On Tuesday afternoon, the USL Championship announced its 2021 league alignment, and the most notable change is that FC Tulsa will be in the Eastern Conference, and specifically in the Central Division. It will be the first-ever USL Championship season in the East for FC Tulsa after spending its first six seasons in the West.

For the first time in league history, the 31 USL Championship clubs will be split into four geographic divisions, the Atlantic and Central in the Eastern Conference and the Mountain and Pacific in the Western Conference. With its move to the East, FC Tulsa will be in the eight-team Central Division alongside Louisville City FC, Indy Eleven, Memphis 901 FC, Birmingham Legion FC, Atlanta United 2, Sporting Kansas City II and in-state rival OKC Energy FC.

“The new conference and division alignment is exciting as we will get to see some different competition as well as continue our traditional match up against OKC,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “The Central Division will have a unique mixture of teams that should create some fascinating matchups. We are looking forward to being a part of this new division in the Heartland and can’t wait for our opponents to be welcomed to Tulsa by our great fans.”

FC Tulsa will play each of its divisional opponents four times, two at home and two on the road, making up 28 of the club’s 32 matches in the regular season. The other four matches will come outside of the division and could potentially be cross-conference matchups. FC Tulsa’s non-divisional opponents are still TBD.

The move to the East means that FC Tulsa will face off against at least five new opponents in 2021 – Louisville City FC, Indy Eleven, Memphis 901 FC, Birmingham Legion FC and Atlanta United 2. Louisville has two USL Championship titles to its name in 2017 and 2018, while Indy Eleven made the Eastern Conference Final in 2019. Memphis, Birmingham and Atlanta have all shown incredible success on and off the pitch in bringing professional soccer to the traditionally football-loving South.

On the flip side, FC Tulsa is very familiar with Energy FC, beating the other Oklahoma team in last year’s Black Gold Derby and taking home the Wrench trophy. FC Tulsa has not lost to OKC since 2018, earning results in each of the last five meetings.

Tickets to FC Tulsa's 2021 season are now on sale and start at just $8 a match. Payment Plans are available by request and great seats are still available in all sections. 

While FC Tulsa’s full 2021 USL Championship schedule hasn’t been released, the league is anticipating announcing each club’s home openers, the 2021 ESPN national broadcast schedule and the full schedule soon.

TAMPA, Fla. – FC Tulsa is packing its bags and heading East. On Tuesday afternoon, the USL Championship announced its 2021 league alignment, and the most notable change is that FC Tulsa will be in the Eastern Conference, and specifically in the Central Division. It will be the first-ever USL Championship season in the East for FC Tulsa after spending its first six seasons in the West.

For the first time in league history, the 31 USL Championship clubs will be split into four geographic divisions, the Atlantic and Central in the Eastern Conference and the Mountain and Pacific in the Western Conference. With its move to the East, FC Tulsa will be in the eight-team Central Division alongside Louisville City FC, Indy Eleven, Memphis 901 FC, Birmingham Legion FC, Atlanta United 2, Sporting Kansas City II and in-state rival OKC Energy FC.

“The new conference and division alignment is exciting as we will get to see some different competition as well as continue our traditional match up against OKC,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “The Central Division will have a unique mixture of teams that should create some fascinating matchups. We are looking forward to being a part of this new division in the Heartland and can’t wait for our opponents to be welcomed to Tulsa by our great fans.”

FC Tulsa will play each of its divisional opponents four times, two at home and two on the road, making up 28 of the club’s 32 matches in the regular season. The other four matches will come outside of the division and could potentially be cross-conference matchups. FC Tulsa’s non-divisional opponents are still TBD.

The move to the East means that FC Tulsa will face off against at least five new opponents in 2021 – Louisville City FC, Indy Eleven, Memphis 901 FC, Birmingham Legion FC and Atlanta United 2. Louisville has two USL Championship titles to its name in 2017 and 2018, while Indy Eleven made the Eastern Conference Final in 2019. Memphis, Birmingham and Atlanta have all shown incredible success on and off the pitch in bringing professional soccer to the traditionally football-loving South.

On the flip side, FC Tulsa is very familiar with Energy FC, beating the other Oklahoma team in last year’s Black Gold Derby and taking home the Wrench trophy. FC Tulsa has not lost to OKC since 2018, earning results in each of the last five meetings.

Tickets to FC Tulsa’s 2021 season are now on sale and start at just $8 a match. Payment Plans are available by request and great seats are still available in all sections. 

While FC Tulsa’s full 2021 USL Championship schedule hasn’t been released, the league is anticipating announcing each club’s home openers, the 2021 ESPN national broadcast schedule and the full schedule soon.

TULSA – When you’re an FC Tulsa Season Ticket holder, the perks just get better and better. Last Wednesday, Bradley Bourgeois responded to an 83 United tweet about his cleats from the first FC Tulsa win at ONEOK Field. He offered to give them away, signed personally, to a lucky season ticket holder.

2021 FC Tulsa Season Ticket members are all entered to win the giveaway, and if you don’t want to miss out on your chance, you can enter by Saturday by purchasing 2021 Season Tickets. Fans can save up to 60% on FC Tulsa match tickets compared to Day of Game prices by buying a season ticket membership, and the benefits don’t stop at cleat giveaways. Fans get a merch discount, a personal ticket rep assigned to help them, discounts on additional FC Tulsa tickets, and more.

Head to the Season Tickets page to learn more, or call a ticket rep at 918-297-6808.

TULSA – When you’re an FC Tulsa Season Ticket holder, the perks just get better and better. Last Wednesday, Bradley Bourgeois responded to an 83 United tweet about his cleats from the first FC Tulsa win at ONEOK Field. He offered to give them away, signed personally, to a lucky season ticket holder.

2021 FC Tulsa Season Ticket members are all entered to win the giveaway, and if you don’t want to miss out on your chance, you can enter by Saturday by purchasing 2021 Season Tickets. Fans can save up to 60% on FC Tulsa match tickets compared to Day of Game prices by buying a season ticket membership, and the benefits don’t stop at cleat giveaways. Fans get a merch discount, a personal ticket rep assigned to help them, discounts on additional FC Tulsa tickets, and more.

Head to the Season Tickets page to learn more, or call a ticket rep at 918-297-6808.