Game Recaps

TULSA – One point. One point is all that stands between FC Tulsa and clinching a playoff spot in 2020. FC Tulsa can secure its second-ever playoff berth with a draw or a win at ONEOK field on Saturday Night when it hosts Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

Barring the need for a rescheduled match at RGV FC to decide a playoff spot, Saturday night at 7 p.m. will be the regular season finale for FC Tulsa. After late winners have seen FC Tulsa dramatically take three points from western conference table-toppers San Antonio FC and in-state rivals OKC Energy FC, FC Tulsa looks to continue its club-record unbeaten run and close out the season with a win.

How to follow
Local Television: My41
Digital Stream: ESPN+
Social Media: @FCTulsa on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Scouting Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
If there’s one thing Switchbacks and FC Tulsa have in common, it’s that they’re both unbeaten against OKC Energy FC this season. Switchbacks beat Energy in Oklahoma City on opening weekend back in March, and the two sides battled to a 0-0 draw in early September.

Now that the positives are out of the way, wins have been hard to come by for Switchbacks in Group C this season. With just one victory in its last 14 matches, Colorado Springs have drawn seven and lost six since June, with results ranging from 0-0 draws to 4-4 thrillers.

Having been eliminated from playoff contention since September 16, Switchbacks have been playing for pride ever since and will be itching to play spoiler as it comes into ONEOK on Saturday night.

Storylines to Watch
1 is a magic number – With FC Tulsa’s win and Austin Bold FC’s shocking loss to previously winless Rio Grande Valley FC Toros, FC Tulsa’s magic number to clinch playoffs is down to just one. A draw or a win on Saturday against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC would clinch a playoff spot in front of the home fans at ONEOK Field. Even a loss would not spell doom for Tulsa, as any dropped points by Austin in its final match against San Antonio FC would also clinch playoffs for FC Tulsa.

Record Unbeaten Run 2: Electric Boogaloo – FC Tulsa began the 2020 season on a six-match unbeaten run which saw four draws and two wins to kick off the campaign. A pair of losses in the middle of the season have been followed up now by a trio of wins and a trio of draws, meaning a win or draw on Saturday not only clinches playoffs but sets a new record for longest unbeaten run in club history.

Last Match at ONEOK in 2020– Saturday’s match will be the final regular season match at ONEOK Field this season. With so much on the line, the excitement in the building will be palpable.

Where to Watch
FC Tulsa fans catch the home finale at ONEOK Field with kickoff set for 7 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for Season Ticket holders and 6 p.m. for all fans. The match will be televised on My41 in Tulsa, or on ESPN+ streaming anywhere in the US. Get your tickets for the Black Gold Derby at ONEOK Field at https://www.fctulsa.com/tickets, by calling (918) 297-6808, or by emailing tickets@https://www.fctulsa.com

TULSA – One point. One point is all that stands between FC Tulsa and clinching a playoff spot in 2020. FC Tulsa can secure its second-ever playoff berth with a draw or a win at ONEOK field on Saturday Night when it hosts Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

Barring the need for a rescheduled match at RGV FC to decide a playoff spot, Saturday night at 7 p.m. will be the regular season finale for FC Tulsa. After late winners have seen FC Tulsa dramatically take three points from western conference table-toppers San Antonio FC and in-state rivals OKC Energy FC, FC Tulsa looks to continue its club-record unbeaten run and close out the season with a win.

How to follow
Local Television: My41
Digital Stream: ESPN+
Social Media: @FCTulsa on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Scouting Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
If there’s one thing Switchbacks and FC Tulsa have in common, it’s that they’re both unbeaten against OKC Energy FC this season. Switchbacks beat Energy in Oklahoma City on opening weekend back in March, and the two sides battled to a 0-0 draw in early September.

Now that the positives are out of the way, wins have been hard to come by for Switchbacks in Group C this season. With just one victory in its last 14 matches, Colorado Springs have drawn seven and lost six since June, with results ranging from 0-0 draws to 4-4 thrillers.

Having been eliminated from playoff contention since September 16, Switchbacks have been playing for pride ever since and will be itching to play spoiler as it comes into ONEOK on Saturday night.

Storylines to Watch
1 is a magic number – With FC Tulsa’s win and Austin Bold FC’s shocking loss to previously winless Rio Grande Valley FC Toros, FC Tulsa’s magic number to clinch playoffs is down to just one. A draw or a win on Saturday against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC would clinch a playoff spot in front of the home fans at ONEOK Field. Even a loss would not spell doom for Tulsa, as any dropped points by Austin in its final match against San Antonio FC would also clinch playoffs for FC Tulsa.

Record Unbeaten Run 2: Electric Boogaloo – FC Tulsa began the 2020 season on a six-match unbeaten run which saw four draws and two wins to kick off the campaign. A pair of losses in the middle of the season have been followed up now by a trio of wins and a trio of draws, meaning a win or draw on Saturday not only clinches playoffs but sets a new record for longest unbeaten run in club history.

Last Match at ONEOK in 2020– Saturday’s match will be the final regular season match at ONEOK Field this season. With so much on the line, the excitement in the building will be palpable.

Where to Watch
FC Tulsa fans catch the home finale at ONEOK Field with kickoff set for 7 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for Season Ticket holders and 6 p.m. for all fans. The match will be televised on My41 in Tulsa, or on ESPN+ streaming anywhere in the US. Get your tickets for the Black Gold Derby at ONEOK Field at https://www.fctulsa.com/tickets, by calling (918) 297-6808, or by emailing tickets@https://www.fctulsa.com

On Saturday night against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, FC Tulsa will honor the life of one Tulsa’s soccer legends, Coach Brian Elliott, who passed away unexpectedly in January. Elliott coached soccer collegiately at Northeastern State Univ. in Tahlequah and Oral Roberts Univ. before moving to the high school ranks where he enjoyed sustained success at numerous local high schools.

Coach Elliott is best known for his 11 years at Union High School where he won three consecutive 6A girl’s Oklahoma State Championships from 2015-2017. More than his success as a leader on the field, Coach Elliott impacted countless off the pitch with his positivity and passion.

It is no coincidence that FC Tulsa will be remembering Coach’s Elliott life and impact on the city of Tulsa on Saturday night. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC’s senior director of soccer development and general manager Brian Crookham, a native of Jenks, Okla., was a friend of Coach Elliott’s and both Elliott and Crookham are members of the Oklahoma Soccer Association Hall of Fame. Crookham will be at the match on Saturday to help honor Coach Elliott.

“While Brian’s success on the field was easy to measure, his legacy will be defined by his influence off the field,” said Crookham. “Thousands of players, coaches, administrators and family members will carry forward his positive spirit of serving and celebrating the success of others.”

Before the match, FC Tulsa will make a special on-pitch presentation to Coach Elliott’s wife, Kathleen, and his two children, Joshua and Avery.  

“We want to thank everyone for remembering and honoring Brian,” said Kathleen Elliott. “Brian coached young men and women to believe in themselves, so they can be a part of something even bigger. Soccer is an opportunity for different people to come together, to share our passion and love, to support each other and bring out the best in each other. This means a lot to our family. Brian’s heart must be bursting, and he wants everyone to remember – UR awesome!”

Fans wanting to help make an impact in Coach Elliott’s honor can donate to the Elliott Family Support Fund.

Elliott Family Support Fund
c/o Russ Knight
7163 S Olympia Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74132

On Saturday night against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, FC Tulsa will honor the life of one Tulsa’s soccer legends, Coach Brian Elliott, who passed away unexpectedly in January. Elliott coached soccer collegiately at Northeastern State Univ. in Tahlequah and Oral Roberts Univ. before moving to the high school ranks where he enjoyed sustained success at numerous local high schools.

Coach Elliott is best known for his 11 years at Union High School where he won three consecutive 6A girl’s Oklahoma State Championships from 2015-2017. More than his success as a leader on the field, Coach Elliott impacted countless off the pitch with his positivity and passion.

It is no coincidence that FC Tulsa will be remembering Coach’s Elliott life and impact on the city of Tulsa on Saturday night. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC’s senior director of soccer development and general manager Brian Crookham, a native of Jenks, Okla., was a friend of Coach Elliott’s and both Elliott and Crookham are members of the Oklahoma Soccer Association Hall of Fame. Crookham will be at the match on Saturday to help honor Coach Elliott.

“While Brian’s success on the field was easy to measure, his legacy will be defined by his influence off the field,” said Crookham. “Thousands of players, coaches, administrators and family members will carry forward his positive spirit of serving and celebrating the success of others.”

Before the match, FC Tulsa will make a special on-pitch presentation to Coach Elliott’s wife, Kathleen, and his two children, Joshua and Avery.  

“We want to thank everyone for remembering and honoring Brian,” said Kathleen Elliott. “Brian coached young men and women to believe in themselves, so they can be a part of something even bigger. Soccer is an opportunity for different people to come together, to share our passion and love, to support each other and bring out the best in each other. This means a lot to our family. Brian’s heart must be bursting, and he wants everyone to remember – UR awesome!”

Fans wanting to help make an impact in Coach Elliott’s honor can donate to the Elliott Family Support Fund.

Elliott Family Support Fund
c/o Russ Knight
7163 S Olympia Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74132

TULSA – There is one final home match remaining at ONEOK Field in 2020 for FC Tulsa, and it will be one that fans won’t want to miss. On Saturday night, FC Tulsa can clinch a USL Championship Playoffs spot with a win or a draw against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC for what would be the club’s first playoff berth since 2017. That excitement will carry over to the fan experience as well with numerous festivities surrounding matchday, presented by Elgin Park.

With it being the last time the club will play at home this season, FC Tulsa will celebrate its community on for its home final. Every child at the match will leave ONEOK Field with a small gift of appreciation for their support of the club throughout the 2020 season while supplies last.

When fans enter ONEOK Field, they might be serenaded with the tunes of Scottish bagpipes. The Tartan Army will take over Tulsa as Scotfest throws its annual Celtic celebration at ONEOK Field. The night will include the aforementioned bagpipers, kilts and even an appearance from the Scotfest mascot, Big Wullie.

With it being October, FC Tulsa will be honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month in partnership with Real Men Wear Pink Tulsa for their match. The Tulsa players will warm up before the match in commemorative pink shirts and fans can purchase their own pink FC Tulsa shirts at the merch stands around the concourse. A portion of the proceeds from every shirt sold will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

Finally, the only stop for the postmatch after party is Elgin Park Brewery, across the street from ONEOK Field. The Official FC Tulsa After Party, which could turn into a Playoff Party if FC Tulsa takes care of business on Saturday, will feature all house craft beers for $2 after the match.

Get your tickets now for what will surely be a memorable home finale in this historic first season of the FC Tulsa era. Visit www.fctulsa.com/tickets to get your tickets now for Fan Appreciation Night! Prices start at just $8 if you purchase in advance. 

TULSA – There is one final home match remaining at ONEOK Field in 2020 for FC Tulsa, and it will be one that fans won’t want to miss. On Saturday night, FC Tulsa can clinch a USL Championship Playoffs spot with a win or a draw against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC for what would be the club’s first playoff berth since 2017. That excitement will carry over to the fan experience as well with numerous festivities surrounding matchday, presented by Elgin Park.

With it being the last time the club will play at home this season, FC Tulsa will celebrate its community on for its home final. Every child at the match will leave ONEOK Field with a small gift of appreciation for their support of the club throughout the 2020 season while supplies last.

When fans enter ONEOK Field, they might be serenaded with the tunes of Scottish bagpipes. The Tartan Army will take over Tulsa as Scotfest throws its annual Celtic celebration at ONEOK Field. The night will include the aforementioned bagpipers, kilts and even an appearance from the Scotfest mascot, Big Wullie.

With it being October, FC Tulsa will be honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month in partnership with Real Men Wear Pink Tulsa for their match. The Tulsa players will warm up before the match in commemorative pink shirts and fans can purchase their own pink FC Tulsa shirts at the merch stands around the concourse. A portion of the proceeds from every shirt sold will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

Finally, the only stop for the postmatch after party is Elgin Park Brewery, across the street from ONEOK Field. The Official FC Tulsa After Party, which could turn into a Playoff Party if FC Tulsa takes care of business on Saturday, will feature all house craft beers for $2 after the match.

Get your tickets now for what will surely be a memorable home finale in this historic first season of the FC Tulsa era. Visit www.fctulsa.com/tickets to get your tickets now for Fan Appreciation Night! Prices start at just $8 if you purchase in advance. 

TULSA – The wrench resides in Tulsa. In another historic night at ONEOK Field, super sub Toby Uzo scored two goals in the final 10 minutes to bring FC Tulsa back from the brink of defeat and win the wrench 3-2.

The match was bogged down with nearly 40 fouls as OKC Energy FC tried desperately to hang onto a 1-0 lead, and then a 2-1 lead after Tulsa equalized and conceded before the 60’. As Tulsa searched for a goal to get back into it, the water break came in the 77’. Head Coach Michael Nsien gathered the squad together and urged them on for the final minutes.

In the same break, he brought on two substitutes that would change the match. Toby Uzo and Cristhian Altamirano came onto the pitch, and with their first touches on the pitch, Altamirano lifted a ball into Uzo and the Nigerian center forward headed it into the back of the net to equalize with 10 minutes to go.

At 2-2 with game on, Altamirano and Uzo went back at it again. In the 88’ now, the ball came to Altamirano and the Honduran chipped it towards Uzo. As he lept off the ground from the top of the 18-yard box, Uzo dove and flicked it towards goal with pace. Energy FC goalkeeper Cody Laurendi got a paw to it, but it was not enough to stop it from entering the back of the net and Uzo from entering the annals of FC Tulsa history.

The win clinched the wrench for FC Tulsa, and as the team gathered to celebrate the win, the newly painted gold wrench glimmered in the Tulsa moonlight.

Here are three takeaways from tonight’s epic victory.

1) That’s it. 1. ­– FC Tulsa’s magic number to clinch a playoff spot is down to just one. With the win tonight and RGV FC getting its first win of the season against Austin Bold FC, FC Tulsa sits three points ahead of the Bold with just one match to go for Austin. A point on Saturday for Tulsa would mean that Austin cannot catch up, and FC Tulsa will be into the playoffs.

2) The Wrench is on Tulsa Time – For the second time in Black Gold Derby history, the Tulsa USL franchise has won the wrench. In the first year of this new era of the club, FC Tulsa had a record of 1-0-2 against the team from down the turnpike this season.

3) Toby Uzo super sub – Uzo’s role this season has been that of an impact player off the bench. The 2019 USL Championship Goal of the Year winner made his mark in a big way tonight, scoring two goals off the bench and earning a dramatic, come-from-behind three points for the Tulsa club.

Up Next:
FC Tulsa has one final match remaining in the regular season, and just a result will clinch the playoffs for the club. It all goes down at ONEOK Field as FC Tulsa hosts Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. Get your tickets at https://www.fctulsa.com/tickets and don’t miss what will be a historic day for FC Tulsa.

TULSA – The wrench resides in Tulsa. In another historic night at ONEOK Field, super sub Toby Uzo scored two goals in the final 10 minutes to bring FC Tulsa back from the brink of defeat and win the wrench 3-2.

The match was bogged down with nearly 40 fouls as OKC Energy FC tried desperately to hang onto a 1-0 lead, and then a 2-1 lead after Tulsa equalized and conceded before the 60’. As Tulsa searched for a goal to get back into it, the water break came in the 77’. Head Coach Michael Nsien gathered the squad together and urged them on for the final minutes.

In the same break, he brought on two substitutes that would change the match. Toby Uzo and Cristhian Altamirano came onto the pitch, and with their first touches on the pitch, Altamirano lifted a ball into Uzo and the Nigerian center forward headed it into the back of the net to equalize with 10 minutes to go.

At 2-2 with game on, Altamirano and Uzo went back at it again. In the 88’ now, the ball came to Altamirano and the Honduran chipped it towards Uzo. As he lept off the ground from the top of the 18-yard box, Uzo dove and flicked it towards goal with pace. Energy FC goalkeeper Cody Laurendi got a paw to it, but it was not enough to stop it from entering the back of the net and Uzo from entering the annals of FC Tulsa history.

The win clinched the wrench for FC Tulsa, and as the team gathered to celebrate the win, the newly painted gold wrench glimmered in the Tulsa moonlight.

Here are three takeaways from tonight’s epic victory.

1) That’s it. 1. ­– FC Tulsa’s magic number to clinch a playoff spot is down to just one. With the win tonight and RGV FC getting its first win of the season against Austin Bold FC, FC Tulsa sits three points ahead of the Bold with just one match to go for Austin. A point on Saturday for Tulsa would mean that Austin cannot catch up, and FC Tulsa will be into the playoffs.

2) The Wrench is on Tulsa Time – For the second time in Black Gold Derby history, the Tulsa USL franchise has won the wrench. In the first year of this new era of the club, FC Tulsa had a record of 1-0-2 against the team from down the turnpike this season.

3) Toby Uzo super sub – Uzo’s role this season has been that of an impact player off the bench. The 2019 USL Championship Goal of the Year winner made his mark in a big way tonight, scoring two goals off the bench and earning a dramatic, come-from-behind three points for the Tulsa club.

Up Next:
FC Tulsa has one final match remaining in the regular season, and just a result will clinch the playoffs for the club. It all goes down at ONEOK Field as FC Tulsa hosts Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. Get your tickets at https://www.fctulsa.com/tickets and don’t miss what will be a historic day for FC Tulsa.

TAMPA – Nothing like a match-winner in stoppage time against the team with the best record in the league to earn you some national attention.

With his goal to give FC Tulsa a massive three points against San Antonio FC on Saturday, Eric Bird has been named to the USL Championship’s Team of the Week for Week 13. It’s the second honor handed to Bird in the last two days as his dramatic goal is a nominee for the league’s Goal of the Week. It’s Bird’s first Team of the Week honor with FC Tulsa and the first in his five-year USL Championship career.

While his name will now be etched in FC Tulsa lore because of the goal, Bird was a consistent presence throughout the match against San Antonio FC. He also won six of his nine duels throughout the match, led FC Tulsa with five shots and created two chances.

His second goal of 2020 was also his second match-winning goal of the season after he opened his FC Tulsa account on August 8 in a 2-0 win over Saint Louis FC. Bird leads the club with his two match-winners, and his two goals rank in a three-way tie for second on FC Tulsa.

Bird and the rest of FC Tulsa will be back on the ONEOK Field pitch on Wednesday night for the final Black Gold Derby of 2020. Tickets are still available for the match at www.fctulsa.com/tickets.

TAMPA – Nothing like a match-winner in stoppage time against the team with the best record in the league to earn you some national attention.

With his goal to give FC Tulsa a massive three points against San Antonio FC on Saturday, Eric Bird has been named to the USL Championship’s Team of the Week for Week 13. It’s the second honor handed to Bird in the last two days as his dramatic goal is a nominee for the league’s Goal of the Week. It’s Bird’s first Team of the Week honor with FC Tulsa and the first in his five-year USL Championship career.

While his name will now be etched in FC Tulsa lore because of the goal, Bird was a consistent presence throughout the match against San Antonio FC. He also won six of his nine duels throughout the match, led FC Tulsa with five shots and created two chances.

His second goal of 2020 was also his second match-winning goal of the season after he opened his FC Tulsa account on August 8 in a 2-0 win over Saint Louis FC. Bird leads the club with his two match-winners, and his two goals rank in a three-way tie for second on FC Tulsa.

Bird and the rest of FC Tulsa will be back on the ONEOK Field pitch on Wednesday night for the final Black Gold Derby of 2020. Tickets are still available for the match at www.fctulsa.com/tickets.