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WATCH: Eric Bird scores a stoppage time stunner to win the match 1-0

FC Tulsa and Williams announce multiyear sponsorship

TULSA – FC Tulsa today announced a major multiyear sponsorship with Williams, making it the club’s first jersey front sponsor of the franchise’s new era. The sponsorship will begin immediately as Williams will adorn the front of both the City and State Kits for FC Tulsa for its remaining matches of the 2020 USL Championship season, as well as seasons to come.

“We are proud to have Williams, a pillar of the Tulsa community, as our flagship jersey sponsor,” said James Cannon, president of FC Tulsa. “Williams and FC Tulsa represent what makes our city truly special with its commitment to community, service and a hard-working, entrepreneurial spirit. Williams’ reputation both locally and nationally is as a brand of integrity and innovation, similar to what we aspire to build at FC Tulsa. Such a well-respected company like Williams standing alongside us is another confirmation of our club’s place as a Tulsa asset.”

Through its sponsorship of FC Tulsa, Williams will help the club identify outreach opportunities to engage students and introduce the sport throughout the Tulsa community.

“We are excited to support FC Tulsa and its commitment to making the community an even better place to live, work and play for all ages,” said Alan Armstrong, president and chief executive officer at Williams. “Soccer is an extremely popular sport in Tulsa and represents a winning combination of individual resilience, teamwork and sportsmanship, all of which provide benefits both on and off the field.”

Through its sponsorship of FC Tulsa, Williams will help the club identify outreach opportunities to engage students and introduce the sport throughout the Tulsa community.

Fans who have already purchased a 2020 City Kit or State Kit will be able to have the jersey front sponsor put onto their kits free of charge beginning in early October, so stay updated on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to find out when that becomes available.

You can purchase your 2020 City Kit or State Kit with the new Williams front sponsor on the FC Tulsa Shop, and fans can customize their kit with name and number as well.

Williams will debut on FC Tulsa’s State Kit on Saturday night as the club takes on San Antonio FC at ONEOK Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT, and tickets are available at www.fctulsa.com/tickets.

To learn more about Williams visit: www.williams.com

You can purchase your 2020 City Kit or State Kit with the new Williams front sponsor on the FC Tulsa Shop, and fans can customize their kit with name and number as well.

To learn more about Williams visit: www.williams.com

USL Championship Final to Air on ESPN and ESPN Deportes

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship today announced the 2020 USL Championship Final is set to take place Sunday, November 1 and will be the first game in league history to air on ESPN. For a second consecutive year, the game will also be simulcast on ESPN Deportes. Kickoff is currently scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET.

“This is a historic way to finish our 10th anniversary season,” said USL Executive Vice President Court Jeske. “This has been a deeply challenging, but ultimately successful year for our league and we look forward to another exciting Championship Final. We are thrilled to showcase the league’s greatest teams across the country on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.”

The 2020 Championship Playoffs will begin the weekend of October 9-11, featuring a single-elimination, 16-team bracket. Under the revised season format, four group winners in each conference will earn hosting rights for the Eastern and Western Conference Quarterfinals. Following the opening round, hosting rights will be determined by regular season record. All playoff matches will stream live on ESPN+, the the industry-leading sports streaming service.

Information on additional games to air on ESPN networks will be announced in the coming weeks. For complete information on the full 2020 USL Championship Playoffs structure and schedule, visit uslchampionship.com.

2020 USL Championship Playoffs Dates

Conference Quarterfinals – October 9-11 (ESPN+)
Conference Semifinals – October 16-18 (ESPN+)
Conference Finals – October 23-25 (ESPN+)
USL Championship Final – Sunday, November 1 (ESPN & ESPN Deportes)

2020 USL Championship Playoffs Dates

Get out to ONEOK Field this Saturday for Hispanic Heritage Night

TULSA – On Saturday, September 26, join FC Tulsa at ONEOK Field as the club partners with Que Buena for a celebration of Hispanic culture and FC Tulsa soccer. The match will feature all the hallmarks of the FC Tulsa matchday experience, such as pyrotechnics, a live anthem and safe capacity seating as well as a fireworks show post-match.

In addition to that, Saturday’s Hispanic Heritage Night match will host the live performance of the local band “Grupo Soniak” before kickoff, food trucks outside the gates of the stadium, local vendors in the concourse, and more.

Finally, following the conclusion of the FC Tulsa match and the fireworks show, fans can catch the second match of the doubleheader at ONEOK. Two teams featuring top talent in local Hispanic league La Independencia La Liga will take the pitch in Greenwood and battle for victory in the Tulsa moonlight.

A ticket to FC Tulsa’s match grants fans access to all these great attractions and both matches in the doubleheader. Get yours today by calling (918) 297-6808, emailing tickets@https://www.fctulsa.com or visiting https://www.fctulsa.com/tickets.

Race for the Playoffs: How things look in Group D with three weeks to go

The playoff race in Group D is heating up with just a few matches left to be played in the 2020 season. FC Tulsa, Austin Bold FC, and OKC Energy FC are all still mathematically in the hunt for the final playoff spot in the group.

Energy FC would be eliminated from Playoff contention with a loss in either of its matches against Austin Bold or FC Tulsa, or with a loss and a draw.

FC Tulsa and the Bold have been locked in a heated battle in the standings for the past month, with neither team being able to gain the upper hand in the three draws this season.

With FC Tulsa's recent draw and Bold's loss at San Antonio, FC Tulsa now controls its own destiny with a one point lead in the table. As the season comes down to the wire, let's take a look at where things stand.

Energy FC would be eliminated from Playoff contention with a loss in either of its matches against Austin Bold or FC Tulsa, or with a loss and a draw.

FC Tulsa and the Bold have been locked in a heated battle in the standings for the past month, with neither team being able to gain the upper hand in the three draws this season.

With FC Tulsa’s recent draw and Bold’s loss at San Antonio, FC Tulsa now controls its own destiny with a one point lead in the table. As the season comes down to the wire, let’s take a look at where things stand.

Sept. 26 – San Antonio FC (H)
Sept. 30 – OKC Energy FC (H)
Oct. 3 – Switchbacks FC (H)
TBD (if nec.) – RGV FC (A)

Sept. 22 – Sporting KC II (H)
Sept. 27 – OKC Energy FC (A)
Sept. 30 – RGV FC (A)
Oct. 4 – San Antonio FC (H)

Sept. 19 – San Antonio FC (A)
Sept. 27 – Austin Bold FC (H)
Sept. 30 – FC Tulsa (A)
Oct. 3 – RGV FC (A)

FC Tulsa is right in the middle of a playoff chase where the season hangs in the balance each time the club takes the pitch. With results in 10 of 12 matches this season, FC Tulsa has shown it can be competitive against any team in the USL Championship, something that has never previously been the case.

Star forward Darío Suárez has the seventh most goals in the league with and looks every bit the part of an all-league player in the USL Championship. He’s scored FC Tulsa’s last six goals and rarely scores any that are boring, as he has been up for Goal of the Week in the league three separate times this season, winning once. He and strike partner Ariel Martínez have formed a lethal pair to lead the line for Tulsa.

Meanwhile on the other side of the pitch, keeper Sean Lewis has been the rock of the defense and ranks fourth in the league in total saves. He has yet to allow three goals in any match this season, one of just five starting keepers in the USL Championship to wear that mantle. Lewis, along with the center back pairing of Bradley Bourgeois and Kevin Garcia, have played every minute of the season, forming the backbone one of the league’s best defenses.

With just a handful matches to go in 2020, FC Tulsa controls its own destiny in the quest for the final playoff spot in Group D. Energy FC need a miracle to jump both Bold and Tulsa, and Austin is chasing FC Tulsa with a matchup against Group D powerhouses San Antonio FC looming on the final weekend.

Not only has FC Tulsa committed to its team on the field, by investing significantly in the players, it has also made a commitment to its fans, as evidenced by an overhauled matchday experience and integration with the community. The club is investing in the city, and in return, Tulsa has bought in to FC Tulsa. Despite a pandemic and limited capacity, the gameday atmosphere at ONEOK Field is electric as attendance has surged, a stark contrast to the sparce crowds the Roughnecks were known for.

Now, with a few matches remaining, FC Tulsa can put the cherry on top of this remarkable renaissance of season, a playoff spot. Head to www.fctulsa.com/Tickets and get your ticket to be at ONEOK Field and watch FC Tulsa’s quest for second playoff appearance in franchise history.

FC Tulsa's match at RGV FC on Sept. 19 Postponed

TAMPA – FC Tulsa’s final road match on Saturday at Rio Grande Valley FC will be postponed out of an abundance of caution following positive COVID-19 tests in the RGVFC organization. FC Tulsa understands the RGVFC individuals are in good spirits and hopes for quick and full recoveries.

Due to the lack of remaining available dates in the 2020 USL Championship schedule, the match will only be rescheduled if the outcome could impact FC Tulsa’s chance at a playoff spot. The date of the rescheduled match would be following the conclusion of the previously announced end of FC Tulsa’s current regular season set for October 3.

With both FC Tulsa and Austin Bold FC sitting on 12 matches played, FC Tulsa currently sits in the second and final Group D playoff spot and holds a one-point lead over Austin. This postponement could possibly cause FC Tulsa to play one fewer scheduled regular season match than Austin.

However, FC Tulsa's match at RGVFC would be rescheduled if FC Tulsa has not clinched a playoff spot or been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs through points and/or tiebreakers following its final regular season match on October 3. If the club has already clinched a playoff spot or has been eliminated from the playoffs, FC Tulsa's match at RGVFC will not be rescheduled.

With the above postponement, FC Tulsa’s final three scheduled matches of the 2020 regular season will be played at ONEOK Field starting Saturday, September 26 against San Antonio FC. Tickets to all three matches are currently available at www.fctulsa.com/tickets as FC Tulsa pushes for the postseason.

However, FC Tulsa’s match at RGVFC would be rescheduled if FC Tulsa has not clinched a playoff spot or been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs through points and/or tiebreakers following its final regular season match on October 3. If the club has already clinched a playoff spot or has been eliminated from the playoffs, FC Tulsa’s match at RGVFC will not be rescheduled.

FC Tulsa Helps Bring Local Art Shows Back with Mayfest Art Market

TULSA – While the pandemic has changed much about the way that FC Tulsa's 2020 USL Championship season has looked, one thing that hasn’t changed has been the club’s commitment to supporting the Tulsa community and being a club truly For Tulsa.

FC Tulsa initially had a home match scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2020, or 918 Day, a city holiday based on the area code. The club planned to celebrate the Tulsa community with a match and special events, but after the 2020 schedule was re-formatted for the return to play following a five-month hiatus, FC Tulsa’s closest home match was 9.12 against local rivals OKC Energy FC.

TULSA – While the pandemic has changed much about the way that FC Tulsa’s 2020 USL Championship season has looked, one thing that hasn’t changed has been the club’s commitment to supporting the Tulsa community and being a club truly For Tulsa.

Tulsa’s largest local art festival, Mayfest, was initially scheduled for May 8-10 in Downtown Tulsa. The festival serves as an opportunity for artists to showcase and sell their work, but due to the pandemic, Mayfest 2020 was cancelled back in the spring.

So on September 12, when OKC Energy FC

came to town for the first Black Gold Derby at ONEOK Field, FC Tulsa played host to the "Mayfest Art Market," a smaller version of the festival to help the local artists recoup a portion of what they lost amidst this pandemic.

“This is people’s life,” said Yusef Etudaiye, a potter and teacher at Waterworks Art Center. “I’m from Tulsa; I teach art here in Tulsa. To be out here, it’s such a morale boost. [Artists] have been cooped up for such a long while, this was a great event to come out and get back to what feels like normal.”

came to town for the first Black Gold Derby at ONEOK Field, FC Tulsa played host to the “Mayfest Art Market,” a smaller version of the festival to help the local artists recoup a portion of what they lost amidst this pandemic.

Tents lined the fence along the Elgin Avenue side of ONEOK Field, as fans mingled throughout the concourse perusing local artists’ work.

“Saturday was special,” said Christian Reed of Tallgrass studio. “Because I grew up playing soccer as well, it was kind of my two loves coming together. I’m glad people got to see my booth.”

Tents lined the fence along the Elgin Avenue side of ONEOK Field, as fans mingled throughout the concourse perusing local artists’ work.

FC Tulsa and AHHA Tulsa partnered to bring Mayfest to ONEOK Field and connect local professional soccer with local artists.

“I was so excited to be able to [have a booth at ONEOK],” said Dawn Bilyeu of Amberle Originals.

FC Tulsa and AHHA Tulsa partnered to bring Mayfest to ONEOK Field and connect local professional soccer with local artists.

“I was so excited to be able to [have a booth at ONEOK],” said Dawn Bilyeu of Amberle Originals.

“We’ve all been so disappointed by this year, and that’s an understatement. Having a few shows cancelled may not seem like a big deal, but to little artists like the group I’m with, it means a lot."

After a year where so many art shows and festivals were cancelled due to the pandemic,

FC Tulsa was proud to help lift up local art at the match on Saturday.

“Being able to be there was wonderful,” Bilyeu continued. “There’s nothing I love more than being able to share my artwork with the public, and when I see somebody’s face light up because they see a piece they love, that’s what makes it all worthwhile."

FC Tulsa was proud to help lift up local art at the match on Saturday.

Vote for Sean Lewis to win Save of the Week

FC Tulsa Goalkeeper Sean Lewis was nominated for Save of the Week for the second straight week and third time this season after making a stellar fingertip save to deny OKC Energy FC an opener on Saturday.

Lewis ranks third in the league in saves with 41 through 12 matches, and he holds one of the best goals per match records among starting goalkeepers.

Fans can vote for Lewis to win Save of the Week here.

Lewis ranks third in the league in saves with 41 through 12 matches, and he holds one of the best goals per match records among starting goalkeepers.

Fans can vote for Lewis to win Save of the Week here.

Surez Nabs Second Consecutive Team of the Week Honor, Again Runner-Up for Player of the Week

TAMPA – For the second time in as many weeks, FC Tulsa forward Darío Suárez was named to the USL Championship’s Team of the Week and was the runner-up for league’s Player of the Week honor. Suárez’s three goals in two matches last week, the same number he had in the week prior, cemented the Cuban as one of the best 11 players in the 35-team league for Week 12 of the season.

Suárez started the week at Austin Bold FC and bagged a first half brace, scoring twice and giving FC Tulsa an early 2-0 lead in the match. Then at home against OKC Energy FC on Saturday, Suárez scored midway through the second half, again vaulting FC Tulsa in front. While both matches resulted in draws, Suárez’s scoring tear has kept FC Tulsa firmly in the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs race as the season hits the home stretch.

With eight goals this campaign, Suárez sits in fourth in the league in scoring, with all eight goals coming since August 8. It’s the second-most goals for any player in the league during that stretch. He has also scored FC Tulsa’s last six goals dating back to the club’s 2-1 win at home against Rio Grande Valley FC on September 2.

FC Tulsa will play its final road match of the season on Saturday at RGV before wrapping up its push for a playoff spot with a three-match homestand starting on September 26. Tickets to all three matches are available at www.fctulsa.com/tickets.

RECAP Presented by Tulsa Bone & Joint: FC Tulsa and OKC Energy draw 1-1 in Black Gold Derby

TULSA – The first Black Gold Derby at ONEOK Field finished all square, with FC Tulsa and OKC Energy FC drawing 1-1 after substitute Omar Gordon’s late equalizer for the visitors canceled out Darío Suárez’s 73’ strike.

FC Tulsa were the dominant side for nearly the whole match, holding 65% of the possession and firing 19 shots. Tulsa thought it had a breakthrough when in the 22’ defender Callum Chapman-Page latched onto a ball off the post and put it in the back of the net. The goal was disallowed because of an offsides call to which the hosts took exception.

It would go into the half at 0-0, but Tulsa were the team with confidence coming out of the break. Finally, in the 73’, Matt Sheldon went darting into the box, and his shot ricocheted out to Suárez. The Cuban settled himself and ripped a shot that was headed for goal, and it eventually found its way into the net after an OKC deflection.

Just four minutes later, OKC Energy FC midfielder José Hernández received his second yellow card and the visitors were down to 10 men. In the 90’, Rafael Garcia’s corner was met by the head of Gordon, and the match was level at the death.

The draw moves FC Tulsa a point above Austin Bold FC for second place in the group with a match in hand. Here are three takeaways from tonight’s match.

1) Suárez can’t stop scoring – Darío Suárez scored his sixth goal in four matches tonight, and the Cuban doesn’t show any signs of stopping.

2) Four matches to play – FC Tulsa ends a run of five matches in 15 days with a record of 1-1-3, including an undefeated run of four matches against Group D opponents. FC Tulsa will have a week off before traveling to South Texas for a matchup with RGV FC.

3) Wrench up for grab in match three – FC Tulsa and OKC Energy FC will play one more time in 2020, at ONEOK Field on September 30. The winner will claim the Wrench. OKC Energy FC and FC Tulsa have drawn their last four matchups 1-1.

Up next:
It’s a full week off for FC Tulsa before its next match on September 19 against RGV FC Toros. That will be the final road match for FC Tulsa in 2020 before a three-match homestand to end the season.

The draw moves FC Tulsa a point above Austin Bold FC for second place in the group with a match in hand. Here are three takeaways from tonight’s match.

1) Suárez can’t stop scoring – Darío Suárez scored his sixth goal in four matches tonight, and the Cuban doesn’t show any signs of stopping.

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