Center-back has 18 caps and One International Goal for “La Selecta”

TULSA – One of the top center-backs in El Salvador is heading Stateside. FC Tulsa has signed Salvadoran defender Ronald Rodríguez to its 2022 USL Championship roster, pending league and federation approval.

At just 23 years old, Rodríguez has already become an international star in his home country of El Salvador in 2021, appearing in 18 matches for “La Selecta” dating back to June of 2021. With 18 international starts, including caps in nine World Cup qualifiers for El Salvador this year, Rodríguez accumulated over 1,500 minutes of international duty in the last calendar year. El Salvador has already included the defender in its squad for the next round of World Cup qualifiers at the end of the month, starting with its next match against the United States in Columbus, Ohio on January 28.

Domestically, Rodríguez put together a gaudy body of work in five seasons with C.D. Águila in El Salvador, playing in the nation’s top-flight Primera División. The defender made 126 appearances, 122 starts, and logged 10,671 minutes across the league’s Apertura and Clausura competitions in five years before turning 24. Rodríguez averaged over five interceptions per match and boasted a dual win rate of 63% combining both league and international play. 

“Ronald is one of the top young center-backs in CONCACAF, and has shown his talent at the highest level for El Salvador in World Cup Qualifying,” said head coach Michael Nsien. “Ronald has become a permanent fixture for his national team and we expect him to come into FC Tulsa and continue displaying quality performances and reaching new heights. Ronald has a very high ceiling of potential, and we look forward to helping him reach his objectives as he fights for our club.”

Despite being a defensive player, Rodríguez is no stranger to contributing to the attack. He netted eight goals with Águila, three of which came in the 2018-2019 season, as the Salvadorian averaged nearly one shot on goal per 90 minutes. Rodríguez was also a playmaker with eight total assists and averaged 4.5 passes into the attacking third each match. The all-around ability of Rodríguez was key in Águila’s success as the club won the Primera División’s Clausura competition in the 2018-2019 season and was the runner-up in the 2020-2021 Apertura campaign.

“I can’t wait to arrive at FC Tulsa and I’m grateful for them trusting in my work,” said Rodríguez. “I want to give my best for the club and achieve big things. Let’s achieve all of our goals and bring joy to our fans.”

Rodríguez is the fifth new face in the 2022 FC Tulsa roster, joining Matheus Silva, Petar Čuić, Machuca, and Gabriel Torres.

2022 FC Tulsa Roster
Keepers: Sean Lewis, Austin Wormell
Defenders: Bradley Bourgeois, Jorge Corrales, Johnny Fenwick, Ronald Rodríguez, Matheus Silva, Gabriel Torres
Midfielders: Eric Bird, Petar Čuić, Kembo Kibato, Lebo Moloto, Ciaran Winters
Forwards: Rodrigo da Costa, Machuca, Darío Suárez

Brazilian Scored Two Goals and Logged Five Assists Between 2020 and 2021 Seasons

TULSA – Continuing its additions on the backline, FC Tulsa has added a full-back for additional protection and attack along the left wing. Gabriel Torres, a 25-year-old Brazilian, has signed with FC Tulsa for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval.

Torres spent the 2020 and 2021 seasons with Hartford Athletic and proved to be one of the most dangerous chance creators that the USL Championship has to offer from the left-back position. In 29 regular season matches over the last two seasons, Torres registered five assists for Hartford and accumulated 24 chances created for teammates. 

“Gabriel Torres is a full-back that is very comfortable in possession of the ball,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “His end product in and around the final third is at an extremely high level, and his ability to create goal scoring chances coming from deep positions will allow us more opportunities to add more players in dangerous areas. Gabriel is a brave and committed defender and will be a great addition to our back line.”

A major cog in Hartford’s excellent 2020 season, Torres made 14 appearances for the club with 12 starts. The then 23-year-old helped lead Hartford to a first place finish and the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, along with the club’s first-ever Playoffs spot. During the season, Torres scored two goals and registered two assists while earning a place on the league’s Team of the Week on two separate occasions.

His 2021 season got off to a fast start with three assists in his first four matches, helping Hartford to a 3-0-1 record. However, the Brazilian didn’t appear in 17 of the club’s final 28 matches.

Before joining Hartford Athletic to kick off his professional career, Torres spent 2019 with Chattanooga FC in the NPSL, where the club won the Southeast Conference Playoffs and participated in the NPSL Member’s Cup. Torres was rewarded for his steady play with a professional contract from Hartford to play in the USL Championship.

Torres also competed in USL League Two for The Villages SC during the 2018 season, where he helped the side claim the Southern Conference while making 17 appearances across the regular season and playoffs. His performance earned Torres League Two All-League and All-Southern Conference honors.

“I’m humbled for the opportunity to be representing this amazing club and the city of Tulsa,” said Torres. “I’m ready to give my best to help the team to achieve its goals this season.”

Torres joins a remade FC Tulsa backline for 2022 that includes just three returning players in Bradley Bourgeois, Jorge Corrales and Johnny Fenwick.

2022 FC Tulsa Roster
Keepers: Sean Lewis, Austin Wormell
Defenders: Bradley Bourgeois, Jorge Corrales, Johnny Fenwick, Matheus Silva, Gabriel Torres
Midfielders: Eric Bird, Kembo Kibato, Lebo Moloto, Ciaran Winters, Petar Čuić
Forwards: Darío Suárez, Rodrigo da Costa, Machuca

TULSA – Let’s be honest, FC Tulsa’s 2022 regular season schedule is awesome. Up and down, it’s chock-full of juicy, high-profile matchups. Familiar foes, new matchups and a reigning champ are all on the books for 2022.

What matchups are we most excited about? Well, your friendly neighborhood mods with www.fctulsa.com polled four current players and two broadcasters to see which matchups they are most looking forward to.

 

ERIC BIRD – Midfielder, Feed Him

March 19th – FC Tulsa vs. Birmingham Legion FC (ONEOK Field)
It’s hard to pick just one game to circle on the new schedule. But, the game I’m most looking forward to is our home opener against Birmingham on March 19th. Last year there wasn’t much to separate our two teams as we went back and forth with those guys on results.

We know that they’re a quality team and it seems they’ve reloaded again this offseason. It will be a high stakes match with lots of talent involved. And there’s nothing more important than starting off the season on a positive note and showcasing our intentions for the year.

I also can’t wait to get back out there in front of our fans. To hear them cheer us on and push us forward, so we can fight for this city together.

 

ANNA BEFFER – Broadcaster, Former Oklahoma State Big 12 Champion

June 1st – FC Tulsa vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies (ONEOK Field)
I’m most looking forward to the Tampa Bay Rowdies game June 1st at home. With FC Tulsa bringing back so many core players to the lineup, plus the addition of some key signings, I feel really good about a rematch in front of home fans.

We’ll have a few games under our belt at that time and with the talent on the roster, it gives FC Tulsa an opportunity to continue to prove why we are an elite club and can compete day-in and day-out with those top tier teams. Plus, I’d love for Darío Suárez to hit another screamer like he did against Tampa last season.

 

BRADLEY BOURGEOIS – Captain, Defender, Fashion King

June 4th – FC Tulsa vs. Miami FC (ONEOK Field)
The longer you are in the USL Championship, the more people you get to know. On June 4th against Miami FC, I get to play against an old teammate* of mine from Nashville SC…who I look forward to beating!

Note: Bradley refused to name this teammate as he wants to ensure he gets zero recognition.

 

JOHNNY FENWICK –Defender, Johnny Fútbol

July 13th – FC Tulsa vs. New Mexico United (ONEOK Field)
I’m looking forward to playing New Mexico United at home this summer. Two of my former college teammates, Rashid Tetteh and Austin Yearwood currently play there, and it’s always fun to match up against them.

New Mexico are always a tough team to play against, and they have a great fan base, just like us. I’m sure ONEOK field will be buzzing and packed with our brilliant fans on July 13th.

 

DAVE SAUNDERS –Broadcaster, Voice of FC Tulsa

August 20th – FC Tulsa vs. Indy Eleven (ONEOK Field)
There are many new teams that FC Tulsa will play this year, but I have gone for a foe from last year in the shape of Indy Eleven. Last year, FC Tulsa were victorious both home and away, with Indy Eleven able to go away with the points from ONEOK as well as play out a 1-1 draw in the four-match series.

The main reason for me to look forward to this one is to see Englishman Nicky Law again. My team from “back home,” Exeter City, were brilliantly and professionally served by Nicky, a firm fans favorite who the Grecians fans still follow in his new USL Championship career. Not only is he a fantastic player, a busy, energetic midfielder, but also a great person. Exeter’s loss was definitely Indy’s gain.

Obviously as a passionate FC Tulsa fan, I’m hoping for a confident home win in this one on August 20th at ONEOK.

 

SEAN LEWIS – Goalkeeper, Clean Sheet Sean

September 24th – Detroit City FC vs. FC Tulsa (Keyworth Stadium)
One of the games that I am most excited for is Detroit City FC away. Being from Michigan, I have a lot of friends and family in the area.  I am really looking forward to playing in front of them and against DCFC – a club that many of my friends and former teammates have played for. It should be a great occasion!

Honduran Scored 11 Goals in 15 Matches in 2021 Liga Nacional Apertura Season

TULSA – FC Tulsa is adding one of Honduras’ best scorers to its 2022 attack. The club has signed Honduran forward “Machuca” to its 2022 roster, pending league and federation approval. Marlon Roberto Ramírez Aráuz, who goes by Machuca, is coming off a career-best 2021 calendar year that included finishing second in Honduras’ Liga Nacional Apertura Golden Boot race with 11 goals in 15 matches for Lobos de la UPNFM this past Autumn.

His biggest moment of 2021 came early in the season when the 27-year-old former CD Marathón forward scored the equalizer in a 2-2 draw against MLS’ Portland Timbers in the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League.

Machuca has spent the bulk of his pro career in Liga Nacional, the top-flight league in Honduras, with several clubs including Marathón, UPNFM, and F.C. Montagua. Alongside league play, he’s made four Champions League appearances throughout his career, in which he has scored twice. As a young player, Machuca earned four caps for the Honduran U20 National Team and was named to the U23 National Team.

In 2018, Machuca helped lead Marathón to the Liga Nacional title with 27 appearances for the club that season and started a Supercopa de Honduras match for Marathón as well.

“Machuca’s profile is one that I will always want in my teams,” said head coach Michael Nsien. “He’s very quick over the first 10 yards with the ball. He’s decisive and can beat players 1v1, but he’s intelligent enough to know when to slow down the attack and allow his teammates to take better positions. Machuca can play in every attacking position on the field and be a threat. I expect Machuca to score and create chances for us.”

The 2022 season won’t be the first in the USL Championship for Machuca. As an 18-year-old, the Honduran made one appearance in 2014 with Charleston Battery. He also spent a portion of the 2013 season in the MLS Reserve League with Vancouver Whitecaps 2 and part of the 2018 season in the Egyptian Premier League with Enppi SC.

“I want to thank God for His blessings,” said Machuca. “His word says, ‘Cry out to me and I will answer you,’ and He has heard my prayers. I thank Him for this new opportunity that He’s given me. Thanks to my family, friends, and to Lobos de la UPNFM who opened the doors for me. Thanks to Tulsa, my new home team, for opening the door to this new challenge that I am joyfully looking forward to. I have all the desire and enthusiasm to do things well, and I will win over the Tulsa fans and make them proud.”

Machuca joins Darío Suárez and Rodrigo da Costa as forwards announced to FC Tulsa’s 2022 roster.

2022 FC Tulsa Roster
Keepers: Sean Lewis, Austin Wormell
Defenders: Bradley Bourgeois, Jorge Corrales, Johnny Fenwick, Matheus Silva
Midfielders: Eric Bird, Kembo Kibato, Lebo Moloto, Ciaran Winters, Petar Čuić
Forwards: Darío Suárez, Rodrigo da Costa, Machuca

FC Tulsa to Play Oakland Roots SC in Tuscon on Feb. 20

TUCSON, Ariz. – With FC Tulsa’s regular season officially on the 2022 calendar, the club has begun locking in dates and times for its preseason matches. This year, FC Tulsa will participate in one of soccer’s premier warm weather preseason tournaments by making a trip west to Tucson, Ariz. for the 12th annual 2022 Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson and hosted by FC Tucson of USL League One. Tulsa be joined by three fellow USL Championship Playoffs clubs from a year ago – Louisville City FC, El Paso Locomotive FC, Oakland Roots SC.

FC Tulsa will travel to Tucson on February 16, spending a week training at Kino North Complex before taking on Oakland Roots SC on Sunday, Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. CT.

The USL Championship portion of the Desert Showcase will consist of three matches between the five teams:

• Saturday, Feb. 16: Louisville City FC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC, 3 p.m. CT
• Sunday, Feb. 20: Oakland Roots vs. FC Tulsa, 11 a.m. CT
• Saturday, Feb. 26: Oakland Roots vs. FC Tucson, TBD

It will be the first time FC Tulsa has matched up with Oakland Roots SC, the 2021 USL Championship expansion franchise that reached the postseason in its inaugural campaign. The teams are not scheduled to play each other during the 2022 regular season, making the preseason match an excellent opportunity to work on tactics and objectives during a full speed match.

“The trip to Tucson is about improving the understanding of our travel cadence during the season,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “We want to simulate the standards and expectations of the club when we travel. We have some new players that will be adapting to our routine, and it’s important that our team builds camaraderie. Our training sessions in Tucson will focus primarily on our style of play and we will want to execute that in what should be a competitive match against Oakland.”

All three of the Desert Showcase matches will be held at the Kino Grandstand field and tickets are available on a limited basis for $10. There is currently no plan to stream the matches.

Čuić has Logged 343 Minutes vs FC Tulsa Over the Past Two Seasons

TULSA – FC Tulsa’s newest addition to the 2022 roster is one whom the club has become familiar with over the past two seasons. Croatian midfielder Petar Čuić (pronounced PET-har CHOO-ich) has been signed to the 2022 roster, pending league and federation approval. 

Čuić has spent the previous two seasons as a defensive midfielder for Sporting KC II, a club FC Tulsa matched up with on four occasions last season as a result of the two competing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. Between the 2020 and 2021 campaigns, Čuić appeared opposite FC Tulsa five times and started four of those matches.

“I had the opportunity to see Petar firsthand from our matches against SKC II,” said head coach Michael Nsien. “What stood out was his ability to link the attack from back to front as well as being a permanent fixture centrally to stop the opposition. Petar is a true CDM that has the discipline and tools to control the middle area.”

After initially signing at 15 years old to the GNK Dinamo Zagreb Academy in his home country of Croatia, Čuić rose through the Dinamo Zagreb club ranks and reached the club’s second-tier team before being loaned to Sporting KC II in 2020. He appeared in all 16 of Sporting KC II’s matches in his first season, scored his first USL Championship goal, and registered three assists.

The midfielder is coming off a tremendous season in 2021 that saw Čuić set career-highs in appearances (29), starts (25), and minutes (2,080). He netted his second USL goal last year while maintaining a 81.2% pass completion rate and contributing 23 chances created from his defensive midfield position.

“I am beyond excited to sign with FC Tulsa,” said Čuić. “The coaching staff and the whole support team have been amazing and welcoming. I am not even in Tulsa yet, and I already love it. Can’t wait to get in town and start the season.”

Čuić is the second new player announced to the 2022 FC Tulsa roster along with Brazilian defender Matheus Silva who was announced on Tuesday.

2022 FC Tulsa Roster
Keepers: Sean Lewis, Austin Wormell
Defenders: Bradley Bourgeois, Jorge Corrales, Johnny Fenwick, Matheus Silva
Midfielders: Eric Bird, Kembo Kibato, Lebo Moloto, Ciaran Winters, Petar Čuić
Forwards: Darío Suárez, Rodrigo da Costa

TAMPA – FC Tulsa’s 2022 USL Championship schedule is officially locked in with 34 league matches spread out over 36 weeks from March 12 to October 15. The corner of N. Elgin and Archer in downtown Tulsa will be alive with 17 home matches at ONEOK Field highlighting the schedule – 13 of those on Saturdays. Kickoff times for all matches will be announced in the coming weeks.

Nine first-time opponents feature on the 2022 campaign for FC Tulsa including home matches against San Diego Loyal SC (H – March 23), coached by former U.S. National Team legend Landon Donovan, perennial Eastern Conference powers Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (H – April 9, A – July 30) and Charleston Battery (A – March 12, H – June 25), and both USL Championship expansion clubs for 2022, Detroit City FC (H – May 7, A – Sept. 24) and Monterey Bay FC (H – Oct. 8).

While FC Tulsa will take on all 12 Eastern Conference opponents both at ONEOK and on the road, eight matches out of conference matches will add a bit of Western flair to the schedule. New Mexico United (H – July 13) and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (H – April 23) will join San Diego and Monterey Bay in making the trip to Green Country while FC Tulsa will travel to play Sacramento Republic FC (A – March 27), El Paso Locomotive FC (A – May 4), San Antonio FC (A – June 28), and defending USL Championship title winners Orange County SC (A – May 13).

That match in May against Orange County will be the third time Tulsa has ever played the reigning USL champion in its eight seasons in the league and first since its inaugural season in 2015 when it saw 2014 champs Sacramento twice.

It’s a more balanced schedule than in years past with the longest homestand at just two matches and the longest roadtrip at three. Four of the club’s first six matches are at the friendly confines of ONEOK Field while four of the final seven are away from home. The busiest months for FC Tulsa will come in April, May, June and July when the team will play five matches a piece in each.

Full 17-match Season Ticket Memberships are on sale now, starting at just $8 a match. To purchase season tickets and access all the perks and benefits of FC Tulsa Memberships, visit www.fctulsa.com/tickets or give a dedicated FC Tulsa ticket representative a call at (918) 297-6808.

Silva has Made the Playoffs in his Last Three USL Championship Seasons

TULSA – FC Tulsa has officially signed its first new free agent to its 2022 roster. Brazilian defender Matheus Silva will join FC Tulsa from Figueirense FC in Brazil for the upcoming season, pending league and federation approval.

Initially signed as an 18-year-old by the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS after a stellar prep career at Montverde Academy (Fla.) back in 2016, Silva is a versatile defensive player that has spent time at center-back, left-back, and defensive midfielder over his seven professional campaigns. The Brazilian native made five MLS appearances as a rookie for the Earthquakes, before spending the majority of his recent career playing in the USL Championship.

“Matheus has a lot of experience already in the U.S. at the MLS and USL level,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “He knows the demands and has the qualities to dominate technically and physically. It’s difficult to find players of his stature so comfortable with the ball. Matheus is a great addition to our back line.”

Silva has made the Playoffs three times in his four seasons in the USL Championship, each with a different club. He was a part of the Reno 1868 FC club that made the playoffs in its inaugural 2017 season after finishing third in the Western Conference standings. The 2018 season saw Silva return to the postseason with Swope Park Rangers as the club upset the No. 2 seed, Sacramento Republic FC, in the first round of the Playoffs. 

With Hartford Athletic in 2020, Silva once again saw playoff action as he logged a full 90-minute effort in the first round against Saint Louis FC before returning home to Brazil to play for Figueirense in 2021. In total, Silva has made 50 career USL Championship appearances, scoring two goals and logging one assist in 3,638 total minutes.

“I’m really thankful to God for the opportunity my family and I are given to come back to the USL Championship and join such a special professional organization as FC Tulsa,” said Silva. “It’s delightful to be a part of a winning club with tremendous fans. I cannot wait to get to know and start working with my teammates and staff. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone in the club and connecting to the community of Tulsa and its beautiful people.”

Silva will join the FC Tulsa defense in 2022 aiming to increase his Playoffs streak to four straight USL Championship seasons.

2022 FC Tulsa Roster
Keepers: Sean Lewis, Austin Wormell
Defenders: Bradley Bourgeois, Jorge Corrales, Johnny Fenwick, Matheus Silva
Midfielders: Eric Bird, Kembo Kibato, Lebo Moloto, Ciaran Winters
Forwards: Darío Suárez, Rodrigo da Costa

Da Costa Holds Club Records in Goals, Assists, Starts, Minutes Played

TULSA – FC Tulsa’s 2021 club-voted Most Valuable Player is back to continue his record-breaking career in Tulsa next season. Forward Rodrigo da Costa has been re-signed by FC Tulsa to its 2022 roster, pending league and federation approval. 

Da Costa is coming off a 2021 season that saw the Tulsa playmaker lead the club in goals (11), assists (6), and chances created (43). He also started all 33 of the club’s matches in 2021, amassing 2,833 minutes, a tally good for the third-most minutes played in a single season in club history.

Only eight players in the USL Championship scored 10+ goals and registered at least five assists in 2021, and da Costa was one of them, while being on the club’s leadership team as the Vice Captain. He also holds the distinction as the most recent player in franchise history to make an All-League Team (Second, 2019).

“Rodrigo has been a major focal point of the attack since 2019,” said head coach Michael Nsien. “My expectation of Rodrigo will only go up heading into season four of working together. The work that Rodrigo puts in every day gives me the belief that his qualities will only continue to increase year in and year out.”

The Brazilian is certainly on the Mt. Rushmore of Tulsa’s professional soccer history. Da Costa is tied for the franchise lead in goals with Joaquín Rivas with 24 scored. His 21 assists are not only the most in club history as well, but the mark is 11 more than the second-best total. Last season, da Costa became the only player to reach the 20/20 Club as a member of FC Tulsa. He also leads the club all-time in both starts (80) and minutes (6,966).

“Returning to Tulsa for the fourth year means a lot to me and my family,” said da Costa. “I believe that as a club, we’ve set an even higher standard this season, and I couldn’t be more excited to get back to work. This year is our year to go even further!”

Da Costa is the second forward announced to FC Tulsa’s 2022 roster as the club gears up for its season opener on March 12 in Charleston, followed by its 2022 home opener on Saturday, March 19 at ONEOK Field. 

2022 FC Tulsa Roster
Keepers: Sean Lewis, Austin Wormell
Defenders: Bradley Bourgeois, Jorge Corrales, Johnny Fenwick
Midfielders: Eric Bird, Kembo Kibato, Lebo Moloto, Ciaran Winters
Forwards: Darío Suárez, Rodrigo da Costa

FC Tulsa to Begin 2022 Season on the Road at Charleston on March 12

TAMPA – Boomtown is back for FC Tulsa on March 19. On that Saturday, FC Tulsa will play Birmingham Legion FC in its 2022 USL Championship home opener in front of Tulsa at ONEOK Field. The matchup will mark the first of 17 regular season home matches at ONEOK during the 2022 season as FC Tulsa aims for a third consecutive trip to the postseason.

“We can’t wait to return to the pitch and open up ONEOK Field to Tulsa on March 19,” said FC Tulsa president James Cannon. “After the success of the first two years for this new era of the franchise, we are ready to push the bar even higher on and off the pitch in 2022. We know our fans will be ready to give us a fantastic home field advantage against Birmingham and through this upcoming season.”

Before that first home match of 2022, FC Tulsa will start its season with a roadtrip, taking on the Charleston Battery in its season opener on Saturday, March 12. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides, despite both being members of the USL Championship since Tulsa’s inaugural season in 2015.

The two opening matches of the 2022 season will also feature FC Tulsa matching up against former players from its 2021 squad. FC Tulsa will see defender Matt Sheldon to kick off 2022, now a member of Charleston Battery, before forward Marlon Santos makes his first visit to Tulsa with his new squad, Birmingham Legion FC.

“Getting out of the gate quickly and setting the tone at home will go a long way to reaching our objectives for the season,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “We know when ONEOK is packed it can be a special place and great things can happen. Birmingham comes to us for our first home game, and we want to show that we will be up for it. Let’s create an atmosphere that no team can stand.”

Tickets to FC Tulsa’s home opener are available now through 2022 Season Ticket Memberships. Memberships give fans access to all 17 home matches at ONEOK Field and come with several benefits including zero interest Payment Plans, FC Tulsa’s Ticket Exchange policy, unique team and city event experiences and much more. To become a Season Ticket Member, visit www.fctulsa.com/tickets.

A full 2022 schedule for FC Tulsa will be announced soon, as well as all home and road kickoff times.