News

FC Tulsa Community Events Calendar: where to find FC Tulsa this week

TULSA – As a part of FC Tulsa’s continuing efforts to reach out and connect with the Tulsa community, the club has been traveling around the city and setting up stations to sell merchandise, dish out FC Tulsa swag, and give exclusive discounts to fans who sign up for the FC Tulsa fan club or purchase Season Tickets.

Here’s where you can go this week to meet an FC Tulsa representative:

Wednesday March 4: Andolini’s Pizzeria (Rose District) – 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Wednesday March 4: Live Music at Mother Road Market – 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Thursday March 5: Andolini’s Pizzeria (Cherry St) 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursday March 5: WSA Soccer Practice (West Bank Soccer Complex) – 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Friday March 6: Woodland Hills Mall Food Court – 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Friday March 6: First Friday Art Crawl – 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday March 6: Progreso Soccer League (SoccerCity) – 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday March 7: Tulsa Public Schools Pride Race (Guthrie Green) – 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Saturday March 7: 83 United and FC Tulsa Watch Party (NEFF Brewing) – 7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Come out to any of these events and meet club representatives, get some FC Tulsa loot, and sign up for the FC Tulsa Fan Club to get access to exclusive discounts, club news, and more.

Here’s where you can go this week to meet an FC Tulsa representative:

Wednesday March 4: Andolini’s Pizzeria (Rose District) – 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Wednesday March 4: Live Music at Mother Road Market – 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Thursday March 5: Andolini’s Pizzeria (Cherry St) 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursday March 5: WSA Soccer Practice (West Bank Soccer Complex) – 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday March 7: Tulsa Public Schools Pride Race (Guthrie Green) – 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Saturday March 7: 83 United and FC Tulsa Watch Party (NEFF Brewing) – 7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Come out to any of these events and meet club representatives, get some FC Tulsa loot, and sign up for the FC Tulsa Fan Club to get access to exclusive discounts, club news, and more.

Join FC Tulsa and 83 United at a watch party for Saturday's season opener

TULSA – The 2020 USL Championship season is almost here and FC Tulsa opens the season with a trip California to play Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday March 7. FC Tulsa's supporters group, 83 United, will be holding a watch party where all soccer fans can get together and celebrate the club's 2020 season opener.

Representatives from FC Tulsa will be at New Era Fine Fermentations selling merchandise, and fans who preordered 2020 jerseys will be able to pick up their jerseys at the watch party. If fans chose the shipping option, orders will be shipped early next week and will arrive prior to Saturday, March 14's home opener.

If you cannot make it to the watch party on Saturday but want to pick up your jersey in person, you can swing by the FC Tulsa club office (302 Reconciliation Way, across from Elgin Park brewery and ONEOK field) during business hours next week, Monday through Friday.

FC Tulsa at Sacramento Republic FC Watch Party
When: Saturday March 7, 9:30 p.m.
Where: New Era Fine Fermentations (321 S Frankfort Avenue, Tulsa)
What: Live music, food and drink specials, cornhole, ping pong, and the FC Tulsa match, which kicks off at 9:30 p.m.
Fans of all ages are welcome to attend and cheer on FC Tulsa.

TULSA – The 2020 USL Championship season is almost here and FC Tulsa opens the season with a trip California to play Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday March 7. FC Tulsa’s supporters group, 83 United, will be holding a watch party where all soccer fans can get together and celebrate the club’s 2020 season opener.

FC Tulsa falls to Sporting Kansas City II 2-1 in final Preseason match

TULSA – Ariel Martínez found the back of the net as FC Tulsa fell to Sporting Kansas City II 2-1 at Titan Sports Complex in the club’s final preseason match of 2020. It was the first time the Cuban has made it on the scoresheet since arriving in Tulsa, but his equalizer was cancelled out by a 78’ penalty kick goal from Sporting KC II.

FC Tulsa controlled the possession for the majority of the first half, earning six corners and more than a dozen free kicks. It was Sporting KC II that struck first however, from a set piece of its own. In the 8th minute the visitors curled a short free kick, that found the top corner off a deflection, to take a 1-0 lead, where it would remain at halftime.

Tulsa made a pair of substitutions at the break, and Martínez made an instant impact after coming on. The forward latched onto a cross from Panin Boakye in the 62nd minute, beat a defender with a dribble and equalized 1-1.

The two sides battled back and forth, staying even until a bouncing ball over the top fell to Sporting KC II and a foul from Brayan Reyes conceded a penalty. Sporting KC II slotted it past Sean Lewis for the winner in the 78th minute.

It was the first loss for FC Tulsa in the 2020 preseason, as the team finishes with three wins, two draws and one defeat in the preparations for the USL Championship regular season.

The club hits the road for its season opener on March 7 against Sacramento Republic. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CT.

It was the first loss for FC Tulsa in the 2020 preseason, as the team finishes with three wins, two draws and one defeat in the preparations for the USL Championship regular season.

The club hits the road for its season opener on March 7 against Sacramento Republic. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CT.

FC Tulsa Introduces 8-Match Gold Plan

TULSA – FC Tulsa now has a new ticket option that will allow fans to attend one home match a month throughout the 2020 season. With the 2020 Gold Plan, fans can purchase an 8-match ticket package that includes one match a month from March to October at ONEOK Field.

Included in the 8-match plan are FC Tulsa’s most high-profile home matches including its home opener on March 14 against New Mexico United FC, a star-studded April 4 clash against Phoenix Rising FC and the match against the reigning USL Championship title holders Real Monarchs SLC on June 17. In September, Gold Plan Members will be in attendance at FC Tulsa’s 918 Day match against LA Galaxy II, and in October they will see the 2020 edition of the Black Gold Derby in the season finale against OKC Energy FC on October 17.

Gold Plan Members will receive exclusive membership benefits including access to Meet the Team events, the ability to participate in a Ticket Exchange program and a lower-priced ticket from single-match tickets.

Tickets on the Gold Plan start at just $12 a match, or $96 total for the season. All matches kickoff at 7 p.m.

To purchase your Gold Plan tickets, click here and select your preferred section. If you have any questions, reach out to an FC Tulsa ticket representative by emailing tickets@https://www.fctulsa.com or by calling (918) 297-6808 during normal business hours.

Tickets on the Gold Plan start at just $12 a match, or $96 total for the season. All matches kickoff at 7 p.m.

Preseason Match Preview: FC Tulsa vs Sporting Kansas City II

TULSA – FC Tulsa will play its final preseason match on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Titan Sports Complex. Tulsa will host Sporting Kansas City II of the USL Championship Eastern Conference. The club, which recently rebranded from Swope Park Rangers, will be the second Eastern Conference team FC Tulsa has hosted this preseason. FC Tulsa drew Saint Louis FC 1-1 over 120 minutes on February 16.

How to Follow
The match won't be streamed, but fans can follow @FCTulsa on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for live updates throughout the match.

Scouting Sporting Kansas City II
Like Saint Louis FC, Sporting Kansas City II used to play in the Western Conference with FC Tulsa. Sporting Kansas City II began play in the USL Championship in 2016, and it reached two consecutive USL Championship Final appearances in its first two seasons. FC Tulsa newcomer Lebo Moloto spent the 2017 season with the then Swope Park Rangers, leading the team back to the USL Championship Final.

2019 was the first season for Sporting Kansas City II in the Eastern Conference, and it was a tough adjustment for the squad. It finished bottom on the conference table in 2019 after earning a playoff spot in each of its three seasons in the Western Conference.

FC Tulsa Storylines to Watch
The Floodgates Have Opened
FC Tulsa scored the most goals it had in a single game this preseason, unleashing three on the reigning USL League One Champions North Texas SC. Panin Boakye scored the first to equalize, and nine minutes later assisted the second to Marlon for the lead. Mfon Udoh and Rodrigo Da Costa danced around the defense in the second half, with Da Costa rounding the keeper and centering it for Udoh for the tap in in the 73rd minute, solidifying the 3-1 victory.

Undefeated in Preseason
FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien has preached the importance of creating a winning mentality heading into the 2020 season, and it has already begun to yield results on the pitch. Tulsa is unbeaten through five preseason matches, with three wins and a pair of draws under its belt. FC Tulsa has outscored its opponents by a combined score of 8-3.

Final Tune Up
Saturday will be FC Tulsa’s final preseason match before the USL Championship regular season begins, with FC Tulsa hitting the road to take on Sacramento Republic FC on March 7, and then beginning a three-match homestand on March 14.

Fans are invited out to Titan Sports Complex to watch Saturday's match, which kicks off at 1 p.m.

How to Follow
The match won’t be streamed, but fans can follow @FCTulsa on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for live updates throughout the match.

Fans are invited out to Titan Sports Complex to watch Saturday’s match, which kicks off at 1 p.m.

FC Tulsa Partners with Cox Media Group to to Broadcast 29 USL Championship Matches in 2020 Season

TULSA – FC Tulsa matches will be on over-the-air local TV for the first time in its six-year history. The club announced on Tuesday morning that it has partnered with Cox Media Group (CMG), FOX23 and My41 in Tulsa as its Official Television Broadcast Partner. CMG will air 29 of FC Tulsa’s 34 USL Championship matches free over-the-air to local Tulsa residents on FOX23’s sister station My41 Tulsa (KMYT-TV), including all 17 FC Tulsa home matches.

“This is a groundbreaking announcement for us as we look to make this club one for Tulsa,” said FC Tulsa President James Cannon. “We want to give our fans an outlet to watch and follow FC Tulsa at home and on the road. With this partnership, we will bring FC Tulsa into the homes, free of charge for all of Green Country.”

In addition to all 17 home matches, many of FC Tulsa’s premier road matches this regular season including trips to defending USL Cup Champions Real Monarchs SLC, Phoenix Rising FC, New Mexico United FC and more.

“The partnership will extend to more than just broadcasting the matches,” said Cathy Gunther, Market Vice President of CMG. “In addition to the broadcasts on My41, FOX23 will also support FC Tulsa throughout the season through stories, features, commercials and more. We are so excited to partner with FC Tulsa, supporting professional sports in Tulsa!”

Cox Media Group owns FOX23 and My41 in the Tulsa area. The two stations are available on cable, satellite and free over the air throughout Green Country.

FC Tulsa Season Ticket Memberships are still available for as low as $10 a match. To purchase season tickets, visit www.fctulsa.com or call (918) 297-6808.

Cox Media Group owns FOX23 and My41 in the Tulsa area. The two stations are available on cable, satellite and free over the air throughout Green Country.

FC Tulsa Season Ticket Memberships are still available for as low as $10 a match. To purchase season tickets, visit www.fctulsa.com or call (918) 297-6808.

at Sacramento Republic – March 7th – 9:30 p.m. CT
vs. New Mexico United – March 14th – 7:00 p.m. CT
vs. Rio Grande Valley – March 17th – 7:00 p.m. CT
vs. Las Vegas Lights – March 21st – 7:00 p.m. CT
at Real Monarchs SLC – March 28th – 2:00 p.m. CT
vs. Phoenix Rising – April 4th – 7:00 p.m. CT
at Austin Bold – April 11th – 7:30 p.m. CT
vs. El Paso Locamotive SC – April 18th – 7:00 p.m. CT
at Orange County SC – April 25th – 9:00 p.m. CT
vs. Portland Timbers 2 – May 2nd – 7:00 p.m. CT
at Oklahoma City Energy FC – May 12th – 7:00 p.m. CT
vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – May 16th – 7:00 p.m. CT
vs. Tacoma Defiance – May 30th – 7:00 p.m. CT
at San Diego Loyal – June 6th – 9:00 p.m. CT
vs. Real Monarchs SLC – June 17th – 7:00 p.m. CT
at San Antonio FC – June 27th – 7:30 p.m. CT
vs. Orange County SC – July 8th – 7:00 p.m. CT
vs. San Diego Loyal SC – July 11th – 7:00 p.m. CT
vs. Austin Bold FC – July 25th – 7:00 p.m. CT
at Phoenix Rising FC – August 1st – 9:30 p.m. CT
vs. Reno 1868 FC – August 8th – 7:00 p.m. CT
at Las Vegas Lights FC – August 15th – 9:30 p.m. CT
vs. San Antonio FC – August 22nd – 7:00 p.m. CT
at El Paso Locamotive FC – September 5th – 8:30 p.m. CT
vs. LA Galaxy II – September 18th – 7:00 p.m. CT
vs. Sacramento Republic FC – September 26th – 7:00 p.m. CT
at New Mexico United FC – October 2nd – 8:30 p.m. CT
at Tacoma Defiance – October 10th – 9:00 p.m. CT
vs. Oklahoma City Energy FC – October 17th – 7:00 p.m. CT
HOME // AWAY

Michael Nsien reflects on Black History Month as head coach of FC Tulsa

TULSA – Michael Nsien stands inside FC Tulsa’s training center on another chilly February morning in northeastern Oklahoma. While the wind rips through the wide-open soccer fields outside the large facility, inside it’s calm as team staff cleans up following an indoor training session.

Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Nsien is about to begin his second full season at the helm of a Tulsa USL Championship franchise seeking to be reborn.

"It's an honor,” Nsien said. “Honestly, every time I go to the stadium, I'm headed toward home. I mean, my mom still lives less than a mile away from the stadium, so it brings back a lot of memories for me growing up.”

Nsien grew up in Tulsa just as the original Tulsa Roughnecks, then of the North American Soccer League (NASL), reached the peak of its soccer powers. Born in 1981, he was still in diapers when the club won the Soccer Bowl in 1983.

“If I was there, I don’t remember it,” Nsien chuckles.

Nsien is one of just a few black coaches in the 35-team USL Championship. It’s a fact not lost on the 39-year-old, especially during Black History Month.

“Yeah, Radhi Jaïdi, Jámison Olave, and me,” he nods. “So, even before [Jaïdi] came [to Hartford], it was even more limited. I'm happy that there's been more inclusion in the coaching ranks. I'm happy to be a part of it, and I just hope that I do a good job, so people understand that coaches come in all types, all abilities, all levels, but everyone deserves an opportunity. I hope to take my chance and help move everyone else forward so more opportunities come.”

While Nsien cuts a reserved figure on the touchline during matches, his style of play and training sessions are anything but. Despite his background as a defender, he loves to attack. His everyday training sessions are up tempo as he responsibly pushes his players to the limit on a regular basis. He credits that style to a fellow coach that shares his Nigerian roots.

“Growing up, I had a coach, Tama Aondofar, who I still have a good connection with,” Nsien reflected. “He's a Nigerian coach. He’s still based there. I just loved the tempo and intensity that he applied to training and how uncomfortable it made me. He also was a youth coach of mine, and then he also followed me to college. He ended up being assistant coach at Dayton when I was in college. So, he's someone that I kept a good connection with coaching-wise.”

Nsien’s path to become a professional coach began in Dayton, Ohio. He played four years of college soccer at the University of Dayton before heading to Nigeria to prepare with the U23 squad for the 2004 Olympics. It was an Olympic bid that unfortunately went unclinched for the Super Eagles, and Nsien returned to the U.S. to spend a few years as a roster reserve with the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer (MLS).

“Even when I was playing in Los Angeles, beginning in 2005, I was coaching part-time,” Nsien recounted. “I was moved to Portland Timbers, and after that I came back to Tulsa and started coaching right away. By the time it was 2008, I was a full-time coach.”

Nsien took over as interim head coach during the 2018 season that saw Tulsa Roughnecks FC finish last in the USL Championship Western Conference. During his first full season as head coach in 2019, the team made incremental improvements as Nsien led Tulsa to a 16th place finish in the West. The tide really began to turn when the Craft brothers bought the team in August of 2019. Now, with new ownership, a new look, and a dramatically reshaped roster, Nsien is tasked with leading the new era of the club on the pitch.

“I wear the [FC Tulsa] badge with pride, as a badge of honor,” Nsien said. “I think first and foremost, I want the club to do very well and represent Tulsa on a national scale, to the highest level possible. I put a lot of responsibility on myself as far as being a coach from Tulsa and representing the club.”

It’s a response given quickly and confidently, from a man who has known he has wanted to be a coach for his entire adult life. When Nsien is asked about what he represents in the context of Black History Month, however, he pauses to collect his thoughts.

“It's important.” said Nsien. “It means a lot to me year-round but specifically in February, we have a time to reflect on all of the forward, progressive movements that African Americans and blacks have made in the world and in the United States. In the arena of sports, it has always been an area that blacks have been able to at least push through in moments that force new moments in history. I think we're in another moment in soccer. I think we're late in soccer. So hopefully for me, I'm an inspiration to some young coaches, and I'm able to trigger some moments and have some success so that more black coaches get opportunities in the business.”

Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Nsien is about to begin his second full season at the helm of a Tulsa USL Championship franchise seeking to be reborn.

“It’s an honor,” Nsien said. “Honestly, every time I go to the stadium, I’m headed toward home. I mean, my mom still lives less than a mile away from the stadium, so it brings back a lot of memories for me growing up.”

“If I was there, I don’t remember it,” Nsien chuckles.

Nsien is one of just a few black coaches in the 35-team USL Championship. It’s a fact not lost on the 39-year-old, especially during Black History Month.

“Yeah, Radhi Jaïdi, Jámison Olave, and me,” he nods. “So, even before [Jaïdi] came [to Hartford], it was even more limited. I’m happy that there’s been more inclusion in the coaching ranks. I’m happy to be a part of it, and I just hope that I do a good job, so people understand that coaches come in all types, all abilities, all levels, but everyone deserves an opportunity. I hope to take my chance and help move everyone else forward so more opportunities come.”

“Growing up, I had a coach, Tama Aondofar, who I still have a good connection with,” Nsien reflected. “He’s a Nigerian coach. He’s still based there. I just loved the tempo and intensity that he applied to training and how uncomfortable it made me. He also was a youth coach of mine, and then he also followed me to college. He ended up being assistant coach at Dayton when I was in college. So, he’s someone that I kept a good connection with coaching-wise.”

“It’s important.” said Nsien. “It means a lot to me year-round but specifically in February, we have a time to reflect on all of the forward, progressive movements that African Americans and blacks have made in the world and in the United States. In the arena of sports, it has always been an area that blacks have been able to at least push through in moments that force new moments in history. I think we’re in another moment in soccer. I think we’re late in soccer. So hopefully for me, I’m an inspiration to some young coaches, and I’m able to trigger some moments and have some success so that more black coaches get opportunities in the business.”

FC Tulsa scores three to beat North Texas SC 3-1

FRISCO, Texas – Three FC Tulsa players scored their first goals of the 2020 preseason on Tuesday in a 3-1 win over North Texas SC. Tulsa hit the road to take on the 2019 USL League One Champions at the Toyota Soccer Center in Frisco, Texas, and goals from Panin Boakye, Marlon Santos and Mfon Udoh helped FC Tulsa overcome an early 1-0 deficit and stay unbeaten through five preseason matches (3W-0L-2D).

It was the hosts who got off on the front foot early, winning the ball and scoring an opener through Dante Sealy in the 16th minute. Tulsa came right back, however, turning on the offensive press and seizing control of the match. In the 23rd minute, Panin Boakye blitzed past a North Texas SC fullback and skirted into the box, where his cross rebounded right back to him, and he scored his first goal for FC Tulsa.

Just nine minutes after the equalizer, Boakye was back at it again. He sprinted down the right wing, dodging a challenge, and curled in a tantalizing cross which was met by the head of Marlon. The Brazilian forcefully nodded it past the North Texas keeper for a 2-1 lead after 34 minutes.

That score would remain until halftime, but FC Tulsa would come out firing again in the second frame. After controlling possession for the majority of the second half, forward Mfon Udoh won the ball just inside midfield in the 73rd minute. He weaved past a couple of defenders before laying it off to Rodrigo Da Costa, who dribbled around the keeper and centered it for Udoh who easily tapped it home. With a 3-1 lead and fifteen minutes to the final whistle, the FC Tulsa defense held firm and saw out the victory.

Up Next
FC Tulsa will play its final preseason match of 2020 on Saturday at Titan Sports Complex. Tulsa will host Sporting Kansas City II of the USL Championship Eastern Conference at 1 p.m. It will be the club’s second match against USL Championship opposition this preseason, having drawn Saint Louis FC 1-1 at Titan earlier in February.

Preseason Match Preview: FC Tulsa vs. North Texas SC

TULSA – FC Tulsa hits the road for a midweek showdown with the 2019 USL League One champions, North Texas SC on Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. CT. The club, a lower-league affiliate of FC Dallas of Major League Soccer (MLS), will host FC Tulsa at its training complex in Frisco, Texas. It will be the first time FC Tulsa has ever played a team from League One, a third-divison league started by the USL prior to its 2019 inaugural season.

How to Follow
The match won't be streamed, but fans can follow @FCTulsa on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for live updates throughout the match.

Scouting North Texas SC
The inaugural season of USL League One saw North Texas SC win the League One regular season and postseason titles as the runaway clear best team in the league. It's no surprise given FC Dallas' status as one of the best at finding and developing talent.

The 2019 team featured Haitian international Ronaldo Damus, an All-USL League One First Team selection and 2019 Golden Boot winner. Arturo Rodriguez, the league's Most Valuable Player, was the assist champion while Ricardo Pepi and Alfusainey Jatta were honored as an all-league second team as well. Some of that talent has now moved on as Rodriguez was loaned to USL Championship winners Real Monarchs SLC while Pepi signed a first team contract with FC Dallas. Damus remains on the roster however, and looks primed to defend his scoring title.

FC Tulsa Storylines to Watch
Super Darío is on fire
FC Tulsa newcomer Darío Suárez scored his third goal of the 2020 preseason on Saturday with an inch-perfect free kick to beat Rogers State University. His three goals in four preseason appearances lead the team, and could be a sign of things to come in the regular season. Suárez, a former Cuban international, came from USL Championship club Miami FC, where he scored 23 goals in 34 appearances, the most on the team in that span.

Road Warriors
FC Tulsa won its first road match of the preseason when it bested Rogers State 1-0 on Saturday in Claremore, Okla. More than 200 fans were in attedance on the sunny Saturday afternoon. Tulsa will now travel out of state for the first time in 2020 when it visits Frisco, Texas on Tuesday. The team will train in Frisco on Monday afternoon before its match on Tuesday. It will be the final preseason road match before Tulsa's 2020 regular season starts in March.

Keeping it Clean
The FC Tulsa defense kept its second clean sheet of the preseason on Saturday. Defender Bradley Bourgeois after the match, said, “I feel that there are definitely some improvements that we can make, but to learn while keeping a clean sheet is definitely a positive. That was our goal, keep clean sheets, keep the ball out of the back of the net. It was positive, and we’ll certainly take the positives out of this one."

How to Follow
The match won’t be streamed, but fans can follow @FCTulsa on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for live updates throughout the match.

Scouting North Texas SC
The inaugural season of USL League One saw North Texas SC win the League One regular season and postseason titles as the runaway clear best team in the league. It’s no surprise given FC Dallas’ status as one of the best at finding and developing talent.

The 2019 team featured Haitian international Ronaldo Damus, an All-USL League One First Team selection and 2019 Golden Boot winner. Arturo Rodriguez, the league’s Most Valuable Player, was the assist champion while Ricardo Pepi and Alfusainey Jatta were honored as an all-league second team as well. Some of that talent has now moved on as Rodriguez was loaned to USL Championship winners Real Monarchs SLC while Pepi signed a first team contract with FC Dallas. Damus remains on the roster however, and looks primed to defend his scoring title.

FC Tulsa Cruise to 1-0 Win over Rogers State in Preseason Scrimmage

CLAREMORE, Okla. – A first away preseason match that featured plenty of FC Tulsa on the front foot, ended in a 1-0 win for the visitors over Rogers State University on Saturday afternoon in Claremore, Okla. Forward Darío Suárez scored his third goal of the preseason in the victory, off a bending free kick, and the Tulsa defense denied Rogers State a shot on target in the stout performance.

With a strong Starting XI, FC Tulsa shot out of the gates, peppering the Hillcats’ net with shots. A few strong saves from the Rogers State keeper and a header from Marlon that pinged off the crossbar were all that kept FC Tulsa from finding the opening goal in the first half. On the wing, Marlon did the damage, proving a problem for the defense with his speed and quickness on the ball. Aside from his shot off the bar, he had another near miss with a header and looked a threat throughout the match.

Keeper Bryan Byars had little to do in net in the first half and gave way to Sean Lewis for the second half as the only halftime change. FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien wanted to see his outfield players stay on the pitch together for 65-70 minutes and the group finally found a breakthrough in the 65’ minute.

The difference in the match came when Marlon earned a free kick just outside the box with a sidewinding run through the defense. With both Suárez and midfielder Rodrigo da Costa over the ball, Suárez bent a shot around the wall and tucked it bottom corner, outside the keeper’s reach. It was the Cuban forward’s third goal of the preseason in four matches.

From there, FC Tulsa saw the win out while making numerous substitutions throughout the final 25 minutes. Overall, the defense did its job, limiting Rogers State to just one dangerous chance, a shot inside the box that was blocked by FC Tulsa defender Bradley Bourgeois to clear the danger. Neither Byars nor Lewis made a save as FC Tulsa controlled the majority of possession.

Up Next

FC Tulsa will play its second and final road preseason match on Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. in Frisco, Texas against defending USL League One champions North Texas SC. It will be the first time that FC Tulsa has ever played a USL League One opponent, the third division of professional soccer in the U.S.

Up Next

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