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FC Tulsa

Roughnecks Post Impressive 4-1 Win in Opener

March 26, 2017 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
FC Tulsa News Release


The Tulsa Roughnecks FC and new head coach David Vaudreuil opened the 2017 USL season in successful fashion Saturday night with an emphatic 4-1 win over Colorado Springs before 4,952 fans at ONEOK Field in downtown Tulsa. After falling a goal behind early, the Roughnecks got two goals from Ian Svantesson and one each from Juan Caffa and Francisco Ugarte to record the victory.

It was a near perfect start to the new campaign for the Roughnecks after a five-win season last year.

Tulsa dominated the stats sheet in the opening night win. TRFC out-shot the Switchbacks 14-8, while owning 56% of the possession. The Roughnecks also had a 14-5 advantage in corner kicks.

Despite the impressive stats sheet, the Switchbacks actually struck with the first goal in the match. In the 17th minute Guam International forward Shane Malcolm broke free of a pair of Roughnecks defenders and slid a shot just out of the reach of goalkeeper Bryan Byars. The shot hit the far post and settled into the back of the net to put Colorado Springs in front 1-0.

Caffa got Tulsa back on level terms six minutes later when his left-footed free kick beat Switchbacks keeper Justin Luthy to make it 1-1.

Chicago Fire loanee Joey Calistri combined with Svantesson in the 32nd minute to give the Roughnecks the lead. Calistri intercepted a pass and raced into the penalty area before delivering a pass to an unmarked Svantesson in front of goal. The 6'6" striker slotted the ball into the net to make it 2-1.

Svantesson took advantage of a miscue from the Switchbacks just after halftime to give Tulsa a two-goal lead. Luthy whiffed on a clearance attempt, and the ball rolled directly onto the foot of Svanatesson who again finished to make it 3-1.

Defender Francisco Ugarte capped the big opening night when he knocked in a free kick cross from Caffa in the 78th minute to complete the 4-1 victory.

Vaudreuil was pleased with what he saw in his club's first regular season outing.

"I am very happy the guys got rewarded for their good play," he said. "It was four very nice goals and we managed the game very well."

"We were a little unlucky to fall behind, but we responded very well," Vaudreuil said. "We took the 2-1 lead into the locker room and we told the guys it was still all there to play for and we have to go out and win the half."

The coach offered praise for newcomer and former University of Tulsa defender Bradley Bourgeois. "We only signed him a couple of weeks ago," he said. "A day or two ago, he wasn't expected to start, but he stepped right up and did really well for us."

The Roughnecks now turn their attention toward Bourgeois' former team, the Rio Grande Valley Toros. Next Saturday, April 1, TRFC will host the Toros at ONEOK Field. Tulsa will look to accomplish something in that match that it was unable do last season, win two straight games.

Kickoff against the Toros is scheduled for 7:00pm. Tickets are available at the ONEOK Field Ticket Office or by clicking HERE.

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