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USL FC Tulsa

Charleston Battery Get Past FC Tulsa

September 23, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
FC Tulsa News Release


CHARLESTON, SC. - The third game in a row between the two sides ending with a 2-1 score line, but unfortunately this one not going in the favor of FC Tulsa. Eric Bird got himself on the score sheet again, with another shot scored outside of the box.

A tough road game for FC Tulsa, losing three of the starting eleven due to suspensions; 22 of the 34 goals scored before this game came from Phillip Goodrum, Marcus Epps, and Milo Yosef.

Patrick Weah recorded his first start up top. Playing 59 minutes, he took 24 touches on the ball and gave 10 passes, of which were at a 70% accuracy.

17-year-old Fidel Barajas with a brace in the first 40 minutes gave Charleston the lead going into the half time break, giving FC Tulsa some talking points.

FC Tulsa came out and took more control of the game in the second half, obtaining 58.5% of the possession, winning 54.4% of duels.

Angel Bernal had an immediate impact, joining the game in the 58th minute. Just eight minutes after replacing Justin Malou, Bernal took his chances in testing the goalkeeper from out wide, hoping to inspire FC Tulsa to increase their shot tally for the night.

Just three shots on target for FC Tulsa, one of which came from Captain Eric Bird, who saw a great opportunity to strike at Kuzemka in the 82nd minute, scoring his fourth goal this season, and closing the gap between the two sides tonight to one goal. A right footed long-range attempt from outside of the box, assisted by Siad Haji.

Michael Nelson had the save of the match in the 84th minute to minimize the suffering. One minute after Bird was able to slot one past Kuzemka, Augustine Williams was set up perfectly, but Nelson stood his ground and rose to the challenge.

The final score of 2-1 ended FC Tulsa's 3 game unbeaten streak.

GOALS

5' CHS - Fidel Barajas

40' CHS - Fidel Barajas

83' TUL - Eric Bird (assist: Siad Haji)

LINEUPS

FC Tulsa: Michael Nelson, Patrick Seagrist, Ruxi, Rashid Tetteh, Keegan

Hughes, Justin Malous, Eric Bird, Nathan Worth, Blaine Ferri, Siad Haji, Patrick

Weah (Subs used: Collin Fernandez, Angel Bernal, Moses Dyer)Charleston Battery: Daniel Kuzemka, Robbie Crawford, Alec Cochran, Leland Archer, Derek Dodson, Chris Allan, Andrew Booth, Tristan Trager, Emilio Ycaza, Fidel Barajas, Augustine Williams (Subs used: Roberto Avila, Arthur Paterson, Pierre Reedy, Joe Schmidt, Deklan Wynne)

UP NEXT

Only three matches remain in the 2023 regular season for FC Tulsa, including next Saturday's contest vs. Pittsburgh. The match will take place at Highmark Stadium and kick off at 6:00 p.m. CT.

Post-Match Quote SheetFC Tulsa vs Charleston Battery

September 23rd, 2023 at Patriots Point Soccer Stadium

BLAIR GAVIN - HEAD COACH

(On not having the three starting offensive threats and how that might have affected the team tonight.)

"It's always tough when you lose guys like that with their quality but also their leadership within the team. But I thought the guys tonight gave an incredible effort and I think in that second half we showed a lot of what we can do and had a lot of opportunities to claw something back. But it's very difficult when you give a quality side like Charleston two goals, to get something from it. And it was unfortunate, started the game, and ended the half."

(On the impact of the young players on the game.)

"I think Barajas and the quality that he shows, threat, obviously with the two goals but there's a lot of things he does throughout the game that go a little bit unnoticed based on the quality of the finish that he showed. He's done extremely well for this team, and I think the sky is the limit for him. Nate, for us, I think continuously builds in the games road or home. Seems to always kind of find his place within the midfield and his ability to control the game. He's getting more progressive with it, with his actions, which has been really nice to see. He is finding a really strong hold of the game, which is impressive for the age he's at."

(On adjustments to be made and how much learning there is with the limited amount of time left this season.)

"I think for us it's to continue to build on the positives, from this game especially that second half where we were more on the front foot, more willing to release and press and win first and second balls and turn those into opportunities. Now going into another difficult road game, we're going to have to, pick up and keep pressing forward and take the lessons and put them in our back pocket. And give it a proper go when we go there, and really give these last games our best effort and see where everything ends up at that point."

ERIC BIRD - MIDFIELDER

(On his goal and the overall performance.)"Overall the performance from our guys was very encouraging. We played a very good Charleston team tonight and I thought we deserved more from the game. The second half, in particular, was a great showing and if we can play like that going forward, we'll be a very tough team that no one wants to play."

SIAD HAJI - FORWARD

(On his overall thoughts on tonight and the team's performance.)

"My overall thoughts on the match is that the second half, despite the unfortunate loss, our team displayed remarkable unity and a strong work ethic. The way we came together, supporting and helping each other, was crucial. This collective effort showed that we are continually growing and taking steps forward. The unity we demonstrated will undoubtedly contribute to our team's development in the future, strengthening our bond and fostering a positive environment for upcoming matches to make it to playoff!!"

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