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USL FC Tulsa

FC Tulsa Downs OKC Energy FC 3-1 in Season Debut

April 24, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
FC Tulsa News Release


TULSA - On Saturday night, FC Tulsa shut off the power in the Electric City.

Joaquín Rivas provided the fireworks as FC Tulsa won the first edition of the 2021 Black Gold Derby 3-1 over OKC Energy FC. On his 100th career USL Championship regular season appearance, Rivas scored a first half brace, the opener a blast from right in front of the net, the second a long-range looping chip over OKC keeper C.J. Cochran.

It was all FC Tulsa from the jump as the visitors in Black and Gold dominated the opening 45 minutes, totaling 7 shots, including both goals and a try from Matt Sheldon that hit the post, which would have made it a three-goal margin.

OKC fought back in the second half and looked like a different team, pressuring Tulsa and controlling possession. It paid off in the 76' minute off a set piece from Villyan Bijev. The free kick found the head of the on-rushing Connor Donovan who put it far post and behind keeper Sean Lewis.

It didn't take long for FC Tulsa to punch right back and seal the win. Suárez deflected a long ball into the box from defender Mo Jadama right to Cochran. Cochran made the initial save, Suárez stuck with the play, finding the match-sealing goal.

GOALS

29' TUL - Joaquín Rivas (Jorge Corrales)

36' TUL - Joaquín Rivas (Matt Sheldon)

76' OKC - Connor Donovan (Villyan Bijev)

87' TUL - Darío Suárez

RIVAS RULES ON BIG NIGHT

With two goals tonight, Joaquín Rivas doubled his total all-time against OKC Energy FC with four total goals. That moved Rivas into the lead for most goals scored in the Black Gold Derby, passing Danni König (OKC) and Brady Ballew (TUL) who both scored three. The two goals on Saturday night also moves Rivas within a single goal of the all-time FC Tulsa franchise mark of 20, held by Sammy Ochoa.

SUÁREZ FINDS THE SCORESHEET AGAIN

FC Tulsa's goalscoring leader from 2020 didn't wait long to find the scoresheet in 2021. Darío Suárez netted his first goal, and ninth in his FC Tulsa career, late in the second half of the victory. Suárez now has scored twice against OKC Energy FC.

WINTERS HAS COME

Tulsa native and former FC Tulsa Academy player Ciaran Winters officially made his professional debut, subbing on in the 88' minute of the 3-1 victory. Winters, who hails from Jenks, is the first Tulsan to appear in an official USL Championship match during the FC Tulsa era of the franchise (2020-2021).

AROUND THE CENTRAL DIVISION

Only two matches were played this weekend in the first official week of USL Championship play, but both were in the Central Division. In the other match, Louisville City FC scored twice in the second half to beat Atlanta United 2 2-0.

UP NEXT

FC Tulsa returns home for a Saturday night matchup with Sporting Kansas City II on May 1 at ONEOK Field. Tickets are still available for the match at www.FCTulsa.com/tickets. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 24, 2021


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