FC Tulsa Re-Signs Midfielder Eric Bird to Multiyear Contract Extension
January 5, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
FC Tulsa News Release
TULSA - After two match-winning goals and rock-solid play in the midfield last season, FC Tulsa has signed midfielder Eric Bird to a new multiyear contract extension, pending league and federation approval. It's the sixth multiyear contract in the last two offseasons for FC Tulsa following ownership's commitment prior to the 2020 USL Championship season to keeping the best talent playing for Tulsa.
"It means a lot for me to return to Tulsa," said Bird. "I stand by what I said last year when I initially signed. This is a franchise that is looking to grow and hungry for trophies. It is the perfect place to be."
Bird landed in Tulsa prior to the 2020 USL Championship season and immediately slotted as a starter into FC Tulsa's midfield. The former collegiate National Champion at the University of Virginia started 14 matches for Tulsa in 2020, scoring two dramatic match-winners to lead the club.
"Eric's return is very important as we build upon the success we had in 2020," said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. "Eric is a dynamic two-way midfielder that played majority of last season in deeper positions, but based on game plan and moments of the match you could really see his attacking abilities as well. Every team must have players like Eric that have the patience and understanding of when and how to use their abilities and always put the team's success at the heart of what they do."
Prior to signing with Tulsa last year, Bird was a mainstay in the Houston Dynamo FC organization in Major League Soccer. He played 12 matches with the Dynamo and was a part of that club's 2018 U.S. Open Cup title alongside current teammate Kevin Garcia.
A two-time All American at Virginia, Bird was the Cavaliers' captain as a junior and senior, leading the Hoos to a 2014 NCAA National Championship in his senior season. Following his collegiate career, Bird was selected as the 41st overall selection in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by Philadelphia Union.
Goalkeepers: Sean Lewis
Defenders: Bradley Bourgeois, Kevin Garcia, Solomon Kwambe, Matt Sheldon
Midfielders: Eric Bird, Rodrigo da Costa, Lebo Moloto
Forwards: JoaquÃÂn Rivas, DarÃÂo Suárez, Marlon
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