FC Tulsa Signs Croatian Defensive Midfielder Petar Čuić to 2022 Roster
January 13, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
FC Tulsa News Release
TULSA - FC Tulsa's newest addition to the 2022 roster is one whom the club has become familiar with over the past two seasons. Croatian midfielder Petar Čuić (pronounced PET-har CHOO-ich) has been signed to the 2022 roster, pending league and federation approval.
Čuić has spent the previous two seasons as a defensive midfielder for Sporting KC II, a club FC Tulsa matched up with on four occasions last season as a result of the two competing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. Between the 2020 and 2021 campaigns, Čuić appeared opposite FC Tulsa five times and started four of those matches.
"I had the opportunity to see Petar firsthand from our matches against SKC II," said head coach Michael Nsien. "What stood out was his ability to link the attack from back to front as well as being a permanent fixture centrally to stop the opposition. Petar is a true CDM that has the discipline and tools to control the middle area."
After initially signing at 15 years old to the GNK Dinamo Zagreb Academy in his home country of Croatia, Čuić rose through the Dinamo Zagreb club ranks and reached the club's second-tier team before being loaned to Sporting KC II in 2020. He appeared in all 16 of Sporting KC II's matches in his first season and scored his first USL Championship goal.
The midfielder is coming off a tremendous season in 2021 that saw Čuić set career-highs in appearances (29), starts (25), and minutes (2,080). He netted his second USL goal last year while maintaining a 81.2% pass completion rate and contributing 23 chances created from his defensive midfield position.
"I am beyond excited to sign with FC Tulsa," said Čuić. "The coaching staff and the whole support team have been amazing and welcoming. I am not even in Tulsa yet, and I already love it. Can't wait to get in town and start the season."
Čuić is the second new player announced to the 2022 FC Tulsa roster along with Brazilian defender Matheus Silva who was announced on Tuesday.
2022 FC Tulsa Roster
Keepers: Sean Lewis, Austin Wormell
Defenders: Bradley Bourgeois, Jorge Corrales, Johnny Fenwick, Matheus Silva
Midfielders: Eric Bird, Kembo Kibato, Lebo Moloto, Ciaran Winters, Petar Čuić
Forwards: Darío Suárez, Rodrigo da Costa
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