USL FC Tulsa

FC Tulsa Ties Saint Louis FC 1-1 in Preseason Action

Published on February 16, 2020 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
FC Tulsa News Release


In an unconventionally-formatted preseason match against Saint Louis FC, FC Tulsa had another strong performance in a 1-1 draw on Sunday. The teams decided to play three 40-minute periods instead of the standard two 45-minute halves.

Both teams played starters vs. starters for around 70-75 minutes and FC Tulsa's quality shown through as it dominated Saint Louis in the first two 40-minute periods, emerging with a 1-0 lead.

For the final 40-minute period, both teams played numerous reserves including trialists and academy players. Saint Louis equalized during the final period with a goal from Tyler Blackwood as Tulsa had a number of trialists in the match.

Attached is a brief postmatch quotesheet featuring quotes from head coach Michael Nsien and forwards Marlon and Suárez.

GOALS

35' TUL - Darío Suárez (assisted by Marlon)

90' STL - Tyler Blackwood (assisted by Trialist)

UNCONVENTIONAL FORMAT

To try and get additional minutes for players, the teams agreed to three 40-minute periods before the start of the match. While the match will go down as a 1-1 draw, FC Tulsa was the better side when both team's starters were in the match, as it held a 1-0 lead through the first two periods of action.

SUAREZ SCORES AGAIN

Forward Darío Suárez looks to be a bona fide scoring machine. He has a goal in each of FC Tulsa's two preseason matches so far, and is a constant threat when in the match. He opened the scoring off a beautiful build-up play from midfielder Lebo Moloto and forward Marlon. Moloto lofted an inch-perfect long ball across the pitch to Marlon who immediately whipped in a cross to the foot of Suárez. The Cuban didn't waste his chance and finished to give Tulsa the lead.

STARTING DEFENSE ALLOWS NO GOALS AGAIN

Coach Michael Nsien started a first choice XI on Sunday and that included a back line of Matt Sheldon, Bradley Bourgeois, Solomon Kwambe and Vangjel Zguro. The foursome were solid in front of keeper Sean Lewis, allowing no goals and just two shots on target. In that foursome's 120 minutes of preseason action so far in 2020, they have yet to allow a goal.

NEXT MATCH

FC Tulsa will continue its busy week with a midseason match against local college side Oral Roberts on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Holland Hall. Local media is invited to come cover the match.

Check out the FC Tulsa Statistics

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