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USL FC Tulsa

One Goal Lifts Memphis 901 FC over FC Tulsa

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


MEMPHIS, Tenn. - On a scorching night at AutoZone Park in Elvis' backyard, FC Tulsa played the blues in a 1-0 defeat to Memphis 901 FC on Saturday night. Despite the majority of possession and the better chances, a first half stoppage time goal from Memphis sealed the three points for the hosts.

It looked like FC Tulsa would go ahead early as forward Marlon Santos nearly snuck the ball into the goal after a shot deflected off the Memphis keeper Kyle Morton's heel. A fantastic sliding recovery by 901 FC defender Mark Segbers cleared the shot off the line and kept Tulsa off the board early.

The lone goal of the match came off the bandaged head of Memphis forward Kyle Murphy in first-half stoppage time after being involved in a collision in the 11' minute. Murphy won a header in the box and just put his shot past the rising hand of keeper Austin Wormell to give Memphis the lead going into the break.

A stop and start second half never allowed either team to find a rhythm, but again, FC Tulsa nearly broke through. Defender Mo Jadama had an excellent look in the nine minutes of second half stoppage time to draw even for Tulsa, but the Gambian's header ended up rattling off the crossbar.

In the final seconds of stoppage time, it appeared FC Tulsa would be thrown a lifetime when a cross appeared to hit the outstretched hand of a Memphis defender. However, the officials didn't award the penalty, and FC Tulsa was shut out for just the third time in 2021.

Finals Stats and Postmatch Quotes from head coach Michael Nsien, keeper Austin Wormell and defender Mo Jadama.

GOALS

45'+4 MEM - Kyle Murphy (Raul Gonzalez)

MOLOTO MAKES FIRST 2021 START

Midfielder Lebo Moloto was back in FC Tulsa's Starting XI for the first time in 2021 following recovery from an injury suffered in preseason. Moloto missed the first nine matches of the season before making substitute appearances in each of the last three. In tonight's loss, Moloto led FC Tulsa in both passes attempted and completed as he played the full 90 minutes.

BOURGEOIS RETURNS TO THE PITCH

FC Tulsa's captain Bradley Bourgeois was back in the matchday squad after missing the last five matches with a foot injury. He made his return to the pitch in the 61' minute, subbing in for fellow defender Kevin Garcia. Bourgeois created one chance in his 29 minutes of action and completed 92% of his passes.

STILL IN THIRD

Despite dropping its last two matches, FC Tulsa is still in a good place in the standings as the end of summer approaches. Tulsa still holds a USL Championship Playoff spot and has the second-best conversion rate in USL. The return of Joaquín Rivas to the team this week, coming off a two-goal performance tonight for El Salvador, will also boost a squad who has scored just one goal in its last 180 minutes.

RIVAS SHINES IN GOLD CUP

While FC Tulsa was kept off the scoresheet, forward Joaquín Rivas was not, bagging two goals in a 3-2 defeat for El Salvador in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals. While the loss eliminates "La Selecta," Rivas starred on the international stage, scoring three goals in his four Gold Cup matches. Rivas has missed three matches while on Gold Cup duty, but will return to FC Tulsa this week.

UP NEXT

FC Tulsa will have a tight turnaround with a match in Atlanta against Atlanta United 2 on Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. It'll be the second trip to the ATL for Tulsa in 2021. The match will be broadcast locally on MY41.

Check out the FC Tulsa Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 24, 2021


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