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USL FC Tulsa

Preview: FC Tulsa at Indy Eleven, Saturday, October 23, 6 p.m. CT

October 22, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
FC Tulsa News Release


TULSA - One. More. Point.

As FC Tulsa gets set to travel to Michael A. Carroll Stadium to take on Indy Eleven, it is eyeing its second-straight USL Championship Playoffs berth as well. Either a win or a draw in hostile territory will secure FC Tulsa's spot in the November showcase where anything can happen.

Coming off its biggest margin of victory this season, FC Tulsa is riding its momentum from its 4-0 win over Atlanta United 2, a match in which FC Tulsa's result eliminated Indy Eleven by proxy. Jason Johnson and Lucas Coutinho scored their second goals of the season, Kevin Garcia scored his first goal since his days with the Dynamo in 2019, and Rodrigo da Costa scored his 11th of the campaign.

Da Costa also registered his 20th career USL Championship assist on Coutinho's goal, and along with his 24 career USL Championship goals, the Brazilian became the first player to join the 20/20 club as a member of FC Tulsa in club history. Da Costa has now scored in three straight matches and has scored in back-to-back matches six times this season. He leads the club in goals, assists, and chances created in 2021.

Although eliminated, Indy Eleven will not just roll over for FC Tulsa as the season rolls to a close. Indy added three dangerous pieces right before the roster freeze in September and the club will look to keep improving with former USL MVP Emmanuel Ledesma, All-League midfielder Kevin Partida, and Tobi Adewole on the team sheet.

After three meetings between the clubs this season, FC Tulsa holds the advantage 2-1. The clubs have combined for 76 total shots, and with both clubs coming off big wins in their previous matchups, they will be carrying momentum into this contest and will both be looking to increase their winning streak to two.

Kickoff from Indianapolis is set for 6 p.m. CT.

SCOUTING INDY ELEVEN Coming off its 1-0 win over Central Division leaders LouCity FC last Saturday, Indy Eleven is riding high with its new-look roster and newfound momentum. Overall, the club ranks 26th in the League in goals scored this season with just 31 in 30 matches played. However, its defense at home has been strong in 2021. Indy has conceded just 15 times at home and logged four clean sheets in those matches, but on the road has conceded 28 times in the same number of matches.

Manuel Arteaga, Indy's main threat in the attack, leads the club with 10 goals and 66 shots. Nick Moon, Gordon Wild, and Ayoze are all tied for the club lead in assists with four apiece. In 19 appearances, keeper Jordan Farr has made 66 saves on 90 shots faced, good for a 73.3% save pct. with five clean sheets.

30/30 IN SIGHT Midfield maestro Lebo Moloto currently sits at 29 goals and 29 assists in his USL Championship career, and with one more of each, he would become just the eighth player in league history to reach 30/30. While the South African hasn't found the scoresheet since August 28, he can score and assist in bunches. Both of his goals as well as his two assists this season came in a four-match stretch between Aug. 14 and 28.

RIVAS RELOADING With World Cup qualifying in full swing, FC Tulsa forward Joaquín Rivas has been absent for much of the back half of FC Tulsa's 2021 while helping El Salvador to a possible 2022 World Cup bid. Wednesday's win over Atlanta was just Rivas' second start since August 25 and he made the minutes count with a pair of assists in the victory. Not only was it his first appearance on the scoresheet since August 8, but it was the first time an FC Tulsa player registered two assists in a match this season.

WORMELLS AND WEDDING BELLS Keeper Austin Wormell is having himself quite the week. The Tulsa native had his rehearsal dinner for his wedding on Wednesday afternoon and left straight from the dinner to ONEOK Field for FC Tulsa's match against Atlanta United 2. He made one save in the performance and kept a clean sheet in front of his onlooking wedding party. On Thursday he will get married before leaving with FC Tulsa on Friday for Indianapolis.

HOW TO WATCH TV: MY41 Stream: ESPN+ (US) , YouTube (International) Follow: You can follow @FCTulsa on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from October 22, 2021


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