USL FC Tulsa

Preview: FC Tulsa vs. OKC Energy FC, Saturday, July 17, 7 p.m. CT, ONEOK Field

Published on July 16, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
FC Tulsa News Release


TULSA - FC Tulsa can win the Wrench.

What else needs to be said about the biggest home match yet in 2021 for FC Tulsa as it can clinch the coveted Wrench just a third of the way into the USL Championship against OKC Energy FC. A summer Saturday night, at home in ONEOK Field, could make for the perfect trophy celebration backdrop if FC Tulsa can secure all three points.

Attached are FC Tulsa Match Notes and Prematch Quotes from head coach Michael Nsien, defender Kevin Garcia and forward Darío Suárez.

ABOUT OKC ENERGY FC

OKC Energy FC has been streaky to say the least this year. After going winless in its first eight matches, it won three in a row before a Derby draw with Tulsa on July 2. An ironic power outage at Taft Stadium on July 10 prevented the Energy from finishing its match against Indy Eleven, but OKC crashed to earth in a 3-1 road loss to Louisville City FC in the midweek.

WRENCH ON THE LINE

Just 12 matches into the season, FC Tulsa could already take home a coveted piece of silverware...or gold-ware. The Wrench will be at stake in the Black Gold Derby on Saturday night as FC Tulsa will look to make it two-for-two in the new era of the franchise. FC Tulsa has never won the Wrench in back-to-back seasons, having only ever won it as the Roughnecks during the 2017 campaign.

BLACK GOLD DOMINANCE

It will have been 1,074 days since FC Tulsa has tasted defeat in the Black Gold Derby, dating back to the last OKC victory on August 8, 2018. FC Tulsa had won each of the last two matchups before the sides played to a 0-0 draw two weekends ago at OKC. That match was the first time Tulsa had held OKC scoreless in a match in the history of the rivalry.

DA COSTA BACK ON TOTW

Attacker Rodrigo da Costa made his second USL Championship Team of the Week in 2021 following his one goal and one assist performance in FC Tulsa's 3-2 victory over Louisville City FC last Saturday. Da Costa leads FC Tulsa with six goals and four assists in 2021 with five goals and three assists coming since the start of June.

FC TULSA RECORD AT ONEOK

Since the start of the "FC Tulsa era" of the club, ONEOK Field has become a fortress for the home side. The club's record at the corner of Elgin and Archer is 7W-3D-2L over 12 matches. The best 12-match stretch at home in club history came in 2017 as the Roughnecks when the team went 9W-0D-3L at home from April 1, 2017-Sept. 23, 2017.

OFFENSE REMAINS HOT

FC Tulsa is one of the best offensive teams in the USL Championship, ranking fifth in goals per match with 1.82 goals per 90 minutes (20 goals in 11 matches). That number trails just Phoenix, Hartford, Louisville City and Colorado Springs. Four goals on Saturday would push FC Tulsa's total goals per match to 2.0.

WELCOMING SUPPORT

"83 United," FC Tulsa's Supporter Group, will welcome supporters from "The Flock" from Forward Madison in USL League One and "The Curse" from New Mexico United in the USL Championship to Saturday's match. The outside support will be welcome in Section 115 at ONEOK Field as FC Tulsa looks to bring home the Wrench.

DOLLAR HOT DOGS

FC Tulsa will sell 500 $1 hot dogs at a special concession stand behind Section 115 on Saturday, starting when gates open at 6 p.m. CT. Fans are encouraged to get to ONEOK Field early to guarantee a dollar dog, as the $1 hot dogs will only be available while supplies last.

HOW TO TUNE IN

The match will be broadcast on TV locally on My41 Tulsa and nationally on ESPN+. Fans around the world can watch for free on YouTube. Follow @FCTulsa on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook for updates and highlights throughout the match.

Check out the FC Tulsa Statistics

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 16, 2021


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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