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USL FC Tulsa

Roughnecks FC Post Impressive Win in Colorado Springs

August 6, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
FC Tulsa News Release


Sammy Ochoa of Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Sammy Ochoa of Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
(FC Tulsa, Credit: Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC)

Tulsa Roughnecks FC have produced some impressive results in its first USL season, including a pair of wins over Seattle Sounders 2, but nothing topped the effort Wednesday night in Colorado Springs. The Roughnecks got an early second-half goal from Sammy Ochoa, then held on for a 1-0 win over the Switchbacks at Sand Creek Stadium.

It was only the second home loss this season for the Switchbacks, with the other defeat coming on April 4.

The result improved on an already impressive road record for the Roughnecks. The victory gives Tulsa a 5-5-3 mark, with the five wins are tied for second-most in USL this season.

More importantly the win gives the Roughnecks 31 points (9-9-4) and moves them into the sixth and final playoff spot in the USL's Western Conference standings. They have climbed the Western table by going 5-1-1 in their past seven matches while outscoring their opponents 20-9.

Playing its first match this season in altitude, Tulsa opened the match against the Switchbacks in its familiar 4-4-2 formation with Oscar Jimenez joining Sammy Ochoa up top.

In the first 45 minutes, goalkeeper Jake Feener produced a pair of big saves for the Roughnecks to keep the match scoreless.

After the halftime break, it took Ochoa less than two minutes to get Tulsa on the scoreboard, and he was set up by Jimenez. Oscar delivered a through ball behind the Colorado Springs backline that Ochoa was able to run onto and poke a right-footed shot under onrushing goalkeeper Devala Gorrick. It was Ochoa's team-leading sixth goal of the year.

Tulsa's defense took over from there, limiting the chances for Colorado Springs and the work for Feener. The Switchbacks came closest to leveling the score in the 68th minute when Shintaro Harada hit the crossbar on a free kick.

The Roughnecks nearly produced a second goal as substitutes Cristian Mata and Kyrian Kidd had dangerous chances. A close-range shot from Mata deflected off a defender and bounced off the goal post, while Kidd was denied by Gorrick on a breakaway.

Feener was called upon to make only two saves in the second half as the Roughnecks also weathered five minutes of stoppage time to claim the shutout victory. It was Tulsa's fourth clean sheet of the season and second for Feener.

The Roughnecks will have all of two days to enjoy the victory. They stay in the Rocky Mountains to face the Real Monarchs Saturday night in Salt Lake City. The Monarchs are in 12th place in the Western Conference, but they do own a victory over Sacramento Republic this season. Kickoff at Salt Lake's Rio Tinto Stadium is scheduled for 8:30pm CDT.

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Images from this story

Sammy Ochoa of Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Sammy Ochoa of Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
(Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC)		   

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