USL FC Tulsa

Roughnecks Go Global for Trio of Player Signings

Published on March 5, 2017 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
FC Tulsa News Release


The Tulsa Roughnecks FC continues to build its 2017 roster, as head coach David Vaudreuil announced the team has come to contract terms with three internationally-based players. The group of players includes midfielder Jaime Ayala, defender Francisco Ugarte and forward Pasha Kondrakhin.

The signings of Ayala and Ugarte are still pending league and federation approval.

The versatile Ayala joins the Roughnecks from Celaya FC in the Mexican second division and can feature as a midfielder or as a defender. The 26-year-old has made over 100 appearances in the Mexico's professional leagues.

"It was very important to me to target a high-level Mexican player with experience," said Vaudreuil. "Jaime gives us that and brings the added benefit of being able to play multiple positions."

Ugarte will also bring valuable experience to the Roughnecks. He comes to Tulsa from FC Albstadt in Germany, where he has played the past two years. He has also spent time with TSG Balingen and VfB Stuttgart in Germany.

The 30-year-old is from Chile and has also played several seasons in that country.

"Ugarte was the first player who I targeted," said Vaudreuil. "He is a very skillful center back who will act as a captain for us, both on the field and off."

Kondrakhin does not possess the experience of Ayala and Ugarte, but he does possess a high-level of potential. The 22-year-old was born in Russia and holds a United States passport. He joins the Roughnecks after spending a season with FC Dynamo Bryansk in the Russian second division.

"Pasha is a young, athletic goal scorer," said Vaudreuil. "We believe that he can develop quickly into a quality goal scorer at this level."

All three of the new signings are expected to be on the bench for the Roughnecks preseason friendly Saturday (March 4) against the University of Tulsa. The match will kick off at 4:00pm at the Hurricane Soccer and Track Stadium. It is the first game of a soccer doubleheader as the TU women's team will host the Oklahoma State Cowgirls in the second game.

The Roughnecks are scheduled to open the 2017 USL regular season on Saturday, March 25 when they host Colorado Springs at ONEOK Field. A number of ticket packages for the 2017 season are available at RoughnecksFC.com. Fans can also inquire about tickets by calling (918)744-5901.

YOUTH PACKAGES

NOW BOOKING YOUTH PACKAGES Learn how your team can participate in any of the amazing youth programs the Roughnecks offer throughout the season.

Green Country Chevy Ball KidsMcDonald's Starting XIWelcoming CrewRoughnecks Youth Soccer Camp

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