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Roughnecks In KC Saturday To Face Swope Park

MATCH PREVIEW

Swope Park Rangers vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC
Saturday, September 10
KICKOFF – 7:30PM CDT
Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, MO

MATCH PREVIEW

Swope Park Rangers vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC
Saturday, September 10
KICKOFF – 7:30PM CDT
Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, MO

The Tulsa Roughnecks FC will play its third of four straight road matches this Saturday, September 10, when they travel to Kansas City to face the Swope Park Rangers, the USL side for Sporting KC of Major League Soccer.  It is the third of four meetings this season between the two teams.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm CDT at the Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Missouri.

PAST HISTORY
The Rangers have claimed victories in the two earlier meetings this year.  On April 2, the Roughnecks suffered a 2-1 home loss at ONEOK Field as goals by Dane Kelly and Nansel Selbol offset a late strike from Taylor Morgan for the Roughnecks.  On May 14 in Kansas City, an 80th minute goal from Tyler Pasher broke a 1-1 tie and gave the Rangers a second victory.  Sammy Ochoa had evened the match for Tulsa with a goal two minutes earlier. 

ROUGHNECKS FC  
*TRFC battled for a 1-1 draw in its last match last Saturday in Sandy, Utah against the Real Monarchs.    Tulsa’s goal came courtesy of Cristian Mata in the 9th minute.  It was his first goal since scoring twice in a 2-1 win over Arizona on July 30.
*Jake Feener, who was credited with seven saves in the draw with the Monarchs, will likely make his second start against the Rangers. He was in the goal for the match in KC in May.  
*Defender Iarfhlaith Davoren and midfielder Brady Ballew are one caution away from receiving a mandatory one-match suspension.  Both have been given four yellow cards this season.  
*David Abidor is the only Tulsa player who has appeared in all 26 USL regular season matches this year.
*TRFC comes in Saturday's contest with a 5-17-4 regular season record.
*The match will be a homecoming for Raymond Lee.  The Roughnecks defender/midfielder is a native of Kansas City.

THE RANGERS    
*The Rangers enter the match in seventh place in the Western Conference standings with a 10-10-6 record through 26 matches.  
*A total of 13 players have scored a goal this season for Swope Park, compared to eight different goal scorers for Tulsa.  Canadian Mark Anthony Gonzalez leads the   Rangers with 8 goals.  
*The Rangers typically play close matches.  Eighteen of their 26 games this season have either been draws or decided by only one goal.
 

THE KITS
The Roughnecks will wear their red change kits for Saturday’s match.  The kits are based on the design of the first-ever kits worn by the original Roughnecks in their inaugural season in 1978.  Swope Park will wear its traditional all navy uniforms. 

BROADCAST INFORMATION
Radio:  Fans in Tulsa can listen to the match live on AM 1300 with Dave Saunders calling the action.  The pregame show will begin at 7:15PM.  Saunders is filling in for Jeremie Poplin who will be working the University of Tulsa football game on Saturday.
Live Stream: The game will be broadcast on YouTube.com through the USL Match Center.

SOCIAL TAGS
Game-specific hashtag: #SPRvTUL

The Tulsa Roughnecks FC will play its third of four straight road matches this Saturday, September 10, when they travel to Kansas City to face the Swope Park Rangers, the USL side for Sporting KC of Major League Soccer.  It is the third of four meetings this season between the two teams.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm CDT at the Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Missouri.

PAST HISTORY
The Rangers have claimed victories in the two earlier meetings this year.  On April 2, the Roughnecks suffered a 2-1 home loss at ONEOK Field as goals by Dane Kelly and Nansel Selbol offset a late strike from Taylor Morgan for the Roughnecks.  On May 14 in Kansas City, an 80th minute goal from Tyler Pasher broke a 1-1 tie and gave the Rangers a second victory.  Sammy Ochoa had evened the match for Tulsa with a goal two minutes earlier. 

ROUGHNECKS FC  
*TRFC battled for a 1-1 draw in its last match last Saturday in Sandy, Utah against the Real Monarchs.    Tulsa’s goal came courtesy of Cristian Mata in the 9th minute.  It was his first goal since scoring twice in a 2-1 win over Arizona on July 30.
*Jake Feener, who was credited with seven saves in the draw with the Monarchs, will likely make his second start against the Rangers. He was in the goal for the match in KC in May.  
*Defender Iarfhlaith Davoren and midfielder Brady Ballew are one caution away from receiving a mandatory one-match suspension.  Both have been given four yellow cards this season.  
*David Abidor is the only Tulsa player who has appeared in all 26 USL regular season matches this year.
*TRFC comes in Saturday’s contest with a 5-17-4 regular season record.
*The match will be a homecoming for Raymond Lee.  The Roughnecks defender/midfielder is a native of Kansas City.

THE RANGERS    
*The Rangers enter the match in seventh place in the Western Conference standings with a 10-10-6 record through 26 matches.  
*A total of 13 players have scored a goal this season for Swope Park, compared to eight different goal scorers for Tulsa.  Canadian Mark Anthony Gonzalez leads the   Rangers with 8 goals.  
*The Rangers typically play close matches.  Eighteen of their 26 games this season have either been draws or decided by only one goal.
 

THE KITS
The Roughnecks will wear their red change kits for Saturday’s match.  The kits are based on the design of the first-ever kits worn by the original Roughnecks in their inaugural season in 1978.  Swope Park will wear its traditional all navy uniforms. 

BROADCAST INFORMATION
Radio:  Fans in Tulsa can listen to the match live on AM 1300 with Dave Saunders calling the action.  The pregame show will begin at 7:15PM.  Saunders is filling in for Jeremie Poplin who will be working the University of Tulsa football game on Saturday.
Live Stream: The game will be broadcast on YouTube.com through the USL Match Center.

SOCIAL TAGS
Game-specific hashtag: #SPRvTUL

Roughnecks Battle Monarchs To 1-1 Draw At Rio Tinto Stadium

The Tulsa Roughnecks FC battled the Real Monarchs to a 1-1 draw Saturday evening before a crowd of 3,519 at beautiful Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.  Tulsa’s goal came early in the match, courtesy of Cristian Mata.

The entertaining draw ended a five-match losing streak for the Roughnecks and a three-match winning streak for the Monarchs. 

Match Photos courtesy of S.Taggart/Real Monarchs

The game began quickly with plenty of open spaces at each end.  The first scoring opportunity fell to the Monarchs in the first 90 seconds when Amet Ramirez fired a shot off the post.

In the sixth minute, the Roughnecks threatened when they were awarded a free kick for a foul just outside the penalty area.  Kaleem’s shot caromed off the wall for a corner, and Sammy Ochoa’s header off the cross from Iarfhlaith Davoren was cleared out of danger.

Just a minute later, Ricardo Velazco beat Roughnecks goalkeeper Jake Feener, but his shot rebounded off the crossbar as the woodwork saved TRFC for a second time.

Tulsa used a defensive miscue from the Monarchs to take the lead in the ninth minute.  A failed clearance went straight to Ochoa who one-timed a pass to Mata who slotted a shot past Monarchs keeper Eduardo Fernandez to put the Roughnecks in front 1-0.

For Mata, it was his fourth goal of the season and the tenth of his TRFC career.  The goal ended a stretch of 445 scoreless minutes for the Roughnecks.

Tulsa held the lead for most of the half as Feener made a pair of big saves to keep the Monarchs scoreless, but Velazco finally leveled the match in the 37th minute.  Real’s leading goal scoring was given too much space at the edge of the box, and he blasted a right-footed shot into the upper right corner of the net to tie the game at 1-1.  For Velazco it was his eighth goal of the 2016 campaign.

The Tulsa Roughnecks FC battled the Real Monarchs to a 1-1 draw Saturday evening before a crowd of 3,519 at beautiful Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.  Tulsa’s goal came early in the match, courtesy of Cristian Mata.

The entertaining draw ended a five-match losing streak for the Roughnecks and a three-match winning streak for the Monarchs. 

Match Photos courtesy of S.Taggart/Real Monarchs

The game began quickly with plenty of open spaces at each end.  The first scoring opportunity fell to the Monarchs in the first 90 seconds when Amet Ramirez fired a shot off the post.

In the sixth minute, the Roughnecks threatened when they were awarded a free kick for a foul just outside the penalty area.  Kaleem’s shot caromed off the wall for a corner, and Sammy Ochoa’s header off the cross from Iarfhlaith Davoren was cleared out of danger.

Just a minute later, Ricardo Velazco beat Roughnecks goalkeeper Jake Feener, but his shot rebounded off the crossbar as the woodwork saved TRFC for a second time.

Tulsa used a defensive miscue from the Monarchs to take the lead in the ninth minute.  A failed clearance went straight to Ochoa who one-timed a pass to Mata who slotted a shot past Monarchs keeper Eduardo Fernandez to put the Roughnecks in front 1-0.

For Mata, it was his fourth goal of the season and the tenth of his TRFC career.  The goal ended a stretch of 445 scoreless minutes for the Roughnecks.

Tulsa held the lead for most of the half as Feener made a pair of big saves to keep the Monarchs scoreless, but Velazco finally leveled the match in the 37th minute.  Real’s leading goal scoring was given too much space at the edge of the box, and he blasted a right-footed shot into the upper right corner of the net to tie the game at 1-1.  For Velazco it was his eighth goal of the 2016 campaign.

After the halftime break, it was the Roughnecks who started the most positively, controlling more of the possession in the first 20 minutes of the half.

Ochoa headed over the crossbar on a corner kick in the 49th minute.  Later, David Abidor got free down the wing, and his hard, right-footed shot forced a save from Fernandez.

Tulsa appeared to go back in front in the 61st minute.  Raymond Lee placed a long cross directly into the path of Mata who settled and beat Fernandez for what looked to be his second goal of the night, but the assistant’s flag went up for an offside call.

The chances kept coming as the unlucky Velazco nearly put the Monarchs in front in the 68th minute.  For the second time in the match, his shot bounced off the post to keep the score level.

Mata made a bid for Tulsa to claim the full three points late in the match.  In the first minute of four minutes of stoppage time, he got free for a shot from close range, but his effort went over the bar.

Just moments later, Feener dove to his left to keep a deflected shot from Ramirez out of the goal.

It would be the final effort of the night, as TRFC looked to attack at the other end, the referee blew the final whistle.

The draw came against a Monarchs side that had five starters who are on Real Salt Lake's MLS roster.  It leaves the Roughnecks with 19 points on the season. They will be back in action next Saturday night, September 10, when they travel to Kansas City to face the Swope Park Rangers.

Tulsa will close the season with two straight home matches at ONEOK Field, September 21 against the Rangers and September 24 against Sacramento Republic FC.

After the halftime break, it was the Roughnecks who started the most positively, controlling more of the possession in the first 20 minutes of the half.

Ochoa headed over the crossbar on a corner kick in the 49th minute.  Later, David Abidor got free down the wing, and his hard, right-footed shot forced a save from Fernandez.

Tulsa appeared to go back in front in the 61st minute.  Raymond Lee placed a long cross directly into the path of Mata who settled and beat Fernandez for what looked to be his second goal of the night, but the assistant’s flag went up for an offside call.

The chances kept coming as the unlucky Velazco nearly put the Monarchs in front in the 68th minute.  For the second time in the match, his shot bounced off the post to keep the score level.

Mata made a bid for Tulsa to claim the full three points late in the match.  In the first minute of four minutes of stoppage time, he got free for a shot from close range, but his effort went over the bar.

Just moments later, Feener dove to his left to keep a deflected shot from Ramirez out of the goal.

It would be the final effort of the night, as TRFC looked to attack at the other end, the referee blew the final whistle.

The draw came against a Monarchs side that had five starters who are on Real Salt Lake’s MLS roster.  It leaves the Roughnecks with 19 points on the season. They will be back in action next Saturday night, September 10, when they travel to Kansas City to face the Swope Park Rangers.

Tulsa will close the season with two straight home matches at ONEOK Field, September 21 against the Rangers and September 24 against Sacramento Republic FC.

Roughnecks Face Monarchs In Utah Saturday

MATCH PREVIEW

Real Monarchs vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC

Saturday, September 3
KICKOFF – 8:00PM CDT
Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, UT
WATCH LIVE at Empire Bar – 1516 S. Peoria Avenue

MATCH PREVIEW

Real Monarchs vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC

Saturday, September 3
KICKOFF – 8:00PM CDT
Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, UT
WATCH LIVE at Empire Bar – 1516 S. Peoria Avenue

The Tulsa Roughnecks FC are back on the road this weekend, traveling to the Salt Lake City, Utah area for a matchup with the Real Monarchs, the USL side for Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer.  It will be the second meeting of the season between the two teams.  Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00pm CDT at Rio Tinto Stadium which is also the home of Real Salt Lake.

Iarfhlaith Davoren photo by Rich Crimi

IT’S BEEN AWHILE
The two sides have met once previously this year, back on April 9 at ONEOK Field in what was the third match of the season for both teams.  The Monarchs recorded a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal in the 65th minute from Maikon Orellana against the shorthanded Roughnecks.  Tulsa played the final 30-plus minutes with only 10 players after captain Sammy Ochoa received a straight red card in the 59th minute of play.

LAST YEAR
TRFC and the Monarchs faced off twice last season with the two matches coming only five days apart, late in the season.  On August 8, the two teams battled to a 1-1 draw in Utah before the Roughnecks claimed a 5-1 victory five days later in Tulsa.

ROUGHNECKS FC 
*Tulsa will be looking to snap a five-match losing streak in the outing as well as a four-match goalless streak.  
*The four straight matches without a goal is the longest streak in the two-year history of the TRFC 
  franchise.  The previous longest streak without a goal came earlier this season when the 
  Roughnecks went three matches without scoring. 
*Jake Feener started in goal for Tulsa in its last match, a 1-0 loss to Oklahoma City last Saturday. It 
  was the first appearance for the goalkeeper since June 17. He was credited with two saves in the 
  match.
*The Roughnecks have agreed to an early release for defender Matt Whatley.  Whatley has returned to Wales in hopes of landing a spot this winter on a club.  He made 16 appearances for the Roughnecks this season.

THE MONARCHS
*The Monarchs will enter the contest on a three-match winning streak and on a four-match unbeatenrun.  They have surrendered only one goal during the four games.  
*Real has lost only two times in eight games at Rio Tinto Stadium this season.
*Eleven different players have found the back of the net for the Monarchs this season, but forwards Ricardo Velazco and Orellana have been the big contributors.  Velazco leads the club 
  with seven goals while Orellana is second with five.

THE KITS
The Roughnecks will wear their all orange uniforms for Saturday’s match, while the Monarchs will be in their navy jerseys and white shorts. 

BROADCAST INFORMATION
Radio:  Fans in Tulsa can listen to the match live on AM 1300 with Dave Saunders calling the action.  The pregame show will begin at 7:45PM.
Live Stream: The game will be broadcast on YouTube.com through the USL Match Center.

SOCIAL TAGS
Game-specific hashtag: #SLCvTUL

The Tulsa Roughnecks FC are back on the road this weekend, traveling to the Salt Lake City, Utah area for a matchup with the Real Monarchs, the USL side for Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer.  It will be the second meeting of the season between the two teams.  Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00pm CDT at Rio Tinto Stadium which is also the home of Real Salt Lake.

Iarfhlaith Davoren photo by Rich Crimi

IT’S BEEN AWHILE
The two sides have met once previously this year, back on April 9 at ONEOK Field in what was the third match of the season for both teams.  The Monarchs recorded a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal in the 65th minute from Maikon Orellana against the shorthanded Roughnecks.  Tulsa played the final 30-plus minutes with only 10 players after captain Sammy Ochoa received a straight red card in the 59th minute of play.

LAST YEAR
TRFC and the Monarchs faced off twice last season with the two matches coming only five days apart, late in the season.  On August 8, the two teams battled to a 1-1 draw in Utah before the Roughnecks claimed a 5-1 victory five days later in Tulsa.

ROUGHNECKS FC 
*Tulsa will be looking to snap a five-match losing streak in the outing as well as a four-match goalless streak.  
*The four straight matches without a goal is the longest streak in the two-year history of the TRFC 
  franchise.  The previous longest streak without a goal came earlier this season when the 
  Roughnecks went three matches without scoring. 
*Jake Feener started in goal for Tulsa in its last match, a 1-0 loss to Oklahoma City last Saturday. It 
  was the first appearance for the goalkeeper since June 17. He was credited with two saves in the 
  match.
*The Roughnecks have agreed to an early release for defender Matt Whatley.  Whatley has returned to Wales in hopes of landing a spot this winter on a club.  He made 16 appearances for the Roughnecks this season.

THE MONARCHS
*The Monarchs will enter the contest on a three-match winning streak and on a four-match unbeatenrun.  They have surrendered only one goal during the four games.  
*Real has lost only two times in eight games at Rio Tinto Stadium this season.
*Eleven different players have found the back of the net for the Monarchs this season, but forwards Ricardo Velazco and Orellana have been the big contributors.  Velazco leads the club 
  with seven goals while Orellana is second with five.

THE KITS
The Roughnecks will wear their all orange uniforms for Saturday’s match, while the Monarchs will be in their navy jerseys and white shorts. 

BROADCAST INFORMATION
Radio:  Fans in Tulsa can listen to the match live on AM 1300 with Dave Saunders calling the action.  The pregame show will begin at 7:45PM.
Live Stream: The game will be broadcast on YouTube.com through the USL Match Center.

SOCIAL TAGS
Game-specific hashtag: #SLCvTUL

Late First-Half Goal Costs Roughnecks In Derby Loss

The Tulsa Roughnecks put up a strong fight Saturday night in the final edition of the 2016 Black Gold Derby, but the end result was a 1-0 loss to the Oklahoma City Energy at Taft Stadium.  The lone goal of the match came on a controversial sequence in first-half injury time.

Match Photos courtesy of Lori Scholl

The win allowed the Energy to sweep the season series between the Oklahoma rivals.  The loss for the Roughnecks dropped their season record to 5-17-3.

Tulsa got a strong performance in goal from Jake Feener.  Making his first appearance since June 17, Feener was officially credited with only two saves in the match, but he made a number of outstanding plays in the first 45 minutes of play to deny OKC a first goal.

The first good chance of the match came from the Roughnecks.  In the 16th minute, Bryce Taylor dribbled past a pair of defenders on a run down the left wing, but his rolling shot was saved by Energy goalkeeper Cody Laurendi.

Seconds later at the other end, Feener was called into service for the first time with a diving save to deny Michael Thomas.

Feener was at it again just three minutes later, making another big save to keep the match scoreless. 

In the 30th minute, Fenner benefited from the woodwork as a header from the Energy’s Kalen Ryden caromed off the post.

The Tulsa Roughnecks put up a strong fight Saturday night in the final edition of the 2016 Black Gold Derby, but the end result was a 1-0 loss to the Oklahoma City Energy at Taft Stadium.  The lone goal of the match came on a controversial sequence in first-half injury time.

Match Photos courtesy of Lori Scholl

The win allowed the Energy to sweep the season series between the Oklahoma rivals.  The loss for the Roughnecks dropped their season record to 5-17-3.

Tulsa got a strong performance in goal from Jake Feener.  Making his first appearance since June 17, Feener was officially credited with only two saves in the match, but he made a number of outstanding plays in the first 45 minutes of play to deny OKC a first goal.

The first good chance of the match came from the Roughnecks.  In the 16th minute, Bryce Taylor dribbled past a pair of defenders on a run down the left wing, but his rolling shot was saved by Energy goalkeeper Cody Laurendi.

Seconds later at the other end, Feener was called into service for the first time with a diving save to deny Michael Thomas.

Feener was at it again just three minutes later, making another big save to keep the match scoreless. 

In the 30th minute, Fenner benefited from the woodwork as a header from the Energy’s Kalen Ryden caromed off the post.

The entertaining play continued as the Roughnecks threatened again two minutes later.  Sammy Ochoa was free to head a cross into the goal mouth, but Cyprian Hedrick cleared the danger.

When Feener denied another header off an Energy corner kick in the 41st minute, it looked as if the match would head to the break scoreless.

The entertaining play continued as the Roughnecks threatened again two minutes later.  Sammy Ochoa was free to head a cross into the goal mouth, but Cyprian Hedrick cleared the danger.

When Feener denied another header off an Energy corner kick in the 41st minute, it looked as if the match would head to the break scoreless.

After 2 minutes 15 seconds of an expected 2 minutes of added time, the referee elected to not blow the halftime whistle.  The decision proved costly for the Roughnecks as seconds later a chip over the TRFC backline found a wide open Danni Konig.  Tulsa defenders appealed for an offside call, but the assistant’s flag stayed down.  Konig’s chip shot was cleared off the line by a sliding Devin Morgan, but the clearance went directly to Wojciech Wojcik who converted the easy finish with basically the final kick of the half to give OKC the important 1-0 lead.

The second half continued a frustrating goalless run for the Roughnecks as they failed to find an equalizer.  Kaleem looked a constant threat down the right wing, and Cristian Mata caused concern for the OKC defense when he came on as a substitute in the 76th minute.

In the dying seconds, defender Iarfhlaith Davoren found himself in space just inside the penalty area, but his left-footed blast caromed off a defender.

When the final whistle sounded, it marked the fourth straight match without a goal for Tulsa.

The Roughnecks will look to end that streak when they return to action next Saturday night, September 3, to face the Real Monarchs in Salt Lake City.  The Monarchs defeated TRFC 1-0 at ONEOK Field back on April 9 when Ochoa was given a straight red card in the first half.  Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00pm CDT at Rio Tinto Stadium.

After 2 minutes 15 seconds of an expected 2 minutes of added time, the referee elected to not blow the halftime whistle.  The decision proved costly for the Roughnecks as seconds later a chip over the TRFC backline found a wide open Danni Konig.  Tulsa defenders appealed for an offside call, but the assistant’s flag stayed down.  Konig’s chip shot was cleared off the line by a sliding Devin Morgan, but the clearance went directly to Wojciech Wojcik who converted the easy finish with basically the final kick of the half to give OKC the important 1-0 lead.

The second half continued a frustrating goalless run for the Roughnecks as they failed to find an equalizer.  Kaleem looked a constant threat down the right wing, and Cristian Mata caused concern for the OKC defense when he came on as a substitute in the 76th minute.

In the dying seconds, defender Iarfhlaith Davoren found himself in space just inside the penalty area, but his left-footed blast caromed off a defender.

When the final whistle sounded, it marked the fourth straight match without a goal for Tulsa.

The Roughnecks will look to end that streak when they return to action next Saturday night, September 3, to face the Real Monarchs in Salt Lake City.  The Monarchs defeated TRFC 1-0 at ONEOK Field back on April 9 when Ochoa was given a straight red card in the first half.  Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00pm CDT at Rio Tinto Stadium.

Roughnecks Travel To OKC Saturday

MATCH PREVIEW

OKC Energy vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC

Saturday, August 27

KICKOFF – 8:00PM CDT
Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City, OK

MATCH PREVIEW

OKC Energy vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC

Saturday, August 27

KICKOFF – 8:00PM CDT
Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City, OK

The final edition of the 2016 Black Gold Derby will take place this Saturday, August 27, when the Tulsa Roughnecks travel to Oklahoma City to face the Energy at Taft Stadium.  Kickoff has been changed to 8:00pm, 30 minutes later than what was originally scheduled.

Match Photos from August 20 Black Gold Derby by Lori Scholl

YOU AGAIN?
Saturday’s match will be the second straight meeting between the two teams  Last Saturday, August 20, the Energy scored one goal in each half and recorded a 2-0 victory at Tulsa’s ONEOK Field. 

ROUGHNECKS FC  
  *Tulsa will be looking to snap a four-match losing streak in the outing.  
  *The Roughnecks have been shut out in each of the four defeats.
  *The match will mark the final outing in the month of August for Tulsa.  TRFC will conclude the season 
  with five games during the month of September, including two at ONEOK Field on September 
  21 and September 24.
  *Goalkeeper Jake Feener is expected to once again be available for the match.  Feener was left out of 
  the 18-man squads for the past two games, recovering from concussion-like symptoms.

The final edition of the 2016 Black Gold Derby will take place this Saturday, August 27, when the Tulsa Roughnecks travel to Oklahoma City to face the Energy at Taft Stadium.  Kickoff has been changed to 8:00pm, 30 minutes later than what was originally scheduled.

Match Photos from August 20 Black Gold Derby by Lori Scholl

YOU AGAIN?
Saturday’s match will be the second straight meeting between the two teams  Last Saturday, August 20, the Energy scored one goal in each half and recorded a 2-0 victory at Tulsa’s ONEOK Field. 

ROUGHNECKS FC  
  *Tulsa will be looking to snap a four-match losing streak in the outing.  
  *The Roughnecks have been shut out in each of the four defeats.
  *The match will mark the final outing in the month of August for Tulsa.  TRFC will conclude the season 
  with five games during the month of September, including two at ONEOK Field on September 
  21 and September 24.
  *Goalkeeper Jake Feener is expected to once again be available for the match.  Feener was left out of 
  the 18-man squads for the past two games, recovering from concussion-like symptoms.

ABOUT THE ENERGY
  *Saturday’s derby match will mark the second action of the week for OKC.  On Wednesday, the 
    Energy suffered a 2-0 loss at Colorado Springs.
  *Like the Roughnecks, the Energy have struggled to find the back of the net recently.  They have failed 
  to score a goal in five of their past six matches.
  *OKC goalkeeper Cody Laurendi leads all USL keepers with a 0.60 goals against average.ORANGE IN OKC
The Roughnecks will wear their all orange kits for Saturday’s match.  Oklahoma City will be in its green and white kits. BROADCAST INFORMATION
Radio:  Fans in Tulsa can listen to the match live on AM 1300 with Jeremie Poplin calling the action.  The 
  pregame show will begin at 7:45PM.
Live Stream: The game will be broadcast on YouTube.com through the USL Match Center.

SOCIAL TAGS
Game-specific hashtag: #OKCvTUL

ABOUT THE ENERGY
  *Saturday’s derby match will mark the second action of the week for OKC.  On Wednesday, the 
    Energy suffered a 2-0 loss at Colorado Springs.
  *Like the Roughnecks, the Energy have struggled to find the back of the net recently.  They have failed 
  to score a goal in five of their past six matches.
  *OKC goalkeeper Cody Laurendi leads all USL keepers with a 0.60 goals against average.ORANGE IN OKC
The Roughnecks will wear their all orange kits for Saturday’s match.  Oklahoma City will be in its green and white kits. BROADCAST INFORMATION
Radio:  Fans in Tulsa can listen to the match live on AM 1300 with Jeremie Poplin calling the action.  The 
  pregame show will begin at 7:45PM.
Live Stream: The game will be broadcast on YouTube.com through the USL Match Center.

SOCIAL TAGS
Game-specific hashtag: #OKCvTUL

Roughnecks Beaten In 3rd Round Of Black Gold Derby

Match Recap by John Tranchina

The recent struggles endured by the Tulsa Roughnecks FC continued Saturday night, as the Roughnecks lost 2-0 to the Oklahoma City Energy FC in front of 4,170 at ONEOK Field.  The Energy wrapped up the season series between the two teams with the victory.  There is one match remaining, next Saturday night at OKC’s Taft Stadium, in what supporters have dubbed the Black Gold Derby.

Match Photos by Rich Crimi

“It’s two years in a row, it’s tough to swallow,” TRFC Head Coach David Irving said of dropping the season series to the Energy. “We were in the game, it was just a couple of mistakes, again. It’s the same story, I feel. Things just aren’t going our way at the moment. Credit to our boys, they worked hard, they showed that we have something, but we just couldn’t prevail.”

The win lifted Oklahoma City (9-3-10) into a four-way tie for first place in the USL's Western Conference.

Meanwhile, with just six games remaining, and only two left at home, Tulsa appears sure to miss the playoffs and is seven points out of second-to-last place in the West. It’s clear the toll of a frustrating season is wearing on them.

“No excuses,” Irving said. “It’s hasn’t been the season that we wanted. I’m accountable, I’m responsible, and I hold up my end of that. It’s not what we expected. I think we have better players than last year, but we’re not going to be a better team than last year. It’s just disappointing.”

“It’s not good enough,” added Roughnecks striker Sammy Ochoa, who leads the team and ranks tied for fifth in the USL with 10 goals, although he has just one in the last six outings.

Match Recap by John Tranchina

The recent struggles endured by the Tulsa Roughnecks FC continued Saturday night, as the Roughnecks lost 2-0 to the Oklahoma City Energy FC in front of 4,170 at ONEOK Field.  The Energy wrapped up the season series between the two teams with the victory.  There is one match remaining, next Saturday night at OKC’s Taft Stadium, in what supporters have dubbed the Black Gold Derby.

Match Photos by Rich Crimi

“It’s two years in a row, it’s tough to swallow,” TRFC Head Coach David Irving said of dropping the season series to the Energy. “We were in the game, it was just a couple of mistakes, again. It’s the same story, I feel. Things just aren’t going our way at the moment. Credit to our boys, they worked hard, they showed that we have something, but we just couldn’t prevail.”

The win lifted Oklahoma City (9-3-10) into a four-way tie for first place in the USL’s Western Conference.

Meanwhile, with just six games remaining, and only two left at home, Tulsa appears sure to miss the playoffs and is seven points out of second-to-last place in the West. It’s clear the toll of a frustrating season is wearing on them.

“No excuses,” Irving said. “It’s hasn’t been the season that we wanted. I’m accountable, I’m responsible, and I hold up my end of that. It’s not what we expected. I think we have better players than last year, but we’re not going to be a better team than last year. It’s just disappointing.”

“It’s not good enough,” added Roughnecks striker Sammy Ochoa, who leads the team and ranks tied for fifth in the USL with 10 goals, although he has just one in the last six outings.

“It’s not the first time, it’s been going on the whole season. I don’t know what’s going on – we work hard at practice, we do the right things at practice, and come game time, we don’t execute, we make dumb mistakes. It’s the same story again. We have just got to keep working at it, and hopefully we stop making mistakes and finish the season off strong.”

The Energy took control of the match early, jumping out to a 1-0 lead just seven minutes in, on Timo Pitter’s second goal of the season. After a Tulsa defender deflected an OKC pass into the middle, the ball ricocheted out to Pitter, and he drilled a 28-yard blast into the upper right corner, off the hand of goalkeeper Alex Mangels.

It was the Energy’s first goal in five games, a stretch in which they went 0-1-3, dating back to the last time these teams met, a 3-0 OKC victory on July 23.

Tulsa’s best opportunity in the first half came in the 25th minute, when Henri boomed a 25-yard shot that forced Energy goalkeeper Cody Laurendi, who entered the contest leading the USL with a 0.63 goals-against average, to make a lunging save.

“It’s not the first time, it’s been going on the whole season. I don’t know what’s going on – we work hard at practice, we do the right things at practice, and come game time, we don’t execute, we make dumb mistakes. It’s the same story again. We have just got to keep working at it, and hopefully we stop making mistakes and finish the season off strong.”

The Energy took control of the match early, jumping out to a 1-0 lead just seven minutes in, on Timo Pitter’s second goal of the season. After a Tulsa defender deflected an OKC pass into the middle, the ball ricocheted out to Pitter, and he drilled a 28-yard blast into the upper right corner, off the hand of goalkeeper Alex Mangels.

It was the Energy’s first goal in five games, a stretch in which they went 0-1-3, dating back to the last time these teams met, a 3-0 OKC victory on July 23.

Tulsa’s best opportunity in the first half came in the 25th minute, when Henri boomed a 25-yard shot that forced Energy goalkeeper Cody Laurendi, who entered the contest leading the USL with a 0.63 goals-against average, to make a lunging save.

The Roughnecks had another scoring chance in the 58th minute when Jasson Ramos Carpio drilled a free kick from 30 yards out over the wall, but Laurendi made another nice save. He finished with five stops total to earn his 11th shutout of the year.

Tulsa dodged a bullet in the 62nd minute when an apparent goal by Wojciech Wojcik was waved off by an offside call, but Oklahoma City came right back to seal the victory with a goal two minutes later. Pitter delivered a feed from the right wing to the far side of the penalty area, where Danni Konig leapt up for a header from five yards out that beat Mangels just inside the left post.

“We got away with that (offside call), then two minutes later, (they score),” Irving said. “Usual story. Same as in Colorado (a 1-0 loss on Aug. 11), we give up a penalty, we save it, and two minutes later, we give a goal away.”

The Roughnecks applied considerable pressure over the final 15 minutes or so, searching for a way back into the contest, but they were unable to generate a legitimate scoring chance the rest of the way.

Irving acknowledged he felt bad for disappointing the fans, many of whom were kids that received free soccer balls upon entering the stadium. With the next four matches on the road, TRFC won’t play again at ONEOK Field until Sept. 21 against the Swope Park Rangers.

“It’s a great night to see all these kids out here with the balls, all the players are out here.  We’ve got to keep their chins up and keep going,” Irving said. “We have two (home) games left, and we’re on the road for a month now. No excuses. I’m to blame, the results have gone where they’ve gone, I’m a big boy and I understand that. Our fans are great, we’ve got a great club.  It’s very disappointing.”

The Roughnecks had another scoring chance in the 58th minute when Jasson Ramos Carpio drilled a free kick from 30 yards out over the wall, but Laurendi made another nice save. He finished with five stops total to earn his 11th shutout of the year.

Tulsa dodged a bullet in the 62nd minute when an apparent goal by Wojciech Wojcik was waved off by an offside call, but Oklahoma City came right back to seal the victory with a goal two minutes later. Pitter delivered a feed from the right wing to the far side of the penalty area, where Danni Konig leapt up for a header from five yards out that beat Mangels just inside the left post.

“We got away with that (offside call), then two minutes later, (they score),” Irving said. “Usual story. Same as in Colorado (a 1-0 loss on Aug. 11), we give up a penalty, we save it, and two minutes later, we give a goal away.”

The Roughnecks applied considerable pressure over the final 15 minutes or so, searching for a way back into the contest, but they were unable to generate a legitimate scoring chance the rest of the way.

Irving acknowledged he felt bad for disappointing the fans, many of whom were kids that received free soccer balls upon entering the stadium. With the next four matches on the road, TRFC won’t play again at ONEOK Field until Sept. 21 against the Swope Park Rangers.

“It’s a great night to see all these kids out here with the balls, all the players are out here.  We’ve got to keep their chins up and keep going,” Irving said. “We have two (home) games left, and we’re on the road for a month now. No excuses. I’m to blame, the results have gone where they’ve gone, I’m a big boy and I understand that. Our fans are great, we’ve got a great club.  It’s very disappointing.”

Roughnecks Blanked By Rio Grande Valley

Match Recap by John Tranchina

The second half woes continue for the Tulsa Roughnecks FC. 
 

For the third match in a row, Tulsa played a strong first half, then surrendered game-altering goals within the first 15 minutes of the second half en route to a disappointing loss.

On Thursday night, it was the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros who took advantage, scoring goals in the 52nd and 59th minutes before adding three more in the final 12 to hand the Roughnecks a 5-0 defeat in front of 2,704 at ONEOK Field.

Following a 3-2-1 stretch through July, Tulsa (5-15-3) has sunk a full 12 points back of Arizona United SC for the Western Conference's eighth and final playoff spot with just seven contests remaining.

Isaiah Schafer Photo by Rich Crimi

"We had a couple of good chances in the first half, but it was a tale of two halves," said Roughnecks coach David Irving. "You wouldn't think we were the same team in the second half, and that's been the last three games. Whatever we do, it just doesn't seem to fit. It's disappointing. If you look at the last three games, that we've lost in the first 10-15 minutes of the second half, it's been breakdowns, mental, just not ready. That's unacceptable."

Against Orange County on Aug. 4 at home, Tulsa entered the second half leading 1-0, but surrendered goals in the 48th and 53rd minutes, and wound up losing 2-1.

On Aug. 11, in their previous outing, the Roughnecks were tied 0-0 after 45 minutes with the Western Conference's first-place team, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, but gave up the contest's only goal in the 60th minute, falling 1-0.

Match Recap by John Tranchina

The second half woes continue for the Tulsa Roughnecks FC. 
 

For the third match in a row, Tulsa played a strong first half, then surrendered game-altering goals within the first 15 minutes of the second half en route to a disappointing loss.

On Thursday night, it was the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros who took advantage, scoring goals in the 52nd and 59th minutes before adding three more in the final 12 to hand the Roughnecks a 5-0 defeat in front of 2,704 at ONEOK Field.

Following a 3-2-1 stretch through July, Tulsa (5-15-3) has sunk a full 12 points back of Arizona United SC for the Western Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot with just seven contests remaining.

Isaiah Schafer Photo by Rich Crimi

“We had a couple of good chances in the first half, but it was a tale of two halves,” said Roughnecks coach David Irving. “You wouldn’t think we were the same team in the second half, and that’s been the last three games. Whatever we do, it just doesn’t seem to fit. It’s disappointing. If you look at the last three games, that we’ve lost in the first 10-15 minutes of the second half, it’s been breakdowns, mental, just not ready. That’s unacceptable.”

Against Orange County on Aug. 4 at home, Tulsa entered the second half leading 1-0, but surrendered goals in the 48th and 53rd minutes, and wound up losing 2-1.

On Aug. 11, in their previous outing, the Roughnecks were tied 0-0 after 45 minutes with the Western Conference’s first-place team, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, but gave up the contest’s only goal in the 60th minute, falling 1-0.

And the second half meltdowns, while more pronounced recently, have actually been a year-long phenomenon, as the Roughnecks have been outscored after halftime this season by a 32-11 margin.

Edgar Espinoza photo (left) by Lori Scholl

It's perhaps even more frustrating because coming out better after the break is something the team has been trying to emphasize.

"We try to focus on that right now," said forward Cristian Mata, who had Tulsa's best opportunity, in the 16th minute. "We said the first 15 minutes (after halftime), 'Let's just get through them. The longer we stay in the game, the longer we have a chance of winning the game.' Unfortunately, things didn't go our way. Five is a little too much, that was a tough one to take."

The win extended Rio Grande Valley's unbeaten streak to seven games (3-0-4), a stretch in which it has not allowed a single goal against while scoring 15. The Toros (9-5-9), who moved to within one point of first place in the West with 36 points, have not surrendered a goal in 630 minutes.

It was six minutes after halftime when the game began to turn against the Roughnecks. In an attempt to deny RGV's Ruben Luna a clear breakaway, Tulsa goalkeeper Alex Mangels dove out and took Luna down inside the penalty area, causing the officials to award the Toros a penalty kick.

It was the 52nd minute when Emilio Garcia stepped up to the dot and drilled a low shot inside the left goalpost, just past the diving Mangels.

Alex Mangels photo (right) by Rich Crimi

And the second half meltdowns, while more pronounced recently, have actually been a year-long phenomenon, as the Roughnecks have been outscored after halftime this season by a 32-11 margin.

Edgar Espinoza photo (left) by Lori Scholl

It’s perhaps even more frustrating because coming out better after the break is something the team has been trying to emphasize.

“We try to focus on that right now,” said forward Cristian Mata, who had Tulsa’s best opportunity, in the 16th minute. “We said the first 15 minutes (after halftime), ‘Let’s just get through them. The longer we stay in the game, the longer we have a chance of winning the game.’ Unfortunately, things didn’t go our way. Five is a little too much, that was a tough one to take.”

The win extended Rio Grande Valley’s unbeaten streak to seven games (3-0-4), a stretch in which it has not allowed a single goal against while scoring 15. The Toros (9-5-9), who moved to within one point of first place in the West with 36 points, have not surrendered a goal in 630 minutes.

It was six minutes after halftime when the game began to turn against the Roughnecks. In an attempt to deny RGV’s Ruben Luna a clear breakaway, Tulsa goalkeeper Alex Mangels dove out and took Luna down inside the penalty area, causing the officials to award the Toros a penalty kick.

It was the 52nd minute when Emilio Garcia stepped up to the dot and drilled a low shot inside the left goalpost, just past the diving Mangels.

Alex Mangels photo (right) by Rich Crimi

Seven minutes later, it was 2-0. Rob Lovejoy fed a pass from the left wing across the goalmouth to Luna about 3 yards out off the right post, and Mangels made a nice sliding stop. The rebound bounced right back to Luna, though, and he chipped it past the flailing Mangels, just inside the post.

Pushing to get back into the game, Tulsa had its best opportunity of the second half in the 76th minute, when Jasson Ramos Carpio curled a free kick from 20 yards out towards the lower left side of the net, but Rio Grande Valley goalkeeper Calle Brown made a nice diving save.

Things really started to unravel after that, as Dzenan Catic scored just two minutes later to push the deficit to 3-0. Mangels came out about 10 yards to punch away a pass attempt, but the ball popped high in the air and landed on the foot of RGV's Jose Memo Rodriguez about 10 feet away. Rodriguez fired a point-blank shot at the empty net, but Tulsa defender Devin Morgan stepped in front and blocked it off the goal line. Unfortunately, the ball ricocheted right out to Catic, who drilled a 12-yard shot into the open right side of the net.

"With the penalty, within 10-15 minutes, we're 2-nil down again," Irving said. "Then we try to change it, we're chasing the game a little bit, and the team that scores the next goal is usually going to win it. If we had got one and got it to 2-1… But they get it and the game's over."

Irving acknowledged that Mangels had a difficult night at the office. Despite allowing five goals, though, the 23-year-old rookie out of the University of California-Berkeley still made six saves, increasing his USL-leading total to 91 on the season.

"Alex didn't play very well tonight," Irving said. "It wasn't his best performance. He's young and he's got to learn, but that's really disappointing."

The Toros made it 4-0 in the 82nd minute on Eric Bird's fifth goal of the season. Morgan's clearing attempt, a header from about 10 yards out, lofted up in the air to Bird, who volleyed it home from about 20 yards out.

Catic collected his second of the night and fourth of the year four minutes later, intercepting Morgan's pass back to Mangels, and chipping in a sharp angle shot from about 3 yards out on the right side.

Early on, RGV controlled the ball for much of the first 10-12 minutes, but it was the Roughnecks who generated the match's first legitimate scoring chance in the 16th minute. After receiving a quick feed from Sammy Ochoa, Mata cut into the middle and boomed an 8-yard shot, but Brown slid out and made a sparkling save.

Tulsa gained some momentum from that and applied significant pressure for most of the next 20-plus minutes.

Rio Grande Valley nearly took the lead in the 44th minute when Lovejoy sliced through several defenders into the middle and fired an 18-yard blast that appeared headed for the upper right corner before Mangels made a lunging stop.

"Unfortunately, the team didn't come out the same way as we did in the first half," Mata said. "I had a good one in the first half and that could have changed it. Unlucky I didn't get it."

The Roughnecks don't have a lot of time to feel despondent, though, because rival Oklahoma City Energy FC will be visiting ONEOK Field on Saturday night in the third installment of the Black Gold Derby, a game which will feature special edition Roughneck soccer balls handed out to the first 1,000 fans.

OKC has won the first two matches (of four total) between the clubs, so Tulsa needs a win to have a shot at earning the big wrench trophy. The Energy (8-3-10) sit sixth in the Western Conference, but just three points back of first place.

"We got to dust ourselves off pretty quick and get ready for OKC on Saturday night," Irving said. "We've got seven games to go, we're playing for pride, and the (Derby) at the minute. We'll never say die, but I know the boys are disappointed because we were in that game and the second half… It's very disappointing.

"We'll lick our wounds a little bit, but we need some better performances from individuals. We've got to keep battling. It's been a long season, we've just got to keep going. I feel bad for our fans, they support us and I know that we disappoint them. It's not good enough, that's the bottom line."

Seven minutes later, it was 2-0. Rob Lovejoy fed a pass from the left wing across the goalmouth to Luna about 3 yards out off the right post, and Mangels made a nice sliding stop. The rebound bounced right back to Luna, though, and he chipped it past the flailing Mangels, just inside the post.

Pushing to get back into the game, Tulsa had its best opportunity of the second half in the 76th minute, when Jasson Ramos Carpio curled a free kick from 20 yards out towards the lower left side of the net, but Rio Grande Valley goalkeeper Calle Brown made a nice diving save.

Things really started to unravel after that, as Dzenan Catic scored just two minutes later to push the deficit to 3-0. Mangels came out about 10 yards to punch away a pass attempt, but the ball popped high in the air and landed on the foot of RGV’s Jose Memo Rodriguez about 10 feet away. Rodriguez fired a point-blank shot at the empty net, but Tulsa defender Devin Morgan stepped in front and blocked it off the goal line. Unfortunately, the ball ricocheted right out to Catic, who drilled a 12-yard shot into the open right side of the net.

“With the penalty, within 10-15 minutes, we’re 2-nil down again,” Irving said. “Then we try to change it, we’re chasing the game a little bit, and the team that scores the next goal is usually going to win it. If we had got one and got it to 2-1… But they get it and the game’s over.”

Irving acknowledged that Mangels had a difficult night at the office. Despite allowing five goals, though, the 23-year-old rookie out of the University of California-Berkeley still made six saves, increasing his USL-leading total to 91 on the season.

“Alex didn’t play very well tonight,” Irving said. “It wasn’t his best performance. He’s young and he’s got to learn, but that’s really disappointing.”

The Toros made it 4-0 in the 82nd minute on Eric Bird’s fifth goal of the season. Morgan’s clearing attempt, a header from about 10 yards out, lofted up in the air to Bird, who volleyed it home from about 20 yards out.

Catic collected his second of the night and fourth of the year four minutes later, intercepting Morgan’s pass back to Mangels, and chipping in a sharp angle shot from about 3 yards out on the right side.

Early on, RGV controlled the ball for much of the first 10-12 minutes, but it was the Roughnecks who generated the match’s first legitimate scoring chance in the 16th minute. After receiving a quick feed from Sammy Ochoa, Mata cut into the middle and boomed an 8-yard shot, but Brown slid out and made a sparkling save.

Tulsa gained some momentum from that and applied significant pressure for most of the next 20-plus minutes.

Rio Grande Valley nearly took the lead in the 44th minute when Lovejoy sliced through several defenders into the middle and fired an 18-yard blast that appeared headed for the upper right corner before Mangels made a lunging stop.

“Unfortunately, the team didn’t come out the same way as we did in the first half,” Mata said. “I had a good one in the first half and that could have changed it. Unlucky I didn’t get it.”

The Roughnecks don’t have a lot of time to feel despondent, though, because rival Oklahoma City Energy FC will be visiting ONEOK Field on Saturday night in the third installment of the Black Gold Derby, a game which will feature special edition Roughneck soccer balls handed out to the first 1,000 fans.

OKC has won the first two matches (of four total) between the clubs, so Tulsa needs a win to have a shot at earning the big wrench trophy. The Energy (8-3-10) sit sixth in the Western Conference, but just three points back of first place.

“We got to dust ourselves off pretty quick and get ready for OKC on Saturday night,” Irving said. “We’ve got seven games to go, we’re playing for pride, and the (Derby) at the minute. We’ll never say die, but I know the boys are disappointed because we were in that game and the second half… It’s very disappointing.

“We’ll lick our wounds a little bit, but we need some better performances from individuals. We’ve got to keep battling. It’s been a long season, we’ve just got to keep going. I feel bad for our fans, they support us and I know that we disappoint them. It’s not good enough, that’s the bottom line.”

Roughnecks Soccer Balls, OBI Blood Drive Highlight Saturday's Derby Match

Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs. Oklahoma City Energy
Saturday, August 20 – 7:30PM CDT
SOCCER BALL GIVEAWAY / POST-GAME AUTOGRAPHS

Tulsa Roughnecks FC play their second match in three days when the third round of Oklahoma’s Black Gold

Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs. Oklahoma City Energy
Saturday, August 20 – 7:30PM CDT
SOCCER BALL GIVEAWAY / POST-GAME AUTOGRAPHS

Tulsa Roughnecks FC play their second match in three days when the third round of Oklahoma’s Black Gold

SATURDAY’S MATCH PROMOTION

Saturday’s match will feature special edition Roughnecks Soccer Balls for the first 1,000 fans, courtesy of Vatterott College, News On 6 and The Buzz Network.  The full-size soccer balls are great for autographs and the Roughnecks players will be signing after the match.  Fans will need to enter the stadium through either the Oil Derrick or Arvest Entrances to receive the soccer balls.

OBI BLOOD DRIVE
Fans are encouraged to stop by the stadium early on Saturday to participate in the Oklahoma Blood Institute Blood Drive.  OBI will have their mobile units on-site at ONEOK Field from 1:30-6:30pm for fans to donate blood.  All donors will receive two tickets to the match that night, two tickets to the Tulsa Zoo and a Tulsa Zoo T-Shirt.  In addition, all donors will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the use of a field-level suite for the match.

Match Photo by Rich Crimi

OKC ENERGY
*OKC will enter the match with only one defeat in its last 11 outings.  Recently, the Energy are winless in their past four matches, but have gained three draws despite not scoring a goal in any of the four contests.
*Energy goalkeeper Cody Laurendi, who played for Austin last season, has a case for the USL Most Valuable Player Award.  Laurendi leads all league keepers with a 0.63 goals against average.  He has logged 10 shutouts in 19 appearances this season.
*Last season, strike Danni Konig was the offense for the Energy, accounting for 48% of the team’s goals (21 of 44).  This year, the scoring is much more balanced with no OKC player with more than three goals.  Coy Craft, Michael Thomas and Wojciech Wojcik have all found the back of the net three times this season.

TRFC
*The Roughnecks come into Saturday’s match having dropped a 5-0 decision to Rio Grande Valley Thursday night.  All five goals came after the halftime break.  
*Tulsa will look to get captain Sammy Ochoa involved.  Ochoa has only one goal in the past four matches.  For the season, he is fifth in the USL with 10 total goals.
*David Abidor is the only Roughnecks player to appear in all 23 matches this season.  Abidor leads the team with 1,795 minutes played.
*Goalkeeper Hunter Harrison has yet to appear in match this year, but he was an unused substitute in Thursday’s loss.  He replaced Jake Feener who was injured during training this week.

IN ORANGE
The Roughnecks will be in their traditional orange kits for the match, while the Energy will be in their traveling blue tops.

BLACK GOLD CHARITY AUCTION SHOWDOWN
In celebration of the Black Gold Derby, the Tulsa Roughnecks FC and OKC Energy FC will be hosting a Roughnecks v. Energy Auction Showdown over the next two matches scheduled between the two sides.  The matches are on August 20 in Tulsa and August 27 in Oklahoma City. The auction will give fans of both teams a chance to bid on exclusive autographed items (team signed ball and team signed home jersey) and a golf experience with two players from their respective teams.

The auction showdown will challenge fans of both teams to raise the most monies for the three items offered by their team.  The team whose items raise the most money will take home all monies raised during the auction showdown.

Should the Roughnecks win all monies raised by both teams, the funds will benefit the ’83 United Independent Supporters Association. ’83 United will use the monies to ‘Flip the Pitch’ as they have partnered with the local YWCA to convert old unused baseball fields owned by the YWCA into newly refurbished soccer fields.

Should the Energy win all monies raised by both teams, the funds will benefit the OKC Sidekicks program. The program is a partnership between the Energy and Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes to provide support, mentoring and friendship to the Special Olympics athletes. This program offers Special Olympic Oklahoma athletes the chance to sign with the Energy for one year.

The auction will be run through the DASH app that fans of both teams will need to download and register on in order to be eligible for the auction. The auction showdown will kick off on Tuesday, August 16 at 9am.

DASH iOS 

DASH Android

MARCH TO THE MATCH
At 7:15pm, fans are invited to participate in the March to the Match led by the Roustabouts.  The March will begin at the Oil Derrick Entrance and conclude at The Rig, the seating section of the Roustabouts. 

AFTER PARTIES AT LEFTY’S
After the match, fans are invited to join the players and coaches for the After Match Party at Lefty’s on Greenwood, located across the street from ONEOK Field.  The party is open to fans of all ages.

TICKETS 
Tickets for the match are available online at TulsaRoughnecksFC.com, over the telephone at (918)744-5901 or in-person at the ONEOK Field Ticket Office. 

THE BROADCAST
Fans in Tulsa can listen to the match live on AM 1300 with Jeremie Poplin and David Saunders calling the action.  The pregame show will begin at 6:45PM.
The match will also be shown live online through the USL Match Center on YouTube.

SATURDAY’S MATCH PROMOTION

Saturday’s match will feature special edition Roughnecks Soccer Balls for the first 1,000 fans, courtesy of Vatterott College, News On 6 and The Buzz Network.  The full-size soccer balls are great for autographs and the Roughnecks players will be signing after the match.  Fans will need to enter the stadium through either the Oil Derrick or Arvest Entrances to receive the soccer balls.

OBI BLOOD DRIVE
Fans are encouraged to stop by the stadium early on Saturday to participate in the Oklahoma Blood Institute Blood Drive.  OBI will have their mobile units on-site at ONEOK Field from 1:30-6:30pm for fans to donate blood.  All donors will receive two tickets to the match that night, two tickets to the Tulsa Zoo and a Tulsa Zoo T-Shirt.  In addition, all donors will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the use of a field-level suite for the match.

Match Photo by Rich Crimi

OKC ENERGY
*OKC will enter the match with only one defeat in its last 11 outings.  Recently, the Energy are winless in their past four matches, but have gained three draws despite not scoring a goal in any of the four contests.
*Energy goalkeeper Cody Laurendi, who played for Austin last season, has a case for the USL Most Valuable Player Award.  Laurendi leads all league keepers with a 0.63 goals against average.  He has logged 10 shutouts in 19 appearances this season.
*Last season, strike Danni Konig was the offense for the Energy, accounting for 48% of the team’s goals (21 of 44).  This year, the scoring is much more balanced with no OKC player with more than three goals.  Coy Craft, Michael Thomas and Wojciech Wojcik have all found the back of the net three times this season.

TRFC
*The Roughnecks come into Saturday’s match having dropped a 5-0 decision to Rio Grande Valley Thursday night.  All five goals came after the halftime break.  
*Tulsa will look to get captain Sammy Ochoa involved.  Ochoa has only one goal in the past four matches.  For the season, he is fifth in the USL with 10 total goals.
*David Abidor is the only Roughnecks player to appear in all 23 matches this season.  Abidor leads the team with 1,795 minutes played.
*Goalkeeper Hunter Harrison has yet to appear in match this year, but he was an unused substitute in Thursday’s loss.  He replaced Jake Feener who was injured during training this week.

IN ORANGE
The Roughnecks will be in their traditional orange kits for the match, while the Energy will be in their traveling blue tops.

BLACK GOLD CHARITY AUCTION SHOWDOWN
In celebration of the Black Gold Derby, the Tulsa Roughnecks FC and OKC Energy FC will be hosting a Roughnecks v. Energy Auction Showdown over the next two matches scheduled between the two sides.  The matches are on August 20 in Tulsa and August 27 in Oklahoma City. The auction will give fans of both teams a chance to bid on exclusive autographed items (team signed ball and team signed home jersey) and a golf experience with two players from their respective teams.

The auction showdown will challenge fans of both teams to raise the most monies for the three items offered by their team.  The team whose items raise the most money will take home all monies raised during the auction showdown.

Should the Roughnecks win all monies raised by both teams, the funds will benefit the ’83 United Independent Supporters Association. ’83 United will use the monies to ‘Flip the Pitch’ as they have partnered with the local YWCA to convert old unused baseball fields owned by the YWCA into newly refurbished soccer fields.

Should the Energy win all monies raised by both teams, the funds will benefit the OKC Sidekicks program. The program is a partnership between the Energy and Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes to provide support, mentoring and friendship to the Special Olympics athletes. This program offers Special Olympic Oklahoma athletes the chance to sign with the Energy for one year.

The auction will be run through the DASH app that fans of both teams will need to download and register on in order to be eligible for the auction. The auction showdown will kick off on Tuesday, August 16 at 9am.

DASH iOS 

DASH Android

MARCH TO THE MATCH
At 7:15pm, fans are invited to participate in the March to the Match led by the Roustabouts.  The March will begin at the Oil Derrick Entrance and conclude at The Rig, the seating section of the Roustabouts. 

AFTER PARTIES AT LEFTY’S
After the match, fans are invited to join the players and coaches for the After Match Party at Lefty’s on Greenwood, located across the street from ONEOK Field.  The party is open to fans of all ages.

TICKETS 
Tickets for the match are available online at TulsaRoughnecksFC.com, over the telephone at (918)744-5901 or in-person at the ONEOK Field Ticket Office. 

THE BROADCAST
Fans in Tulsa can listen to the match live on AM 1300 with Jeremie Poplin and David Saunders calling the action.  The pregame show will begin at 6:45PM.
The match will also be shown live online through the USL Match Center on YouTube.

Roughnecks In Action Thursday & Saturday At ONEOK Field

MATCH PREVIEWS

Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs. Rio Grande Valley Toros
Thursday, August 18 – 7:30PM CDT
THIRSTY THURSDAY / YOUTH SOCCER PLAYER NIGHT


Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs. Oklahoma City Energy
Saturday, August 20 – 7:30PM CDT
SOCCER BALL GIVEAWAY / POST-GAME AUTOGRAPHS / OBI BLOOD DRIVE

MATCH PREVIEWS

Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs. Rio Grande Valley Toros
Thursday, August 18 – 7:30PM CDT
THIRSTY THURSDAY / YOUTH SOCCER PLAYER NIGHT


Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs. Oklahoma City Energy
Saturday, August 20 – 7:30PM CDT
SOCCER BALL GIVEAWAY / POST-GAME AUTOGRAPHS / OBI BLOOD DRIVE

Tulsa Roughnecks FC will host a pair of matches at ONEOK this week.  TRFC will play the Rio Grande Valley Toros on Thursday, August 18 before hosting the next edition of the Black Gold Derby when the Oklahoma City Energy visit on Saturday, August 20.
Kickoff for both matches is scheduled for 7:30pm.

THURSDAY’S MATCH PROMOTION
Thursday’s game will be a Thirsty Thursday with $2 beers throughout the match.
YOUTH SOCCER PLAYER NIGHT
All youth soccer players who wear their team's jersey to the match can purchase any ticket for only $5 each.
Thursday's match is presented by Tulsa's Channel 8 and The Tulsa Voice.

SATURDAY’S MATCH PROMOTION
Saturday’s match will feature special edition Roughnecks Soccer Balls for the first 1,000 fans, courtesy of Vatterott College, News On 6 and The Buzz Network.  The full-size soccer balls are great for autographs and the Roughnecks players will be signing after the match.  Fans will need to enter the stadium through either the Oil Derrick or Arvest Entrances to receive the soccer balls.

OBI BLOOD DRIVE
Fans are encouraged to stop by the stadium early on Saturday to participate in the Oklahoma Blood Institute Blood Drive.  OBI will have their mobile units on-site at ONEOK Field from 1:30-6:30pm for fans to donate blood.  All donors will receive two tickets to the match that night, two tickets to the Tulsa Zoo and a Tulsa Zoo T-Shirt.  In addition, all donors will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the use of a field-level suite for the match.

RGV TOROS
Thursday’s meeting will mark the third matchup this season between Rio Grande Valley and the Roughnecks.  In the first-ever match for the Toros franchise, Tulsa recorded a 2-0 victory at ONEOK Field on March 26.  The two teams played to a 0-0 draw in south Texas on July 10.
Rio Grande will bring a six-match unbeaten streak into the contest, posting two wins and four draws in its past six outings. 

Tulsa Roughnecks FC will host a pair of matches at ONEOK this week.  TRFC will play the Rio Grande Valley Toros on Thursday, August 18 before hosting the next edition of the Black Gold Derby when the Oklahoma City Energy visit on Saturday, August 20.
Kickoff for both matches is scheduled for 7:30pm.

THURSDAY’S MATCH PROMOTION
Thursday’s game will be a Thirsty Thursday with $2 beers throughout the match.
YOUTH SOCCER PLAYER NIGHT
All youth soccer players who wear their team’s jersey to the match can purchase any ticket for only $5 each.
Thursday’s match is presented by Tulsa’s Channel 8 and The Tulsa Voice.

SATURDAY’S MATCH PROMOTION
Saturday’s match will feature special edition Roughnecks Soccer Balls for the first 1,000 fans, courtesy of Vatterott College, News On 6 and The Buzz Network.  The full-size soccer balls are great for autographs and the Roughnecks players will be signing after the match.  Fans will need to enter the stadium through either the Oil Derrick or Arvest Entrances to receive the soccer balls.

OBI BLOOD DRIVE
Fans are encouraged to stop by the stadium early on Saturday to participate in the Oklahoma Blood Institute Blood Drive.  OBI will have their mobile units on-site at ONEOK Field from 1:30-6:30pm for fans to donate blood.  All donors will receive two tickets to the match that night, two tickets to the Tulsa Zoo and a Tulsa Zoo T-Shirt.  In addition, all donors will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the use of a field-level suite for the match.

RGV TOROS
Thursday’s meeting will mark the third matchup this season between Rio Grande Valley and the Roughnecks.  In the first-ever match for the Toros franchise, Tulsa recorded a 2-0 victory at ONEOK Field on March 26.  The two teams played to a 0-0 draw in south Texas on July 10.
Rio Grande will bring a six-match unbeaten streak into the contest, posting two wins and four draws in its past six outings. 

OKC ENERGY
It will be the third of four meetings in the Black Gold Derby this year with the Energy claiming a pair of victories in the first two games.  Since posting a 3-0 home win over TRFC on July 23, the Energy has not scored in its past four matches, recording three 0-0 draws and dropping a 1-0 decision at home to Sacramento.

RECENT FORM
The Roughnecks fell 1-0 at first-place Colorado Springs in their last outing on August 11.  Tulsa has collected two wins in it last five matches, with both victories coming at ONEOK Field, 2-0 over Saint Louis and 3-2 over Arizona.  

FULL STRENGTH
Head Coach David Irving is expected to have his full squad available for Thursday’s match with no reported injuries and no suspensions.

IN ORANGE
The Roughnecks will wear their orange kits for both matches this week.

THE NUMBERS
TRFC captain Sammy Ochoa is currently tied for fifth in USL with 10 goals this season.  His 5 assists this campaign is tied for fourth-most in USL.
Goalkeeper Alex Mangels continues to top all league keepers with 85 saves this season and with an .825 save percentage.

BLACK GOLD CHARITY AUCTION SHOWDOWN
In celebration of the Black Gold Derby, the Tulsa Roughnecks FC and OKC Energy FC will be hosting a Roughnecks v. Energy Auction Showdown over the next two matches scheduled between the two sides.  The matches are on August 20 in Tulsa and August 27 in Oklahoma City. The auction will give fans of both teams a chance to bid on exclusive autographed items (team signed ball and team signed home jersey) and a golf experience with two players from their respective teams.

The auction showdown will challenge fans of both teams to raise the most monies for the three items offered by their team. The team whose items raise the most money will take home all monies raised during the auction showdown.

Should the Roughnecks win all monies raised by both teams, the funds will benefit the ’83 United Independent Supporters Association. ’83 United will use the monies to ‘Flip the Pitch’ as they have partnered with the local YWCA to convert old unused baseball fields owned by the YWCA into newly refurbished soccer fields.

Should the Energy win all monies raised by both teams, the funds will benefit the OKC Sidekicks program. The program is a partnership between the Energy and Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes to provide support, mentoring and friendship to the Special Olympics athletes. This program offers Special Olympic Oklahoma athletes the chance to sign with the Energy for one year.

The auction will be run through the DASH app that fans of both teams will need to download and register on in order to be eligible for the auction. The auction showdown will kick off on Tuesday, August 16 at 9am.

OKC ENERGY
It will be the third of four meetings in the Black Gold Derby this year with the Energy claiming a pair of victories in the first two games.  Since posting a 3-0 home win over TRFC on July 23, the Energy has not scored in its past four matches, recording three 0-0 draws and dropping a 1-0 decision at home to Sacramento.

RECENT FORM
The Roughnecks fell 1-0 at first-place Colorado Springs in their last outing on August 11.  Tulsa has collected two wins in it last five matches, with both victories coming at ONEOK Field, 2-0 over Saint Louis and 3-2 over Arizona.  

FULL STRENGTH
Head Coach David Irving is expected to have his full squad available for Thursday’s match with no reported injuries and no suspensions.

IN ORANGE
The Roughnecks will wear their orange kits for both matches this week.

THE NUMBERS
TRFC captain Sammy Ochoa is currently tied for fifth in USL with 10 goals this season.  His 5 assists this campaign is tied for fourth-most in USL.
Goalkeeper Alex Mangels continues to top all league keepers with 85 saves this season and with an .825 save percentage.

BLACK GOLD CHARITY AUCTION SHOWDOWN
In celebration of the Black Gold Derby, the Tulsa Roughnecks FC and OKC Energy FC will be hosting a Roughnecks v. Energy Auction Showdown over the next two matches scheduled between the two sides.  The matches are on August 20 in Tulsa and August 27 in Oklahoma City. The auction will give fans of both teams a chance to bid on exclusive autographed items (team signed ball and team signed home jersey) and a golf experience with two players from their respective teams.

The auction showdown will challenge fans of both teams to raise the most monies for the three items offered by their team. The team whose items raise the most money will take home all monies raised during the auction showdown.

Should the Roughnecks win all monies raised by both teams, the funds will benefit the ’83 United Independent Supporters Association. ’83 United will use the monies to ‘Flip the Pitch’ as they have partnered with the local YWCA to convert old unused baseball fields owned by the YWCA into newly refurbished soccer fields.

Should the Energy win all monies raised by both teams, the funds will benefit the OKC Sidekicks program. The program is a partnership between the Energy and Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes to provide support, mentoring and friendship to the Special Olympics athletes. This program offers Special Olympic Oklahoma athletes the chance to sign with the Energy for one year.

The auction will be run through the DASH app that fans of both teams will need to download and register on in order to be eligible for the auction. The auction showdown will kick off on Tuesday, August 16 at 9am.

DASH iOS

DASH Android

MARCH TO THE MATCHES
At 7:15pm on both nights, all fans are invited to participate in the March to the Matches that will be led by the Roustabouts and La Union 918.  The Marches will begin at the Oil Derrick Entrance and conclude at The Rig, the seating section of the Roustabouts. 

AFTER PARTY AT LEFTY’S
After Thursday and Saturday’s matches, players and coaches will attend the After Match Parties at Lefty’s on Greenwood, located across the street from ONEOK Field.  The parties are open to fans of all ages.

TICKETS 
Tickets for both matches are available online at TulsaRoughnecksFC.com, over the telephone at (918)744-5901 or in-person at the ONEOK Field Ticket Office. 

THE BROADCASTS
Fans in Tulsa can listen to the matches live on AM 1300 with Jeremie Poplin and David Saunders calling the action.  The pregame show will begin at 6:45PM.
The matches will also be shown live online through the USL Match Center on YouTube.

DASH iOS

DASH Android

MARCH TO THE MATCHES
At 7:15pm on both nights, all fans are invited to participate in the March to the Matches that will be led by the Roustabouts and La Union 918.  The Marches will begin at the Oil Derrick Entrance and conclude at The Rig, the seating section of the Roustabouts. 

AFTER PARTY AT LEFTY’S
After Thursday and Saturday’s matches, players and coaches will attend the After Match Parties at Lefty’s on Greenwood, located across the street from ONEOK Field.  The parties are open to fans of all ages.

TICKETS 
Tickets for both matches are available online at TulsaRoughnecksFC.com, over the telephone at (918)744-5901 or in-person at the ONEOK Field Ticket Office. 

THE BROADCASTS
Fans in Tulsa can listen to the matches live on AM 1300 with Jeremie Poplin and David Saunders calling the action.  The pregame show will begin at 6:45PM.
The matches will also be shown live online through the USL Match Center on YouTube.

Roughnecks V. Energy Auction Showdown

In celebration of the Black Gold Derby, the Tulsa Roughnecks FC and OKC Energy FC will be hosting a Roughnecks v. Energy Auction Showdown over the next two matches between the sides scheduled for August 20 in Tulsa and August 27 in Oklahoma City. The auction will give fans of both teams a chance to bid on exclusive autographed items (team signed ball and team signed home jersey) and a golf experience with two players from their respective team.

The auction showdown will challenge fans of both teams to raise the most monies for the three items offered by their team! The team whose items raise the most money will take home all monies raised during the auction showdown.

Should the Energy FC win, all monies raised by both teams will benefit the Energy Sidekicks program.  The Energy Sidekicks program is a unique partnership between Energy FC and athletes from Special Olympics Oklahoma, Autism Oklahoma and TopSoccer.  Each Energy FC player is paired with a young athlete with disabilities for several events over the course of the season – bringing the athletes, their families and players together to create lasting memories and friendships

Should the Roughnecks win all monies raised by both teams will benefit the ’83 United Independent Supporters Association. ’83 United will use the monies to ‘Flip the Pitch’ as they have partnered with the local YWCA to convert old unused baseball fields owned by YWCA into newly refurbished soccer fields with bleachers, goals, nets and lines.

The auction will be run through the DASH app that fans of both teams will need to download and register through to be eligible for the auction. The auction showdown will kick off on Tuesday, August 16 at 9am.

Download the DASH App Today

DASH iOS | DASH Android

In celebration of the Black Gold Derby, the Tulsa Roughnecks FC and OKC Energy FC will be hosting a Roughnecks v. Energy Auction Showdown over the next two matches between the sides scheduled for August 20 in Tulsa and August 27 in Oklahoma City. The auction will give fans of both teams a chance to bid on exclusive autographed items (team signed ball and team signed home jersey) and a golf experience with two players from their respective team.

The auction showdown will challenge fans of both teams to raise the most monies for the three items offered by their team! The team whose items raise the most money will take home all monies raised during the auction showdown.

Should the Energy FC win, all monies raised by both teams will benefit the Energy Sidekicks program.  The Energy Sidekicks program is a unique partnership between Energy FC and athletes from Special Olympics Oklahoma, Autism Oklahoma and TopSoccer.  Each Energy FC player is paired with a young athlete with disabilities for several events over the course of the season – bringing the athletes, their families and players together to create lasting memories and friendships

Should the Roughnecks win all monies raised by both teams will benefit the ’83 United Independent Supporters Association. ’83 United will use the monies to ‘Flip the Pitch’ as they have partnered with the local YWCA to convert old unused baseball fields owned by YWCA into newly refurbished soccer fields with bleachers, goals, nets and lines.

The auction will be run through the DASH app that fans of both teams will need to download and register through to be eligible for the auction. The auction showdown will kick off on Tuesday, August 16 at 9am.

Download the DASH App Today

DASH iOS | DASH Android

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