June 14, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – FC Tulsa News Release
Wednesday, June 15 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Match Notes Attached
MSU Soccer Park – Montclair, N.J.
USL Championship – Week 15
TULSA – Coming off a bye week after two of its finest defensive performances of the season, FC Tulsa is now set on getting back into the win column in a midweek road match at New York Red Bulls II. On Wednesday night, FC Tulsa will make its first-ever trip to MSU Soccer Park in Montclair, New Jersey with three points and a three-match unbeaten streak with a victory at stake.
To refresh the memory following 11 days off, the FC Tulsa defense and goalkeeper Austin Wormell starred in back-to-back home matches to kick off June as the team allowed one total goal and drew playoff contenders Tampa Bay Rowdies (1-1 on June 1) and Miami FC (0-0 on June 4). For his efforts, Wormell earned a spot on the USL Championship’s Team of the Week, despite playing in his first league matches all season.
While both matches resulted in a single point in the standings, it would be an understatement to say that the results were much needed. The matches marked just the second and third time since March 23 that FC Tulsa allowed one or fewer goals in a match, and the first time since the season’s opening three matches that it happened consecutively. Putting it in more perspective, FC Tulsa had allowed 26 goals over its previous nine matches before the two June home matches against Florida teams.
At the forefront of the recent defensive renaissance was head coach Michael Nsien’s shift to a 3-4-3 formation, putting more defenders in front of the goal to limit opponents’ opportunities. When the ball did get through the back, Wormell, the Tulsa native, was up to the task, saving 10 of 11 shots on target over the 180 minutes.
Not only would a Wednesday win over the Baby Bulls continue that momentum, but could also help change the narrative of FC Tulsa’s season with over half of the campaign left to play.
SCOUTING NYRBII
It’s never easy facing off against an MLS 2 team, especially on the road. While New York Red Bulls II’s record of 1W-11L-2D leaves something to be desired, the Baby Bulls did just earn a 2-2 home draw against Western Conference power San Diego Loyal SC on June 2. Having the ability to send down MLS players to its USL Championship club could prove a difference maker, as FC Tulsa found out all too well last season in road defeats against Atlanta United 2 and Sporting KC 2.
Red Bulls…