December 1, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – FC Tulsa News Release
TULSA – For the past three seasons, veteran midfielder Eric Bird has served as a leader, defensive stalwart, and link-up extraordinaire for FC Tulsa. Tulsa fans will have the pleasure of watching Bird in black once again in 2023 as the 29-year-old has inked a new deal with FC Tulsa ahead of the new campaign.
Bird is coming off a terrific season in which he appeared in 32 of the club’s 34 matches with a jaw-dropping goal at Detroit City FC on September 5 and three assists, tying his previous single-season high mark set in 2017. Defensively, the Virginia-born pivot man finished top-three among FC Tulsa players in interceptions, tackles attempted, and tackles won in 2022.
“Eric understands what Tulsa is about and will be able to share that with all of the young players and new players coming in,” said FC Tulsa head coach Blair Gavin. “He’s been an incredible asset for this club for a long time and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
Over his Tulsa career, Bird has hit the pitch 71 times for the club, the fifth-most appearances of any player in franchise history, and is one of only five players to log over 5,000 minutes for Tulsa.
Off the pitch, Bird has been honored by his teammates, coaches, and the FC Tulsa fans at the End of Year Player Awards in each of the previous two years. He was named the #ForTulsa Community Man of the Year in 2021 for his involvement and dedication to serving the city of Tulsa, then was voted the club’s Unsung Hero of the Year in 2022. In November, Bird was also elected as the first president of the USL Players Association by its members.
“Over the last three years at FC Tulsa, I’ve developed a close connection with this community and its fans, so I’m thrilled to return to the club for another season,” said Bird. “I am excited to work with a new coaching staff and am ready to do everything I can to help win this city the championship it deserves.”
Bird becomes the fourth midfielder named to FC Tulsa’s 2023 squad along with fellow returner Luca Sowinski and new signings Collin Fernandez and Blaine Ferri.
FC Tulsa 2023 Roster:
Goalkeepers:
Defenders: Bradley Bourgeois, Brett Levis
Midfielders: Eric Bird, Collin Fernandez, Blaine Ferri, Luca Sowinski
Forwards: Marcus Epps, Darío Suárez
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