Preview: FC Tulsa at Detroit City FC – September 24 – Hamtramck, Mich. 6:30 p.m. CT
September 23, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – FC Tulsa News Release
HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – Although any 2022 playoff aspirations have now dissipated for FC Tulsa, there is still plenty to be excited about over the final four matches of the season. An emphasis on young, fast talent has been at the forefront of nearly all mid-season roster moves, and having now been eliminated from the postseason, FC Tulsa may begin to assess its teenage talent sooner rather than later.
Since July, FC Tulsa has signed three players 19 years old or younger to professional contracts. Luca Sowinski was the first at 18 years old, becoming the youngest player in club history to sign professionally for the franchise, until his mark was beaten by 17-year-old Angel Bernal on September 22.
Also signed was 19-year-old Christopher Pearson out of Jamaica who has already appeared twice for the club over its last two matches. The 6’2″ midfielder has already contributed directly to two goals via shots ricocheted off the woodwork – one led to a corner kick that Adrián Diz Pe headed in, the other fell to the feet of Darío Suárez.
The first meeting between FC Tulsa and Detroit City FC back on May 7 ended well for FC Tulsa. Tulsa earned all three points in the effort, reflected by the 3-1 final scoreline, and ended Detroit’s seven-match unbeaten streak at the time.
Should Pearson, Sowinski, or Bernal see playing time on Saturday night, they will be greeted by one of the most hostile environments the USL Championship has to offer. The youngsters would have the chance to prove their skills, mental toughness, and composure under pressure as they continue to be evaluated with the future in mind.
Kickoff from Keyworth Stadium is set for 6:30 p.m. CT.
SCOUTING DETROIT CITY FC
Detroit City FC enters Saturday night’s matchup frustrated to have split points with New York Red Bulls II on Wednesday, but the Michigan side has still picked up a result in each of its last five matches. Still vying for a home playoff match, Detroit City has plenty to play for despite having secured its spot in the postseason but needs wins, not draws, to do so.
Pato Botello Faz leads the way in scoring for the club with eight goals while Antoine Hoppenot has racked up a club-high nine assists, a total good enough for the second-highest helper mark in the league. Goalkeeper Nathan Steinwascher has taken the league by storm in his inaugural USL Championship season, touting the fourth highest save total in the league (81) to pair with his 11 clean sheets.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
1) Youth Movement Continues
On Thursday, FC Tulsa announced the addition of 17-year-old Angel Bernal to its professional roster. Bernal spent seven years with the San Antonio FC Pro Academy dating back to 2016 before moving to the FC Dallas Academy earlier this year, then eventually signing his first professional contract with FC Tulsa. The San Antonio native became the youngest signing in franchise history at 17 years and 186 days old, breaking the record previously set by 18-year-old Luca Sowinski who was signed back in July.
2) Moloto Needs 100
Midfielder Lebo Moloto enters Saturday night only 100 minutes shy of hitting the 15,000 mark over his USL Championship career. Moloto made his 200th league appearance in FC Tulsa’s last outing at Hartford Athletic as the South African continues to rack up the career accolades. Earlier this season, Moloto became just the eighth player in USL Championship history to reach 30 regular season goals and 30 regular season assists across his career.
3) Watch Party
With FC Tulsa on the road, be sure to head to the Tulsan Athletic Club on Saturday night for the Official Watch Party of FC Tulsa! With ping pong tables, pickleball courts, and plenty of beer/cocktail options, the Tulsan Athletic club is the spot to be for fans of all ages this weekend. FC Tulsa’s foot golf course will also be set up for fans to test their touch and accuracy. The Tulsan Athletic Club is located at 2439 E 11th St, Tulsa, OK 74104.
HOW TO WATCH
Fans can catch the match locally on My41 Tulsa or streamed on ESPN+. Be sure to follow @FCTulsa on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for highlights, updates, and more matchday content!
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