Tulsa Athletics
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| Full name | Tulsa Athletic |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The A's |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Stadium | LaFortune Stadium |
| Owners | Sonny Dalesandro & Dr. Thomas J. Kern |
| Head Coach | Joey Ryan |
| League | National Premier Soccer League |
| 2014 | 1st, South Central Conference |
| Website | Club home page |
Tulsa Athletic is an American soccer team and are based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States. 2013 was their inaugural season in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), which is a national league at the fourth tier of the American soccer pyramid. They compete in the NPSL's Heartland Conference. The team maintains amateur status under NPSL rules, allowing college players to participate without losing their collegiate eligibility. They play at LaFortune Stadium in 2017 and before played at Athletics Stadium, the former home of the Tulsa Drillers baseball team. Tulsa Athletic drew an average attendance of 3,439 in their 2014 season.
The Tulsa Athletic debuted on May 18, 2013 versus now arch rivals Liverpool Warriors. The game was marred by nine Athletic players controversially failing to receive international clearance. Thus, the club fielded a line-up featuring very few foreign players. However, a victory was achieved in spectacular fashion as late substitute and reserve player Walter "Wally" Hubbard's 87th minute diving header secured the 3–2 result in front of a crowd of over 3,200 spectators. The goal inspired the nickname "Sir Walter Hubbard" with front office members. Resounding 5–2 and 5–1 results against Houston teams Regals and Hurricanes on the ensuing road trip made the club early division favorites. Athletic were given a further advantage when the following weekend Houston Hurricanes and Liverpool Warriors played to two 0–0 draws. Athletic capitalized by thumping Houston Regals 7–0 and 6–0 on successive nights. Defender Blaine Gonsalves was named NPSL player of the week. June 2, five games into the regular season Athletic held a commanding eight point advantage atop the conference table. The club dropped their first two points on June 8, as they were held to a scoreless draw away to Liverpool Warriors. The final trip to Houston proved more difficult as a feisty Hurricanes side hung around for 90 minutes until a late Diego Molero insurance goal secured a 3–1 victory. Two days later Houston Regals nearly played spoilers. It took a determined Stephen Brocks run down the left wing to set up an 85th game-winning goal by Sambo Claros. Liverpool Warriors held serve that weekend with two wins as well keeping their point deficit at eight points after eight matches. On June 22, the club had the opportunity to clinch the division at home versus Liverpool Warriors. Unfortunately it was not to be, as Athletic threw away a 2–0 first half advantage, received two red cards, and were lucky to hang on for a 2–2 draw in front of an NPSL season high 3,761 fans. The league was clinched seven days later as Tulsa routed the Houston Hurricanes 5–0 at home. The following day they were triumphant 4–0 against the same side. Tulsa Athletic hosted a friendly versus Mexico's Club America in front of over 5,500 fans on July 2. The team gave an excellent account of itself drawing the match 1–1 and having a late chance come agonizingly close to winning the fixture. The match was won by Club America in penalty kicks.
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