Athletics Win Division and Roar Into Playoffs The Tulsa Athletics continued their unbeaten streak as they roared into the playoffs over the weekend. Saturday night’s victory clinched the South Central Division title for the Athletics. Spurred on by the crowd, Sunday saw the Athletics complete a two game sweep over the visiting Houston Hurricanes, regaining any momentum that may have been lost with a draw against Liverpool Warriors. Tulsa will face a great test on Tuesday night against Club America (U-20) before finishing the regular season at Dallas against rival Liverpool Warriors. Saturday night’s crowd of over 2200 watches Stevie Brocks on another breakaway On Saturday night, the Athletics wasted no time jumping on the Hurricanes. Several early chances went awry, but in the 12th minute, leading scorer Levi Coleman was taken out in the box; penalty kick to the Athletics. Johnny Chavez cooly stepped up and put away the penalty kick. The 1-0 lead was all goalkeeper Jacob Rogers and the Athletics defense would need, but not all that they would get. Welshman Wayne Farmer followed up a Coleman shot off of the post, heading in his first goal as an Athletic. He then proceeded to spur on the crowd by partying like it was Dydd Santes Dwynwen. For those of you not familiar, that is the Welsh version of Valentine’s Day (at least that is what wikipedia says). Stevie Brocks continued to build his reputation as one of the crowd’s favorites, sweeping in from the right flank and slotting to the far post. Three nil to the Athletics. New signee Daniel Wasson made his Athletics debut a memorable one. The former University of Tulsa and Colorado Rapids star took the air out of the Hurricanes with a goal just before the halftime break. Coupled with his assist, ball control, and outstanding positioning, he is sure to score many important goals for the squad. TSC ’05 girls with a well deserved celebration after their Lil’ Kickers Cup victory Halftime showed the finale of the Lil’ Kickers Cup. TSC ’05 girls battled valiantly with Blitz ’06 boys, but neither team was able to break through in regulation. The penalty kick shootout showed TSC’s goalie making two brilliant saves in leading her team to the cup. Spurred on by her example, goalkeepers Jacob Rogers and Ethan Carothers led the Athletics defense to complete the shutout. Continuing to work hard in the front all day, Levi Coleman finally broke through with a goal in the 74th minute, but it was called back to give Tulsa another penalty kick. (Advantage?) This time, Levi got the call and slotted his penalty for the final tally of 5-0. Wayne Farmer looks on as Jacob Rogers snatches another ball out of mid-air Sunday was Family Day at the stadium. Many young fans were on hand to enjoy the inflatable bounce house and water slide, and some managed to watch soccer as well. Perhaps a bit more relaxed, Houston came out much sharper for the Sunday match. With the division championship in hand, the Athletics could have relaxed a bit, but coach Joey Ryan has taught them better than that. The first half was saw many chances, but captain Mikey Wilson showed why he wears the armband, with a quality finish of a ball bouncing just outside of the box. The goal was the totality of scoring in the first half - Athletics up 1-0. The fans were able to breathe a bit easier when Blaine Gonsalvez headed Tulsa into a 2-0 advantage. Omar Mata and Sambo Claros decided that defenders probably shouldn’t score all of the goals and made for nine different goal scorers for the nine goals over the weekend. Goalkeeping was again excellent as Jacob Rogers gave way to Dean Goodrich in the second half for another combined shutout. PLAYOFF UPDATE Friday night saw some great news as RVA FC of Richmond, Virginia drew to put the Athletics back in control of their own destiny for the #1 seed in the NPSL Southeast Regional Championships. Two wins puts Tulsa on the inside track to host the four team playoff. Two semifinals will be played on Friday, July 12. If the season ended today, Jacksonville United FC would face RVA FC in the first semi-final, with Tulsa facing Chatanooga FC in the night game. The winners will meet July 14 in the Regional Final. The National Semifinals will be played on July 27 with the overall #1 seed hosting #4 and #2 hosting #3, with the finals to follow on August 3. CLUB AMERICA IS COMING On Tuesday, July 2, Mexico City’s top club and reigning La Liga Mexicana champions will face the Athletics at Old Drillers Stadium at 7:30. Gates will open at 6. Tickets are going fast, so avoid the lines at the ticket office and purchase your tickets ahead of time at tulsaathletics .
Posted on: Mon, 01 Jul 2013 02:29:18 +0000
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