FC Tulsa hosts Loudoun United FC in key USL matchup

FC Tulsa returns home to ONEOK Field on Friday night to host Loudoun United FC in a key USL matchup. With a win, Tulsa can create some separation between themselves and the teams under them in the standings. Tulsa is unbeaten in its last 9 league matches and sits in 1st place in the Western Conference with an 8-5-3 record (29 points). Tulsa's last league loss came way back on May 3rd, a 2-1 loss at Orange County SC.

Tulsa comes into the match off a 2-1 road loss to Indy Eleven in the USL Jägermeister Cup. The loss ended Tulsa's run in the Cup journey, but had no bearing in the conference standings.

As the playoff push begins in earnest for the club, Friday's match opens a tough stretch for Tulsa. The club will play 3 matches in the span of a week.  

Kickoff against Loudoun United FC is set for 7:30 pm at ONEOK Field on Friday night.

FC Tulsa head coach Luke Spencer met with the media on Thursday morning to preview Friday's match, and to talk about the success of the 1st half of the season.

Luke Spencer

What's been the key to this recent run of success?

"I think it's been our approach to keep it one game at a time. Simplify our focus and preparation. Not getting lost in where we're at in the table. Not getting lost in the big picture, but just really taking advantage of each day along with the collective group. We've rotated the squad, we've had a lot of different players play, a lot of different players step up, but I think the togetherness of the group has showed itself over the last nine games."

How do you keep the players from focusing on the standings?

"It's just staying consistent in our process. From day 1, we've been focused on where we can improve as a team, and that's no different than right now. Based on where you are in the table. There are games that we've won and played quite well, yet we come in and we're quite critical on ourselves. Look at where we can improve and what we didn't do as well. And there's been games that we've lost where we do the same thing because it's all about improving. And so staying consistent in our approach regardless of where we're at is key."

Are you all feeling the growing enthusiasm and excitement from Tulsa towards the club?

"Absolutely. The pride of the fans is coming out, consistency and showing up for the games. And the conversation changes. It's been a long time for fans to feel a real sense of pride and be able to relate to what they're seeing on the field. And I think that's a team that's giving everything in every performance. I think when we're hearing from the fans after the games, what we're seeing on social media, is a real support, but a sense of pride that we hadn't seen previously. And that's something that we talk about in preseason. About wanting to give new experiences and also new feelings to fans that come out to our games. The fans that show up at the airport when we're coming back from an away game to support us. And also give new memories and inspire some of the younger players that come to our games as well."