OKLAHOMA CITY – Reed Berry finished with three goals for a hat trick to help Tulsa Athletic earn a key early season win, 3-0, at OKC 1889 FC on Wednesday (May 25) at Putnam City West High School.
With the victory, the green and yellow improved to 4-0-1 in the NPSL Heartland Conference with a conference-leading 13 points. OKC 1889 dropped to 2-1-1 and stayed at seven points.
Berry, a forward from Allen, Texas, tallied his three goals in 12 minutes in the 45th, 46th and 57th minutes. For the season, Berry has scored five goals in five contests.
On a wet and cool night, both sides had opportunities in a fairly even first half. OKC hit the post on a free kick midway through the half on their best chance of the half. Tulsa broke through right before halftime when Berry received a pass from Abou Diallo and Berry smashed in the goal in the 45th minute for a 1-0 advantage.
Berry added his second goal quickly in the second half, scoring in the first minute of the period for a 2-0 edge for Tulsa in the 46th minute.
The final goal came in the 57th minute. Berry saw his shot go through the hands of the goalkeeper and into the back of the net for the 3-0 score.
After the even first half, Tulsa controlled play in the second. The green and yellow’s high press gave OKC trouble, and Tulsa took advantage with the two second-half goals and controlled possession.
Bryson Reed and Brady Moody combined for the shutout win in goal. Reed went the first 19 minutes in goal before an injury forced him to leave. Moody finished the contest, playing 71 minutes.
The back four of Francisco Lopez, Joel Quashie, Joe Ruiz and Javo Reyes helped shutdown the OKC offense in the shutout. Reserve defenders Gustavo Vargas and Scott Adams also played a part in the defensive effort in the second straight shutout win for Tulsa. The green and yellow have gone 180 minutes without allowing a goal in the last two matches.
Tulsa Athletic travels to Club Atletico Saint Louis on Sunday for a 6 p.m. match at Creve Coeur Park in Maryland Heights, Missouri. A live stream will be available.
