TULSA, Okla. – Tulsa Athletic, Tulsa’s National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) soccer team, is
set to host USL Championship team FC Tulsa in the second round of the Lamar Hunt US Open
Cup (US Open Cup) at the Athletic Community Field at Hicks Park on Wednesday, April 5 at 7
p.m.
Tickets for the second-ever Tulsa Derby are available online at tulsaathletic.com and may be
purchased on-site. A live video stream will be available on the Tulsa Athletic YouTube page.
“Of course we are excited to have a second chance to win a game against FC Tulsa, but that is
not the main reason we are looking forward to Wednesday’s match,” said Tulsa Athletic co-
owner Sonny Dalesandro. “This match gives us the opportunity to celebrate Tulsa’s thriving
soccer scene, from recent developments at the Athletic Community Field to the amazing Tulsa
players we have on both teams.”
Tulsarecycles.com will be giving away bags to the first 300 fans in attendance. Heirloom Rustic
Ales’ new beer in partnership with Tulsa Athletic, Si Se Puede, will be served at the match.
The Tulsa Recycles Village at Hicks Park will include local Tulsa organizations, artists and other
venders to provide entertainment and fun for all. Vendors interested in participating and anyone
who would like to volunteer at the event can reach out to [email protected] for more
information.
Tulsa Athletic earned a berth in the US Open Cup by advancing to the NPSL National semifinals
in the 2022 season. They advanced to this second round by defeating Brazos Valley Calvary
(Texas) FC out of USL League 2 by a 1-0 score on March 22, 2023 at Athletic Community Field.
“The Open Cup is special in that it provides soccer fans and soccer communities the unique
experience to come together in a new way and celebrate the game,” said FC Tulsa president
Sam Doerr. “We have a ton of admiration and respect for Tulsa Athletic and firmly believe that
together we can continue to grow the beautiful game in our city. We look forward to uniting all of
Tulsa next Wednesday night at Hicks Park and expect a fantastic match.”
FC Tulsa enters the US Open Cup in the second round along with all the other second and third
division professional clubs from the USL Championship, USL League One and NISA. MLS, the
highest level of professional soccer in the United States, joins the US Open Cup in the third
round.
FC Tulsa’s 2023 USL Championship season started on March 11 and through four matches
they rank fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with five points and a 1-1-2 record.
“We are thrilled to see Tulsa Athletic face FC Tulsa as part of the US Open Cup,” said Joel
Koester, director of sales for the Tulsa Sports commission. “This match will showcase the
magnitude of athletic talent kicking it right here in Tulsa, not to mention the quality facilities at
Hicks Park plus local food and brews, which are available for purchase at the event.”
The winner of the Tulsa Derby advances to the third round of the US Open Cup. The draw for
that round is scheduled for April 6 with matches set to be played later that month.
Season tickets for the 2023 Tulsa Athletic season are available online. Season tickets include
admission to all NPSL regular season home matches, NPSL home postseason contests and all
US Open Cup home matches. Buy your season tickets HERE.
