FC Tulsa made a strong statement in the USL Championship on June 18, 2026, with a commanding 2-0 victory over Monterey Bay FC at ONEOK Field. The home side controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, using a disciplined defensive shape and clinical finishing to secure all three points in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone

The match began with FC Tulsa pressing high, forcing Monterey Bay into early errors. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when midfielder Rodrigo da Costa collected a loose ball 25 yards from goal and unleashed a curling effort that beat Monterey Bay goalkeeper Carlos Herrera at his near post. The goal energized the home side, who continued to create chances through quick combinations on the flanks.

Monterey Bay struggled to build any sustained attacking rhythm, with Tulsa’s center-back pairing of Bradley Bourgeois and Kaelon Fox snuffing out danger before it reached the box. The visitors’ best chance of the half came in the 39th minute when forward Christian Volesky forced a sharp save from Tulsa keeper Austin Wormell.

Second-Half Sealer and Defensive Resilience

FC Tulsa doubled their lead just after the hour mark. Winger Marcus Epps drove down the right touchline, cut inside his marker, and fired a low cross that deflected off a Monterey Bay defender and into the net. The goal was initially credited to Epps but later ruled an own goal by defender Kai Greene. Regardless of the scorer, it gave Tulsa a comfortable cushion.

The home side then retreated into a compact defensive block, allowing Monterey Bay possession in non-threatening areas. Wormell made two routine saves in the final 15 minutes, but the visitors never truly threatened a comeback. Tulsa’s midfield trio of Steven Sánchez, Blaine Ferrell, and Eric Bird controlled the game’s rhythm, winning second balls and recycling possession efficiently.

Standout Performers

• Rodrigo da Costa (FC Tulsa): Scored the opener and was a constant creative outlet, completing 88% of his passes and creating three chances.
• Austin Wormell (FC Tulsa): Made four saves to preserve the clean sheet, showing excellent positioning on crosses.
• Kaelon Fox (FC Tulsa): Dominant in the air, winning 10 of 12 duels and intercepting multiple Monterey Bay build-up attempts.

Impact on the Standings

The victory lifted FC Tulsa into the top four of the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference, level on points with second-place Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Monterey Bay remained in the mid-table of the Western Conference, now winless in three matches. For Tulsa, the performance offered a template for how to blend defensive solidity with attacking efficiency — a formula that could prove vital as the playoff race intensifies.