Tulsa Two Step: Swope Park Rangers again defeat Tulsa Roughnecks FC 2-1

After three straight losses, Marc Dos Santos and his squad were finally able to get all three points tonight against Tulsa Roughnecks FC by a final score of 2-1. Tyler Pasher provided the firepower with a brace, but Zac Lubin was another hero for SPR tonight. It was his first start and it was against his former team. He played like a man with something to prove and made multiple game saving stops. For the second time this season, the Rangers defeated the Roughnecks 2-1.

The opening goal would come just after halftime in the 47' minute. A swarm of Rangers won the ball in the midfield and Ualefi quickly countered, sending it forward to Salloi. He found Tyler Pasher who was flying into the final third. Pasher took it into the box and calmly chipped the keeper to give the Swope Park the lead.

It wasn't until that moment that the game really kicked into gear. The teams went into the half in a scoreless draw despite SPR besting Tulsa in shots (7-3) and corner kicks (6-0). Daniel Salloi looked hungry for a goal and came close several times to giving Swope Park the lead. He fired one from distance that went just over the bar and then in the 28' minute forced a fantastic save from 25 yards out. Tyler Pasher also added a couple shots himself, but the home side just couldn't find the breakthrough.

In the 79' minute the visitors changed the game with a goal very much against the run of play. The Rangers failed to properly clear the ball after a free kick and the ball bounced to Anthony Peters in the box. He fired a rocket passed Lubin and into the side netting to tie the match at 1-1.

But this would not last long. In the 81' minute Salloi received a great pass Oliveira. He cut inside at the top of the box and hit the ball with that powerful boot of his. Jake Feener did well to stop the shot, but he wasn't able to hold onto it. Tyler Pasher was there to clean things up and the Rangers had the 2-1 lead.

Tulsa wouldn't go away quietly by any means. They were desperate for an equalizer as the game was drawing to a close. Zac Lubin was absolutely everywhere. He was going down low, diving across the face of goal, and punching away crosses as the Roughnecks were throwing everyone forward. Mark his first start as a big success.

It is the first win in four matches for Swope Park and they move to 3-3-1 on the season. The next match is away at Rio Grande Valley FC next Saturday, May 21st,  at 7:30pm.