Tulsa Roughnecks FC was on the bubble for a spot in the 2015 USL Playoffs during its first season, only to see Seattle Sounders FC 2 take that last postseason position at the end of the regular season. David Irving’s side featured an entertaining brand of play and frequent scoring chances, but last season also brought with it some inconsistency. Tulsa appears to be in good shape to again make another run with some key returning players and newcomers that they hope will make the club a postseason contender in Year 2.

Head Coach: David Irving
Stadium: ONEOK Field
2015 results: 11-11-6 record; 7th in Western Conference
2015 postseason: Did not qualify for USL Playoffs

Goalkeeper: Jake Feener should be holding the main set of car keys this season for the Roughnecks in goal. Feener split time with Zac Lubin last season, but with Lubin’s move to the Swope Park Rangers, it is now the 24-year-old Feener’s time to secure the role. During his rookie USL season, Feener posted a 7-3-3 record, 59 saves and a goals-against average of 1.46. He will be backed up by Alex Mangels, who previously played for Cal and led the Golden Bears to a pair of NCAA Tournament berths.

Defense: A couple pieces from last season’s defense are returning, the most notable being left back Iarfhlaith Davoren. He started in all 21 of his appearances, logged 1,833 minutes and posted a goal and two assists. Guam international Mason Grimes started in nine of 10 games for Tulsa last year. Some new faces have been brought in, including Scottish footballer Gary Cennerazzo who gives some flexibility at either outside back position. Matt Whatley this past year played in 22 league matches with Iceland’s UMF Selfoss. Newcomer David Abidor previously helped Creighton win the Big East regular-season title and helped the club advance to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals.

Midfield: Brady Ballew, who was a finalist for 2015 USL Rookie of the Year, was a top priority for the Roughnecks this offseason as the first to sign a multi-year contract extension. Last year, Ballew tied for second on the club with six goals, was third on the team with four assists and started in 20 of 23 games. Ivory Coast midfielder Henri Manhebo also returns after scoring a goal in 11 matches – 10 of which were starts. Henri’s fellow countryman Ballobi joined the club this offseason. Another midfield addition is Carlos Martinez, who spent the past two seasons with Sacramento Republic FC.

Forward: Tulsa generated a barrage of scoring chances last season, and probably should have delivered more than the 49 goals the club wound up with. A good portion of last year’s top scorers return, led by Sammy Ochoa who tallied nine times in 27 games in 2015. Cristian Mata was one of the club’s most effective scorers per playing time, notching six goals in 976 minutes. Some interesting additions are on board with Pakistani international Kaleemullah, who had only seven games with Sacramento Republic FC last year but will likely garner increased time in Tulsa. Former Toronto FC striker and Englishman Taylor Morgan provides some versatility in the Roughnecks’ attack with his 6-foot-5 presence and strong pace.

Strengths: The Roughnecks’ front line should be able to break down opposing defenses in a number of fashions this season among the returning Ochoa and newcomers such as Morgan and Kaleemullah. As mentioned before, scoring chances rarely were an issue for the Roughnecks during their inaugural season, and the opportunities should be there once again for what appears to be a versatile group.

Weaknesses: Tulsa’s midfield will miss the services of Chad Bond, who had eight assists last year and is now with Saint Louis FC for 2016. This area has undergone some of the most change this offseason, with attacking midfielder/forward Gibson Bardsley joining Arizona United SC and Steven Miller also moving on. Ballew was a vital piece to bring back, but the midfield could take some time for Tulsa to find a groove in 2016.

Key number: 3 – On seven occasions last season, the Roughnecks’ offense posted three or more goals in a game. Tulsa won all seven of those matches. The highest scoring total was during a 6-3 victory against Arizona United SC on Aug. 2, 2015. The largest margin of victory featured two separate 5-1 wins against Seattle Sounders FC 2 on June 5 and against Real Monarchs SLC on Aug. 13.

Noteworthy matchups: The battle for Oklahoma supremacy should be a good one with four games against OKC Energy FC this year in the Black Gold Derby. Tulsa and OKC first meet on June 4 at ONEOK Field. 

Coach’s view: “I’m a big believer in a team concept. … They can all contribute, and it is going to be exciting to see if they accept the challenge to see who is going to be in the starting lineup.” – David Irving

Current roster (updated: March 24, 2016):
Goalkeepers: Jake Feener, Alex Mangels
Defenders: David Abidor, Gary Cennerazzo, Iarfhlaith Davoren, Mason Grimes, Matt Whatley
Midfielders: Brady Ballew, Ballobi, Jasson Ramos Carpio, Henri Manhebo, Carlos Martinez, Adriano Pellegrino
Forwards: Kaleemullah, Cristian Mata, Taylor Morgan, Sammy Ochoa