After contending for the postseason in their first season, the Roughnecks slumped to a last-place finish in their second year as the helter-skelter nature of their play saw their offense fail to keep up with the defensive flaws that saw the side concede the most shots on goal of any side in the USL.

That has led to offseason changes, with Head Coach David Irving being reassigned to become the club’s Director of Football. The club’s new Head Coach will need to quickly put his imprint on a team that needs a new defensive structure, and greater discipline, to rebound in 2017. 

2016 USL SEASON IN REVIEW

Record: 5-21-4, 19pts
Place: 15th in the Western Conference
Goals For: 25
Goals Against: 64
USL Cup Playoffs: N/A

2016 leaders: Sammy Ochoa (11 goals, six assists), Alex Mangels (93 saves)

WHAT WENT RIGHT?

Sammy Ochoa was yet again stellar for the Roughnecks, as the captain led the side in both goals and assists to give him 20 goals in two seasons for the club. Goalkeeper Alex Mangels also had a strong rookie season in Tulsa, as he finished second in the USL in saves, and also led the league in save percentage.

WHAT WENT WRONG?

The fact that Mangels finished second in saves, and first in save percentage, effectively told the story of the Roughnecks season. The side conceded a league-high 64 goals, an average of 2.13 goals per game, and was the only side in the league to average more than two goals against per game, a figure that was impossible for the side’s attack to keep up with as it remained on the back foot for most of its contests.

GOALS OF THE SEASON

Carlos Martinez’s goal in the Roughnecks’ 2-0 victory against Rio Grande Valley FC was an early highlight for Tulsa, as his sweet half-volley found the top-left corner of the net to send the Roustabouts into celebration.

Sammy Ochoa’s opening tally against Orange County Blues FC showed the Roughnecks at their best, as a great turn at the halfway line allowed Cristian Mata to break down the left, and then center for Ochoa’s 10th goal of the season.

SAVES OF THE SEASON

Alex Mangels’ reaction stop to deny the Swope Park Rangers’ Tyler Pasher at ONEOK Field was one of a number of standout stops the rookie goalkeeper made over the course of the season.

A late save against Real Monarchs SLC highlighted how valuable Alex Mangels was throughout the season for Tulsa. His save from Andrew Brody’s curling effort was one to add to the highlight reel.

HE SAID IT

“The 2016 season did not go as we planned, and we are making these changes and additions to our operational staff to improve our on-field results. The expansion of our staff will allow us to devote more people and more hours into building our team.” - Roughnecks VP of Media and Public Relations, Brian Carroll on coaching staff changes