TULSA, Okla. – Tulsa Roughnecks FC scored twice in the second half to defeat Real Monarchs SLC 2-0 on Saturday night at ONEOK Field. The Monarchs (12-2-1, 37pts) almost took the lead in the 14th minute when a back-post cross by Charlie Adams from the left found Chandler Hoffman, but Roughnecks goalkeeper Fabian Cerda made a great save to deny Real’s leading scorer. Tulsa’s Juan Pablo Caffa had a free kick turned wide by Monarchs goalkeeper Lalo Fernandez, and has the half went on both teams had chances, with Daniel Haber going close with a pair of chances seven minutes before the break. The Roughnecks (6-8-0, 18pts) took the lead two minutes into the second half, however, as Joey Calistri seized on a loose ball on top of the penalty area, drove into the box and cut back a perfect pass for Joaquin Rivas to finish. Tulsa almost doubled its lead as a through-ball was knocked to Calistri by Fernandez as he came quickly off his line, but the midfielder’s chipped effort went just wide of the net. The Monarchs went close to an equalizer with 16 minutes to go as Jonel Desire headed just wide of the left post off a corner kick, but the Roughnecks added to their lead as Ian Svantesson flicked home a header from a free kick by Caffa in the 79th minute to wrap up an impressive victory.

Scoring: 
47’ – TUL – Joaquin Rivas (Joey Calistri)
79’ – TUL – Ian Svantesson (Juan Pablo Caffa)

• #TULvSLC: Full Match and Opta Box Score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. With the side in danger of losing touch with the top eight after a three-game losing streak, the Roughnecks earned a big victory against the Western Conference-leading Monarchs that provides a model for the path ahead for Tulsa. The two goals were both well taken off good deliveries, but more than that the industry the likes of Collin Fernandez and FC Dallas loanee Jacori Hayes brought to the center of midfield allowed the hosts to stand confidently against the Monarchs and hand them only their second loss of the season.

• 2. Fernandez and fellow Chicago Fire loanee Joey Calistri continued to display the impact they’ve had on the Roughnecks turnaround in fortunes on Saturday night, with Calistri maybe the most influential player on the field when either teams got into the attacking third. The presence of mind shown seemed to highlight how Calistri’s decision-making has helped the Roughnecks find good attacking spaces regularly this season, and he was unlucky not to add a goal of his own. With the first Black Gold Derby of the season coming next, the Roughnecks will be enthused by Saturday’s performance.

• 3. The Monarchs had a frustrating night in front of goal, as chances that might have gone in on another night were denied by a solid display by Roughnecks goalkeeper Fabian Cerda. How Real responds to this will be interesting, but the team will likely be grateful for the opportunity to get back on the field quickly on Wednesday night when it takes on OKC Energy FC at Rio Tinto Stadium. As tight as the race at the top of the Western Conference currently is, the Monarchs will want to get back in the win column quickly.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Collin Fernandez, Tulsa Roughnecks FC – Fernandez set the tempo beautifully for Tulsa, connecting the midfield well and creating two scoring opportunities when he had the chance to join the attack.

Upcoming Games:
Tulsa Roughnecks FC at OKC Energy FC – July 8, 8:30 p.m. ET, Taft Stadium
Real Monarchs SLC vs. OKC Energy FC – July 5, 9 p.m. ET, Rio Tinto Stadium