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Western Conf. Notebook — Tulsa Finds Relief, Determination in Victory

By CHRIS HOCKMAN - chris.hockman@uslsoccer.com, 06/29/18, 9:02AM EDT

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Derby providing added motivation in Fresno; Changes for SAFC provides challenge for Switchbacks


Photo courtesy Rich Crimi / Tulsa Roughnecks FC

TULSA, Okla. — After a long wait Tulsa Roughnecks FC secured its first win of the season on Wednesday night as it opened new Head Coach Michael Nsien's tenure at the club with a 2-0 victory against the LA Galaxy II. 

With a quick turnaround to Saturday's clash with Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday night (8:30 p.m. ET | Match Center | ESPN+) the side is certainly hoping the wait for a second victory will not be as long after what was a dominant display against Los Dos at ONEOK Field.

“We came into the game with an objective to get the first goal. We got the first goal and fortunately, they got a player sent off,” said Nsien, who was appointed as former Head Coach David Vaudreuil's replacement on Monday. “I told them personally to dominate the game, control the game and manage the game. Even when we had to defend a lot, we were organized and absorbed the pressure like we were supposed to and got across the finish line.”

With a change on the sideline in Nsien came a change in approach, especially mentally as the Roughnecks broke a string of four consecutive defeats that saw the side concede 13 goals. The relief that came from the club's first victory of the season after the match was clear.

“This feels amazing, man. It’s been so long since we had a win,” said Roughnecks midfielder Eti Tavares. “To finally get it now, this feels like a new team with a new staff. Everybody believed, and we came out and got it done. There are just different vibes, players are believing again and the new system, so this is definitely great.”

While the Roughnecks have struggled after last season's trip to the USL Cup Playoffs, the fans have stuck by the team, and as a result after Wednesday night's match Nsien went and shook the hands of every fan who was sticking around to congratulate him and the team. That saw Nsien proud of the crowd and he left them with a simple promise.

“They stuck with us through some tough times, so they are the ones that should be praised when we get the result,” said Nsien. “I am just thanking them for sticking around and supporting us and getting these guys across the finish line. There’s more to come.”

FRESNO LOOKING TO USE DERBY TO SPARK SEASON: Derbies can have a funny effect on teams. It can inspire to change a season, turning things around and sparking form more than an average win. That is certainly the situation Fresno FC is hoping for ahead of Saturday night’s battle with rivals Sacramento Republic FC (10 p.m. ET | Match Center | ESPN+) as the teams meet at Chukchansi Park for the second time in 2018.

“I think we’re very much motivated. We know we’re still in it, we can still make a playoff spot, because there are [16] games left,” said Fresno defender Ramon Martin Del Campo. “So what a better time to start it than in a derby. We need this win, and a win like this turns around the momentum in the team, the morale, and the team, and the fans, so I think this Saturday is going to be huge. We’re going to need a packed house and with a win, we can turn this season around.”

Sitting four points outside the USL Cup Playoffs places in the Western Conference a victory against third-place Republic FC would give the Foxes a chance to close the gap in what is a busy weekend of action across the league. Add in the fact that Sacramento took victory when the teams first met earlier this season and Foxes Head Coach Adam Smith has not had to do much work motivating his squad.

“There’s not much to say ahead of this derby. We know what is at stake,” said Smith. “Saturday will come down to the players. They have the ability. They have been set up correctly. They just need to execute.”

SWITCHBACKS LOOK TO MAINTAIN MOMENTUM: Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC faces off against San Antonio FC on Saturday night (8 p.m. ET | Match Center| ESPN+) in what is another crucial USL Western Conference matchup for two sides currently on either side of the playoff line.

For the Switchbacks, two consecutive victories against fellow playoff contenders the Portland Timbers 2 and Fresno FC have bred confidence, and with the side concluding its three-game homestand over the next five days the side is looking to add to the three-point gap between itself in eighth place and SAFC in 10th on Saturday night. 

“These two wins in a row have been huge for us, for our team morale, and our belief. The guys believe and it gives us great momentum going forward into these two at home,” said Switchbacks goalkeeper Steward Ceus.

With San Antonio eager to bounce back after a defeat to Reno saw it lose ground in the race for the postseason, the Switchbacks are expecting its visitors to provide a major test, in part due to the defensive variations SAFC has shown over recent outings. San Antonio utilized a three-player back line that allowed more freedom to wide players Darnell King and Greg Cochrane last week against Reno 1868 FC, a major change compared to the 4-4-1-1 formation the team started the season in. 

“San Antonio is a team that has been changing their shape recently and they have good players,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. “Defensively they’re good...we just don’t know how they’ll line up with all the ways [Head Coach] Darren [Powell] has been changing their shape.”

With last week’s win over Fresno FC being the Switchbacks fifth home win of the season, the team is hoping to use home advantage more effectively over the coming weeks. With San Antonio holding three games in hand on Colorado Springs as the sides meet, closing out a perfect homestand would significantly boost the Switchbacks’ USL Cup Playoffs chances as they try to ward off the chasing pack.

“We’ve got to make teams chase us, especially at home with the conditions and our crowd and now the heat,” said Trittschuh.

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