Spanish Version

The Tulsa Roughnecks FC bounced back from a disappointing loss last weekend with a 2-1 victory over Saint Louis FC Thursday night at ONEOK Field. The Roughnecks got a first-half wonder goal from Jorge Corrales and a second-half strike from Joey Calistri to record the victory.

The result improved Tulsa’s record to 9-9-2 and its point total to 29, good for seventh spot in the USL’s Western Conference. Saint Louis FC fell to 6-5-9 with 23 points in the East.

It was not all good news for the Roughnecks on the night. Captain Juan Caffa suffered an apparent leg injury in the 16th minute of the match and was subbed off. His status for the Saturday’s Black Gold Derby is unknown.

The Roughnecks began the match with a different lineup than has been used this season. Jaime Ayala filled in at right back for the injured Kosuke Kimura, while Brandt Bronico started in a defensive midfield slot. Christian Thierjung made his second start, and Brian Wright, making his second appearance for TRFC this season, started up front, giving leading goal scorer Ian Svantesson a night off.

With the new starting eleven, TRFC nearly took a lead just two minutes into the match when Thierjung got behind the backline, but from a tough angle, he hit the side netting with his shot.

A brilliant effort from Corrales opened the scoring in the 26th minute. With the Roughnecks on the attack, a clearance rolled outside the penalty area. An on-rushing Corrales struck a left-footed blast from five yards outside the area that beat Saint Louis goalkeeper Devala Gorrick to make it 1-0.

Saint Louis coach Preki made two changes to open the second half, but it was Tulsa who started on the attack. Less than 60 seconds after the restart, Thierjung had a chance to double the lead, but his volley went over the crossbar.

The second goal finally came in the 70th minute. A pair of STL defenders failed to take the ball away from Wright as he attacked down the right side. When the big forward entered the penalty area, he unselfishly laid a pass off for Calistri about 15 yards from goal. Calistri turned his defender around and struck a left-footed shot into the net for his sixth goal of the season, tied for second-most on the team.