TULSA – Another familiar face is returning to Green Country. FC Tulsa has signed goalkeeper Bryan Byars to the 2020 roster, pending league and federation approval. Byars was a member of the 2017 Tulsa Roughnecks FC team that made the USL Championship playoffs and will return to Tulsa following a two-season stint with rivals OKC Energy FC.

“The addition of Bryan Byars is a major positive for FC Tulsa,” said head coach Michael Nsien. “Bryan is extremely consistent with his hands and feet, and you always know what you’re going to get with him. Bryan is a competitor and has a winning mentality. We are thrilled to bring him back to Tulsa. Bryan also adds to the locker room as an excellent character, and it’s important to have personalities such as his in the team.”

Byars has made 17 USL Championship appearances in the last three seasons, with eight of those coming Tulsa in 2017. He made two appearances last year with Energy FC, both starts, as he served the 2019 season as the Energy’s backup keeper. The 28-year-old is an Oklahoman through and through, growing up in the state and playing his entire professional career in either Oklahoma City or Tulsa.

“I am excited to be back in Tulsa and look forward to put Tulsa on the map.” said Byars. “I am excited to be a part of the organization and what it has to offer on and off the field. I have a good feeling about this season and this organization. I believe we are going to be able to do great things.”

As a keeper at Putnam City North High School, Byars was a standout, earning Oklahoma State Player of the Year as a freshman in 2007 and was a nominee for the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2008 and 2009. His sophomore season also saw him named an NSCAA/adidas All-American.

He initially attended college at Midwestern State in Wichita Falls, Texas but transferred after a redshirt season to the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO). At USAO, Byars was a wall, recording at least 10 clean sheets in three of his four collegiate seasons. He still holds USAO men’s soccer records for most career wins (64) and most clean sheets (42).

Byars is the third keeper to be signed to FC Tulsa’s 2020 roster, alongside Sean Lewis and Andrew MacRae, and the 19th player signed overall.