By Tulsa Roughnecks FC,

Tulsa Roughnecks FC has secured its first-ever affiliation with a team from Major League Soccer. The Roughnecks and Chicago Fire announced today that the two teams have entered into a partnership for the 2017 season with each club recognized as the other club’s affiliate.

As part of the agreement, the Fire will loan players to Tulsa for the upcoming USL season. In addition, the two sides will look to work together on scrimmages and training opportunities while also partnering on ideas for best practices, both on the field and off.

TRFC Head Coach David Vaudreuil played two seasons with the Fire during his professional career and worked to bring the two teams together.

"We are very pleased to have signed this comprehensive agreement with the Chicago Fire," said Vaudreuil. "The agreement is based on the personal relationships that we are building between the technical and executive staffs of both clubs as we strive to create the perfect environment for the highest level of professional soccer players."

The partnership will give the Roughnecks the opportunity to solidify and strengthen their roster through loaned players from the Fire. The total number of players coming to Tulsa from Chicago is yet to be determined, with the number possibly varying throughout the season.

“We are pleased to be collaborating with the Tulsa Roughnecks and their coach, David Vaudreuil,” stated Chicago Fire general manager Nelson Rodríguez. “In addition to loaning players, we will also seek to find scrimmage opportunities and share best practices.”

The Roughnecks are scheduled to open the 2017 USL regular season on Saturday, March 25 when they host the Colorado Spring Switchbacks at ONEOK Field. A number of season ticket packages are currently on sale at RoughnecksFC.com or by calling the stadium ticket office at (918)744-5901.