A second consecutive postseason berth saw FC Tulsa deliver some notable results during the regular season – including splitting a four-game series with Louisville City FC – but never rise to the consistency required to become a serious contender for silverware. The 6-2 defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals was maybe the epitome for what could happen if things went south for the side defensively and may be the biggest area in need of improvement this campaign.

Tulsa’s defense leaked goals throughout the year, allowing 48 tallies in the regular season on an Expected Goals Against mark of 41.3xGA, which sat better than league average. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that among regular starters Tulsa goalkeeper Sean Lewis posted the highest differential between Goals Conceded and Expected Goals Conceded in the league at a +4.25 mark. The side has looked to add help defensively this season with veteran Arturo Diz Pe and El Salvador international Ronald Rodriguez coming aboard to join returning veterans Bradley Bourgeois, Jorge Corrales and others, but the side is likely to need better goalkeeping overall if it can’t limit the chances it gives up over the course of the campaign.

If Tulsa can manage that, then its attacking pieces will have a chance to put together a strong unit. Returning standouts Rodrigo Da Costa, who has 24 goals and 20 assists over the past three seasons for the club, Dario Suarez and Joaquin Rivas have been joined by Jamaican international Brian Brown and JJ Williams, with the former having recorded a combined 60 regular season goals and assists in his time in the Championship. That should make for an enterprising attack at ONEOK Field, and playoff contention at the end of the season.

Ronald Rodriguez – El Salvador international arrives in Tulsa looking to continue strong start to pro career

Brian Brown – Jamaican forward arrives after trade with New Mexico United looking for big season

J.J. Williams – Former Birmingham Legion FC forward offers versatility, physicality in attack

Adrian Diz Pe – Cuban defender brings plenty of Championship experience to Tulsa’s back line

Matt Sheldon – Reliable fullback made move to Charleston Battery as free agent

Marlon – Winger notched nine goals, five assists in 2021 before move to Birmingham Legion FC

Modou Jadama – Center back signed with Hartford Athletic

Jerome Kiesewetter – Traded to New Mexico United for incoming Brian Brown