TULSA, Okla. – FC Tulsa announced on Thursday the club had signed attacking midfielder Diogo Pacheco ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season, and re-signed defender Patrick Seagrist for the new campaign. The transactions are pending league and federation approval.

“Diogo is an exciting addition to the team with his drive and passion for the game,” said FC Tulsa Head Coach Blair Gavin. “He has a unique ability to beat players off the dribble and unlock teams in the final third.”

Pacheco joins Tulsa having spent his first professional season with Minnesota United FC 2 in MLS NEXT Pro after competing collegiately with the University of Akron. The 25-year-old recorded eight goals and a team-high five assists while also notching 52 chances created in 26 appearances.

“I’m truly honored to be officially part of this club and I already can’t wait to play in front of the amazing Tulsa fan base,” said Pacheco, “The vision and drive of FC Tulsa are like no other in this league. The entire staff have shown a lot of energy and passion which only adds to my excitement. I know for a fact it’s going to be an unforgettable season.”

Analysis

As a 24-year-old rookie after his college career, Pacheco was going to be a long-shot to join Minnesota United FC’s senior roster in Major League Soccer, but he proved more than capable of providing a spark in the attacking third for MNUFC 2 and will now try to reproduce that level as he steps up into the USL Championship.

Pacheco comfortably graded out as the best player in MNUFC 2’s roster this past season per American Soccer Analysis’ Goals Added metric, posting a 5.90 mark overall which placed him 15th among wingers overall. With Marcus Epps having headed to Hartford Athletic, Pacheco seems a candidate to be a replacement on the flank.