TULSA, Okla. – Stefan Lukić scored the only goal in the second minute of extra time as No. 1 seed FC Tulsa took a 1-0 victory against No. 8 seed Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2025 USL Championship Playoffs presented by Terminix, earning Tulsa its first postseason win in club history.

The Scissortails almost struck first inside the opening minute as Travian Sousa’s shot from the top-left edge of the penalty area flashed just wide of the right post. The Switchbacks threatened 20 minutes later, meanwhile, as they kept possession in the attacking third to produce a chance for Brennan Creek which was palmed away by Tulsa’s Johan Peñaranda.

Chances proved limited in the second half, and a late effort by Lukić dragged wide of the right post before the game headed to an additional 30 minutes. Only 80 seconds into the extra session, however, Lukić produced a flicked header off a free kick from the left by Jamie Webber that broke the deadlock to put the hosts ahead.

The Switchbacks almost grabbed an equalizer in the final minute of extra time when Juan Tejada’s flicked header off a free kick from the left by Cole Mrowka was denied by Penaranda before Tulsa defender Ian headed the second chance over the crossbar to safety. From there the hosts were able to see out the result, ending Colorado Springs’ title defense.

Takeaways

FC Tulsa: The Scissortails were made to work far harder for their chances than in the final game of the regular season, but extended their home undefeated streak to 11 games while delivering in the key moments in extra time as Stefan Lukić again delivered off the bench.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: The defending title-holders pushed strongly but were unable to find a breakthrough on the road to earn the upset with Juan Tejada’s last-gasp effort the closes the visitors came to finding the net.

Key moment

Tulsa goalkeeper Johan Penaranda made a spectacular save in the 120th minute to keep out a flicked header by the Switchbacks’ Juan Tejada before defender Ian alertly headed away to safety.

Key stat

Stefan Lukic’s game-winning goal was the fifth he has scored this season coming on as a substitute, second-most in the USL Championship this season.

USLChampionship.com Player of the Match

Lamar Batista, FC Tulsa – The experienced center back made 15 clearances – including nine headed clearances – and six recoveries defensively while winning 7 of 12 duels overall to help his side earn a shutout across 120 minutes.

Scoring Summary
TUL – Stefan Lukić (Jamie Webber) 92’