TULSA, Okla. – Lamar Batista scored the only goal in first-half stoppage time as FC Tulsa took a 1-0 win against El Paso Locomotive FC at ONEOK Field on Saturday night to move the Scissortails back into the top four in the Western Conference.
Both sides threatened in the early going as Tulsa’s Lucas Stauffer sent a looping header over the crossbar before El Paso’s Amando Moreno fired just wide of the left post from distance. The Scissortails took the lead just as the game ticked into first-half stoppage time, though, as Batista arrived on time to turn home a free kick by Jamie Webber delivered to the top of the six-yard area.
Tulsa’s Bailey Sparks went close to doubling his side’s lead with a long-range effort early in the second half before moments later ringing the crossbar with a shot from 12 yards out. Despite another opportunity for Moreno that was denied by Scissortails goalkeeper Dane Jacomen midway through the second half, though, the visitors were unable to seriously threaten an equalizer, recording only one shot on target overall as Tulsa held firm for victory.
Takeaways
FC Tulsa – The Scissortails bounced back into the win column in league play with a result that had positive moments despite producing limited chances overall. Lamar Batista’s winner off a beautiful delivery from Jamie Webber’s set piece proved the difference, but as important for the reigning Western Conference titleholders will be the shutout, the side’s fifth in its last nine games across all competitions after its disappointing display in Birmingham in the Prinx Tires USL Cup last time out.
El Paso Locomotive FC – The visitors struggled in the attacking third again, suffering its third loss in the past four games across all competitions while recording only one shot on target out of 10 efforts overall. Locomotive has been better away from home overall this season, but that form didn’t measure up here as the side prepares for a key stretch of three home games in the next four outings.