Throwback Tulsa: Tulsa Roughnecks FC opens training camp on this day in 2015
Six years ago today, the weather didn’t quite comply with the new Tulsa Roughnecks’ schedule for the franchise’s first practice, but the expansion USL squad adapted.
With the temperature hovering around 20 degrees Fahrenheit and snow coming down, the Roughnecks moved their first practice indoors to Soccer City at 61st and Garnett. Despite the quickly-altered plans, there was a definite air of excitement to the first day.
“I’m super excited. I’ve been here for three days and I feel like they’ve just gone by so slow,” said recently-signed midfielder Oscar Jimenez. “Getting to know new teammates and getting to train is something I’m looking forward to.”
The club played its first regular-season game in USL on March 28 against Oklahoma City in downtown Tulsa at ONEOK Field; a 1-1 tie.
The franchise announced a name change to FC Tulsa in December 2019.
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Tulsa Roughnecks FC head coach David Irving looks on during the teams first practice of training camp at Soccer City in Tulsa, OK, Feb. 23, 2015. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World
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Oscar Jimenez, one of the first players signed by the Roughnecks, participates in the opening session of training camp on Monday at Soccer City. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World
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Tulsa Roughnecks FC head coach David Irving looks on during the teams first practice of training camp at Soccer City in Tulsa, OK, Feb. 23, 2015. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World
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Forward Andy Lorei participates in the opening session of training camp fro the Tulsa Roughnecks. The 25-year-old Lorei comes to Tulsa on a free transfer from Bodens BK, a Division 2 club in Sweden. Playing in an up-front role in 2014, he scored an 21 goals in 41 appearances. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World
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Tulsa Roughnecks FC opened training camp on Monday at Soccer City in Tulsa. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World
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Lewis Amos gets in some work as Tulsa Roughnecks FC opened training camp on Monday at Soccer City in Tulsa. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World
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Tulsa Roughnecks FC opened training camp on Monday at Soccer City in Tulsa. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World
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Gibson Bardsley of Tulsa Roughnecks FC participates during the first practice of training camp at Soccer City on Monday, Feb. 23, 2015. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World
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Ben Brewster of Tulsa Roughnecks FC participates in the first practice session of training camp at Soccer City in Tulsa. Feb. 23, 2015. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World
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Tulsa Roughnecks FC head coach David Irving watches the team's first practice of training camp at Soccer City in Tulsa, OK, Feb. 23, 2015. He said the team's preseason is going well, despite for the cold weather. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World
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Tulsa Roughnecks FC head coach David Irving watches the team's first practice of training camp at Soccer City in Tulsa, OK, Feb. 23, 2015. He said the team's preseason is going well, despite for the cold weather. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World
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