Soccer Saturday: Roughnecks Set To Kickoff Season

The Tulsa Roughnecks will open its first season of soccer Saturday night at ONEOK Field. As the team and fans get ready, two veteran players with pro experience will lead the new Roughnecks.

Saturday will be opening night for the team. The baseball field was turned into a soccer pitch for the club. "The maintenance guys have done a great job with the field. I don't think it's going to be a burden at all,” said Roughnecks player Zac Lubin.

For the game, left field won't be a dining area but rather a place for roustabouts to hang out. "I think the roustabouts have taken a lot of notes. I think we're going to have one of the best crowds in the league," Lubin stated.

Coach David Irving's tactics are for the product on the field, though, needs to add some excitement, play attractive football as he calls it. "He wants me to get the ball and be the passer of the team, and [be] at the end of the crosses," explained MLS veteran Sammy Ochoa.

Ochoa's on-field experience and knowledge of the game, helps improve his team. "Sammy gives us a platform to play from, the way that we want to play,” stated Irving.

Defensively, the roughnecks will be young, but sturdy between the wood-work with Lubin. "[I] tend to be a leader on and off the field, and so being able to establish myself as a leader makes it a lot easier with a new franchise," said Lubin.

With a mix of veterans and new talent, the Roughnecks look forward to opening with a positive result against the OKC Energy.