There’s this moment when you’re no longer the outsider. When, suddenly, you’re not the edgy weirdo but instead the world’s decided you’re the cool kid – and everybody likes you.
That was Tulsa Athletic in last year’s Open Cup
Headed into their sixth Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (technically they’ve qualified for seven competitions, but COVID turned one into a technicality) the club had low expectations. But after knocking off fellow amateurs Brazos Valley Cavalry FC (of USL League Two) in the First Round, the Oklahomans did the unexpected and beat crosstown professional side FC Tulsa (of the DII USL Championship).
For club co-founder and local restaurateur, Sonny Dalesandro, that 1-0 win was one of the best moments of the year. “The final whistle being blown was pretty surreal.” The win took Tulsa Athletic from a loveable amateurs to bonafide giant-slayers.
It also put the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) club into a matchup with a Major League Soccer (MLS) side, and four-time Open Cup champion, Sporting Kansas City.
And though that match against Sporting KC ended 3-0 in favor of the predictable winner, it didn’t dampen Dalesandro’s enthusiasm for the Open Cup.
“Nothing in this sport in our country has as much history and prestige behind it,” said the man, whose hands-on approach and boundless enthusiasm are well known. “We’ve been very fortunate just to participate in it [the Open Cup] several times. Getting to play the role of David/Cinderella was an absolute honor. We always pull for the smaller clubs in the competition.”
