“As exciting a match as it could have been.”

That’s how Tulsa Athletic co-founder Sonny Dalesandro described Saturday’s NPSL Championship match. “That match could have ended 0-0 and no one would have complained about a lack of excitement. Both goalkeepers were standing on their heads.” And even after giving up a goal to visiting Apotheos FC in the 81st minute (Junior Sandoval), Tulsa didn’t lose hope. “Our head coach Jason Rogers said he thought we’d still have 4-5 chances to score before the match was over. He was right, but it ended up being the that 5th chance.” That deciding goal would come from Tulsa defender Chris Taylor in stoppage time. “He sort of bailed us out.”

That goal would put the match into extra time, where neither team could find the winner. While a lot of soccer fans are opposed to penalties deciding a championship, this round of PKs would live up to the moment. It took 9 rounds of penalties before Tulsa could find the winner and claim the NPSL Championship.

The win caps a decade for Tulsa Athletic in the NPSL. While for Dalesandro personally “it feels amazing,” he’s quick to highlight the ten year’s worth of players and fans that have contributed to the team’s success. “At halftime, we introduced some of the boys from the 2013 team. That was really emotional for me. They’ve all gone on into different careers now, but seeing them and seeing what the team still means to them, it means so much to me.” That gratitude to past players also extends to the fans. When Sonny was handed the NPSL Championship trophy, he immediately passed it to into the crowd. “I told them ‘that’s for you guys. We play for stars, ya’ll get the chalices.' It was just a special night to give back to the community that has, through thick and very, very thin, supported us.”

So what’s next for an amateur club who won its league crown AND finished furthest of any amateur side in the US Open Cup in 2023? “You can’t be that person who’s always saying ‘What’s next? What’s next?’ It’s important to appreciate the moment and what you’ve achieved. If you don’t do that, what are you achieving in life beyond just being robotic? So for the rest of this week, I’ll just try and appreciate it.” But you don’t achieve this level of excellence without being driven for the future and Sonny was quick to admit that. “I’m already joking with my players about how that star sure looks lonely.”

But the planning can wait for a bit, because for now Tulsa Athletic is the Champion of the NPSL.

Tulsa head coach Jason Rodgers hugs Sonny Dalesandro after winning the championship. Photo credit: Lori Scholl

- Dan Vaughn