Today, Tulsa Athletic revealed its newest soccer kit, designed specifically to be worn in the upcoming Round One of the 2023 US Open Cup. Sonny Dalesandro, co-owner of Tulsa Athletic, discussed the concept and purpose of the “Past, Present, Future” kit with Protagonist. “The design is a nod to where we’ve been, where we’re at, and where we want to go. The past, former old clubs from this country. The present, ourselves, a club trying to make the soccer landscape better in whatever little ways we can contribute. The future, represented by ‘Pro Rel for USA’ where a sponsor would usually go.”

This shirt and its message falls in line with previous Tulsa shirts, like the rainbow-striped Equality shirts the club has worn over the last several seasons. For Sonny, using the club’s shirts to educate is all part of the plan. “I think with everything we do, we want it to be received as educating people about what our views are and how we see the game.” And while he admits there may be some negative stigma around the Pro/Rel debate, he feels it’s necessary. “It may get reacted to, but, at the end of the day, conversations are started because of it. Love it or hate it, Ted Lasso and Welcome to Wrexham are getting lay soccer fans involved in asking questions about why systemically we’re different.”

The shirts will go on sale to the public today. The goal of the presale is to fund the production of the player’s jerseys. In fact, all money from the shirts’ sale will be used for that purpose. You can order yours here.

For Sonny, this is a special year for the club he co-founded. It’s the 10th year anniversary for Tulsa Athletic. When asked for his favorite memory, he immediately began discussing Tulsa’s first home match. His description ran the gamut: from working in the concession stands, to trying to repair broken bathrooms, to celebrating a last minute goal and a win. As he put it, “So much joy in one packed 3-hour setting.” That joy is something he wants all soccer fans to experience. The Open Cup berth is a big part of that goal. “It is really our only opportunity to see any cross-league play in a competition…It’s important for the soccer community to see how soccer leagues stack up against each other. It’s fun.”

When asked about his club’s first round opponent, Brazos Valley Cavalry FC (USL2), Sonny was honest. “I don’t know a ton, if I’m honest. We expect a well-organized, technically sound side to come in. We’ll have a good, entertaining match and hopefully we can get the result.” Coming off back-to-back deep runs in the NPSL playoffs, he expects his team to be able to rise to the challenge. “We have a core group of 7 or 7 players that we can add pieces to that can get us to competitive at a bare minimum... We’ve been so close the last two years, so close. Everyone around the club knows there’s expectations around this club.”

Tulsa Athletic will host Brazos Valley Cavalry FC on March 22.

- Dan Vaughn