Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Overall Rank: #16
Conference Rank: #2 Conference USA
Tulsa Team Page
Tulsa won the Conference USA championship and reached the third round of the NCAA Tournament. That was a great season, but it could be even better in 2013. The Golden Hurricane headed into the NCAAs following a 5-0 thrashing against a very good SMU squad in the conference title game. But the potent offense slowed down when it mattered most. Coach Tom McIntosh’s team managed to sneak past South Florida in the second round in overtime, but then fell 2-1 to San Diego.
2012 Record: 14-6-1, 5-2-1
2012 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Tom McIntosh
Strengths:
This is a group that can score in bunches and, with just about every scoring threat back, Tulsa should be even more potent on offense this season. It starts with sophomore striker Cristian Mata. He found the back of the net 14 times and scored in 12 different games. Akeil Barrett will again be by Mata’s side. The little speedster netted seven goals during his first season with Tulsa after spending his freshman campaign at Akron. Bryce Follensbee had a great debut season for Tulsa too. At 6-3 and 175 pounds, Follensbee will get the call when the Golden Hurricane need strength and toughness in the box. He only started five games and was mostly used off of the bench, yet he did score nine goals and tally three assists. He will do plenty of scoring again, but he may have to spend at least another season outside of the starting 11. Kyle Cumings is an experienced senior who scored three goals in 2012 despite limited minutes. In the midfield Abe Matamoros can find the back of the net and Stephen Roberson is a great setup man. However, it is Omar Mata that makes this offense click. The 5-9 playmaker totaled six assists and does an amazing job creating opportunities for his teammates. But he did score seven goals himself so he is not opposed to creating opportunities for himself either.
Weaknesses:
The defense is not bad, but they can look bad compared to the offense. Tulsa also faces a lot of pressure in the back since they often get out to an early lead. Tony Rocha and Bradley Bourgeois are great defenders to build around, but the big question is in goal. Mark Pais spent every minute between the posts during his senior season. The options in net are limited this year. Senior Cody Mumma has been around for a while. However, he played in just two games in his career and those were back in 2011. He also allowed five goals in those two contests. Incoming freshman Brandon Hanat and Jake McGuire are the other choices Coach McIntosh will have. In the end it may not be much of a choice at all as McGuire, who stands 6-3, is the mostly talented keeper. However, he is still a freshman and will be tested thoroughly.
Final Projection:
Tulsa’s potent offense will make them among the favorites to win another C-USA title, but the competition is getting tougher. The addition of New Mexico and Old Dominion adds a couple tough teams to the slate, but the Golden Hurricane can outscore anybody. If there is a capable replacement in goal, Tulsa will make another big run in the NCAA Tournament even if they do not win the conference title.
Projected Postseason: NCAA
Returning Leaders:
Goals: Cristian Mata, Sophomore, F, 14
Assists: Cristian Mata, Sophomore, F, 6; Omar Mata, Senior, M, 6
Shots: Cristian Mata, Sophomore, F, 66
Saves: None
Madness 2013 Men’s Soccer Recruit Rankings:
#29 Jake McGuire
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