FC Tulsa edged Rhode Island FC 1–0 at home on Saturday night in the USL Championship, with Jeorgio Kocevski's early strike proving the difference.

Kocevski gave Tulsa the lead in just the eighth minute, finishing off a pass from Rémi Cabral to put the hosts ahead before the match had truly settled. It was the kind of start any home side would want, and it forced Rhode Island onto the front foot for the remainder of the contest.

The visitors couldn't find an equalizer, though not for a lack of time and opportunity created by Tulsa's indiscipline. The home side racked up yellow cards at an alarming rate throughout the match. Jamie Webber was cautioned in the 25th minute, followed by Ian in the 38th. Kalil ElMedkhar picked one up in the 74th minute, and Tulsa's problems deepened late on when Delentz Pierre and Logan Dorsey were booked in the 87th and 88th minutes respectively. Dane Jacomen added another in stoppage time. Six yellows for a single team in 90 minutes suggests Tulsa were hanging on and resorting to fouls to preserve their slim advantage. Rhode Island's Khano Smith also saw yellow in the 85th minute.

Despite the persistent fouling, Tulsa managed to avoid any red cards and held firm to secure all three points. Rhode Island will feel frustrated — facing a side that committed that many bookable offenses and still failing to capitalize from set pieces or sustained pressure.

The win gives FC Tulsa a valuable three points as the Championship season enters its stretch run, with every result carrying increasing weight in the playoff race.