USL Cup: Garibay’s Heroics Secure Shootout Win for One Knox Over FC Tulsa

Staff Writer
2 hours ago
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

TULSA, Okla. — For the third time in 2026, One Knoxville SC found themselves staring down a penalty shootout to decide a result. This time, however, the spotlight belonged to goalkeeper Johan Garibay.

In a rainy Saturday night clash at ONEOK Field, Garibay made three massive saves in the shootout to propel One Knox to a 1(3)-1(2) victory over FC Tulsa. The win successfully kicked off the club's 2026 Prinx Tires USL Cup campaign, earning the visitors two valuable points in Group 3 play.

Garibay Steps into the Spotlight

While One Knox had previously navigated shootouts against Asheville City SC and D.C. United in the U.S. Open Cup, those victories were secured with Jonathan Burke between the pipes. Saturday marked Garibay's turn to anchor the spot kicks.

"Oh, it's so much better being in it," Garibay laughed after the match. "You don't really feel the nerves when you're in it."

The shootout began on a back foot for Knoxville when Babacar Diene’s opening attempt was saved. However, Garibay quickly evened the score with a diving stop on Nelson Pierre. Following conversions from Dani Fernandez and Teddy Baker, Garibay again dove to his right to deny Owen Damm. He finally sealed the victory in the fifth round, pushing away Jeorgio Kocevski’s attempt to clinch the extra point.

Composure and Momentum

One Knox dominated much of the regulation play, finishing with a 10-8 advantage in total shots. The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Teddy Baker rifled home his first goal of the season across all competitions. The play was sparked by a quick passing sequence between Chris Tiao and Braudilio Rodrigues, the latter providing the assist.

"We’ve been talking about having a little more composure in the final third for a really long time," said Head Coach Ian Fuller. "It was good to see from Teddy because we know he’s got that in his locker."

Tulsa managed to find an equalizer in the 76th minute through Remi Cabral, but their momentum was halted shortly after when defender Lamar Batista received a second yellow card and was sent off. Despite the man advantage for the final 12 minutes, Knoxville couldn't find a winner in regulation, leading to the dramatic finish.

Road Warriors

Through seven matches away from home in 2026, One Knoxville SC remains a formidable traveling side. They are currently unbeaten on the road across three different competitions:

USL League One: 2-0-1
U.S. Open Cup: 3 wins (including an upset of D.C. United)
USL Cup: 1-0 in Group Stage

What’s Next: A David vs. Goliath Clash

Knoxville's congested schedule continues this week as they pivot back to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. As the last USL League One side remaining in the tournament, One Knox travels to Ohio for a high-profile Round of 16 matchup.