TULSA, Okla. (Interstat) — In a commanding season-opening performance that defied pregame projections, FC Tulsa delivered a decisive 3-0 victory over New Mexico United on Saturday night at ONEOK Field.

The match, part of the USL Championship slate, was dominated by the home side from the outset, with forward Taylor Calheira leading the charge with a first-half brace. The final score stood in stark contrast to the predictions from Interstat, whose game simulator had forecast a 2-1 win for the visitors. The same analytics system had given FC Tulsa a 62.4 percent probability of securing the victory, a figure the team surpassed with ease on the pitch.

FC Tulsa established control early and broke through in the 39th minute. Calheira found the back of the net for his first goal of the evening, giving the home side a lead it would not relinquish. The momentum continued to build just before halftime when New Mexico United’s Valentin Noël was shown a yellow card in the 43rd minute.

The home team picked up where it left off after the break. Calheira struck again in the 57th minute, netting his second goal of the game to double FC Tulsa’s advantage and effectively put the match out of reach for the struggling visitors.

The victory was sealed in the 76th minute by midfielder Jamie Webber, who added a third goal for FC Tulsa. The insurance score came just three minutes after New Mexico United’s Zico Bailey received a yellow card, compounding a frustrating night for the away side.

The win immediately puts FC Tulsa in the positive column for the new USL Championship season, moving its league record to one win and zero losses. The loss leaves New Mexico United with a record of zero wins and one loss to start its campaign. The records for both teams across all competitions are identical to their new league standings.

The shutout victory provides a strong foundation for FC Tulsa as it begins its 2025 season, while New Mexico United will look to regroup after being held scoreless in its opener.