Texoma FC’s encouraging eight-match unbeaten streak came to a frustrating end over the weekend, as the club fell 1-0 to fellow USL League One newcomers, Portland Hearts of Pine. While the defeat will sting — particularly given the manner in which it unfolded — there are reasons for Texoma to remain optimistic as they reach the midpoint of their inaugural season.
A Night Undone by Circumstance — and an Own Goal
Adversity was the theme of the night from the opening whistle — or rather, the delayed whistle. Originally slated for a 7:30 PM kickoff, severe weather pushed the match’s start time back nearly four hours, forcing both sides to adapt to a late-night slog that wrapped up after 1 AM.
Further complicating matters, head coach Adrian Forbes was forced into an unexpected reshuffle just moments before kickoff. Preston Kilwein, a regular fixture in Forbes’ evolving starting XI, was ruled out, prompting Lamin Jawneh to step in on the left wing. That switch set off a chain reaction: William Perkins, typically a left back, was shifted to right back while Reid Valentine slotted in on the left. Such last-minute adjustments can wreak havoc on defensive cohesion, and unfortunately for Texoma, that’s precisely what happened.
Just five minutes in, an unfortunate own goal by Perkins gifted Portland what would ultimately prove to be the game-winner. Despite dominating possession for the remainder of the contest — controlling 62% of the ball, well above their typical numbers — Texoma struggled to translate that advantage into genuine scoring threats.
Dominant Possession, Limited Penetration
Recent matches had seen Texoma thrive with a counter-attacking approach, ceding possession while carving out clear chances in transition. But against a disciplined Portland defense, Texoma’s attempts to dictate the tempo yielded few dividends in the final third.
While Portland mustered 17 total shots — with five on target — Texoma could only register two efforts on frame from nine overall. Their clearest chance to salvage a point came deep into stoppage time, when Ajmeer Spengler’s dangerous cross was expertly snatched by the Portland keeper just before it found the onrushing Diego Pepi.
Adding insult to injury, tempers flared in the final minutes. Midfielder Luke McCormick received a second yellow card following an off-the-ball altercation, ensuring that Texoma ended the match not just scoreless, but shorthanded.
Finding Positives in Defeat
Despite the setback, there were silver linings on the night. Goalkeeper Javier Garcia continued his solid run of form, registering three saves and exuding a calm presence behind an occasionally unsettled back line. For a club still building its defensive identity, Garcia’s consistency has been an essential stabilizing force.
The match also underscored a vital lesson for Forbes’ squad: translating possession into goals remains the key to unlocking their next level. The tactical adaptability Texoma has shown in recent weeks — shifting from a low-block counter style to a more proactive approach — bodes well for the longer term, but the side will need to find more incisiveness against organized defenses like Portland’s.
The Bigger Picture: Sustainability Through Community
For Texoma FC, results on the pitch are only part of the story. As Forbes has made clear since day one, the ultimate goal is to build a sustainable club rooted in community support and local pride. That means not only fielding a competitive team but playing a brand of soccer that energizes fans and fills seats at Bearcat Stadium.
“We 100% didn’t do that the first seven games, but we’re starting to do that now,” Forbes noted earlier this month, reflecting on the club’s early challenges and recent momentum. “The more bums on seats, the more revenue for the club, the more we can bring the team and community closer together.”
That sense of connection will be crucial as Texoma navigates the inevitable ups and downs of an expansion season. Sitting seventh in the USL League One table as they approach the halfway mark is no small feat for a first-year side — and with half the season left to play, the opportunity to push for a playoff spot is still very much alive.
What Comes Next
Texoma’s resilience will be tested again in short order. A midweek trip to face the Chattanooga Red Wolves looms on Wednesday, providing a chance to bounce back quickly and regain their rhythm. More importantly, it will be an opportunity to prove that the lessons learned in Portland — from maintaining defensive discipline to converting possession into chances — can help this young club keep growing.
For supporters, the loss to Portland might sting, but the broader trajectory remains encouraging. Texoma FC has already demonstrated an ability to adapt, learn, and fight for each other under challenging circumstances. As any expansion club knows, the path to long-term success isn’t linear — but for Texoma, the foundation looks promising.
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