Youngest player to ink FC Tulsa contract returns to 2023 roster

TULSA, Okla. — The youngest player to sign a professional contract in the history of FC Tulsa will return next season. At just 17 years old, full-back Angel Bernal will gear up for Tulsa in 2023 in what will mark the first full campaign of his pro career.

The defender, who calls San Antonio home, signed with FC Tulsa in Sept. and appeared in each of Tulsa’s four slated matches after in 2022.

“For me, no matter what your age is, if you are capable, you will have an opportunity to play,” said FC Tulsa head coach Blair Gavin. “In his time here, Angel demonstrated that no matter who he went up against, he was going to give his best. At that age, we are looking for someone who is fearless, and Angel is fearless.”

Houston Dynamo invited the young defender to the Generation Adidas Cup as a guest player in April of 2022 where Bernal totaled five tournament appearances. FC Dallas extended a contract to Bernal where he competed for less than two months before Tulsa snagged him for professional deal.

“I’m excited to start my first full year in Tulsa and I’m ready to learn,” said Bernal. “I want to soak everything in and I’m excited to work with Blair. I know he has goals for the team and for myself and I’m ready to give it my all.”

With Bernal’s official addition to the 2023 roster, all three teenagers signed to pro contracts by FC Tulsa mid-season a year ago are back in the squad for the upcoming USL Championship season – Angel Bernal, Luca Sowinski and Christopher Pearson.

The 2023 FC Tulsa season will be available here, once it is posted.

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