National winger Cordell Cato came on as a second-half substitute for Oklahoma City Energy FC in their 1-1 'Black Gold Derby' draw with rivals FC Tulsa in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship Division at Taft Stadium, Oklahoma City, on Monday night.
The visiting FC Tulsa created their best chance of the first half in the 39th minute when a quick ball forward released Suarez in behind only for Energy FC’s Christian Ibeagha to recover and block a chance to shoot.
A minute later, however, Energy FC struck as a quick move through midfield found Zach Ellis-Hayden in space on the right side.
A low delivery to the top of the six-yard area was all the invitation Jaime Chavez needed, and the veteran striker tucked home a first-time finish.
On the stroke of halftime, however, Tulsa found an answer.
After Lebo Moloto was released into space in the left corner, his floated cross found Marlon at the back post for a good downward header that Da Costa reacted first to, and poked home a finish for his second goal of the season.
The 28-year-old Carenage-born Cato, formerly of US Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquake and Seattle Sounders, came on for Owayne Gordon in the 46th minute.
However, Cato, who also represented the Charlotte Independence in the USL and his team-mates found the going tough as chances proved harder to come by in the second half. In the end, however, honours ended even as the longtime rivals kicked off a new era.
In another match, Shannon Gomez was not included in Sacramento Republic FC's 18-man squad as they squandered a 3-1 lead in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Tacoma Defiance at Papa Murphy’s Park.
On Wednesday, T&T trio Triston Hodge, Duane Muckette and Leston Paul all saw action in their Memphis 901 FC 3-0 loss to Birmingham Legion FC at BBVA Compass Field.
Muckette was substituted off for Brazilian Rafael Mentzingen at halftime, Hodge came off the bench to replace for Pierre Sebastien da Silva in the 62nd minute, and Paul was introduced in the 75th minute for Jean-Christopher Koffi.
On Saturday, Noah Powder and reigning champions Real Monarchs will be aiming to rebound from their shock 1-0 loss to San Diego Loyal on Saturday last when they battle Colorado Springs Switchbacks.
Neveal Hackshaw will also be keen to add to his winning strike versus Saint Louis FC as Indy Eleven faces Sporting Kansas City II, and the trio of Paul, Hodge and Muckette and Memphis travel to Atlanta United II.
Leland Archer and Kierron Mason will be the last T&T players to see action in the opening week when their Charleston Battery battles Birmingham Legion FC, on Sunday, while Gomez’ Sacramento Republic meets Reno 1868 FC.
Overall, 11 T&T international footballers will feature in the league’s revised schedule for the 2020 USL Championship season.