Roughnecks sign Oscar Jimenez for their debut USL Pro season

AX are delighted to announce another success from their San Diego combine of December 2014. Central midfielder Oscar Jimenez has signed with Tulsa Roughnecks  after being scouted by USL Pro hall of famer and Tulsa head coach David Irving.

Jimenez was the stand-out player at Mount Vernon High School before becoming the all-time assist leader and a GNAC All-Star at Western Washington University. After this he spent 2013 with the Bellingham Hammers and was their MVP while he trained with the Seattle Sounders U23 side.

Despite the impressive beginnings to his career, Jimenez suffered a series of setbacks before signing his first professional deal . His first association with AX began at the Las Vegas combine back in 2013, but after no offers AX invited him to the Swedish showcase of January 2014. AX again recognized his quality, but he wasn’t offered any deals. A trial was brokered by AX with Wilmington Hammerheads for the 2014 pre-season, but again Jimenez couldn’t get that allusive professional contract.

Jula Malinen, head coach of Finnish Premier League outfit RoPS, and David Irving were both present at all of Jimenez’s combines and showcase tours, with the latter even coaching at Wilmington Hammerheads during his trial. After walking off the field on day three of the San Diego combine, 25 year-old Jimenez was finally offered a trial with RoPS and professional terms with Tulsa Roughnecks. His belief and perseverance had paid off.

“I have always believed I have what it takes to make it to the next level,” Jimenez told AX. “I work so hard and love the game too much to not make it a reality. It has been my goal since I was a little kid, and having to go through minor setbacks and stuff have only made me hungrier for it.”

Tulsa Roughnecks are a reincarnation of the team with the same name who folded with the NASL in 1984, and 2015 is the inaugural campaign for the new side.

“[I’d like to thank] the entire staff for their hard work and dedication in making this happen for me.”