TULSA, Okla. – FC Tulsa announced on Tuesday the return to the club’s squad of midfielder Aimar Membrila, who has joined the club as a USL Academy signing for a second campaign. The Tulsa-born prospect appeared twice for FC Tulsa in USL Championship action a season ago, along with an additional appearance in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

“Aimar is someone who brings the values we want at FC Tulsa on a daily basis,” said FC Tulsa Head Coach Blair Gavin. “He cares deeply about the club, works very hard to maximize his abilities, and has a lot of quality. We all look forward to working with Aimar to help him continue to develop his game.”

Membrila debuted as an 18-year-old for FC Tulsa in the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup last year vs. Tulsa Athletic. In league play, the midfielder was named to the Tulsa squad nine times and appeared twice as a substitute on September 24 at Detroit City FC and again on October 1 at Indy Eleven. In those three matches, FC Tulsa earned two wins and a draw.

“I’m very excited to re-sign with FC Tulsa this year,” said Membrila. “I’m extremely motivated to take advantage of any opportunities that may arise this season.”

Membrila rose through the youth ranks at the local level, beginning with Metro Tulsa Soccer Club before joining Tulsa Soccer Club in 2011. In addition to his time spent in Tulsa, he trained with FC Dallas’ Academy in 2016 and competed with USL League Two side North Carolina Fusion U23 from 2018-2021.

In January, Membrila committed to playing at the University of Tulsa once its 2023 campaign begins in the fall. He becomes the second player to ink an Academy deal with FC Tulsa in 2023 alongside fellow TSC midfielder Renan Mendoza.

Membrila is available for selection in Wednesday’s Tulsa Derby between FC Tulsa and Tulsa Athletic in the Second Round of the 2023 U.S. Open Cup, the same matchup in which he debuted in 2022.