Tulsa semipro soccer team to replace pregame national anthem

A semipro soccer team based in Tulsa will replace national anm with Woody Guthrie's “This Land Is Your Land” at all home matches.

Tulsa Athletic me announcement in a news release Wednesday.

Athletic are part of National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), which has more than 90 teams. In a statement, team said it went away from “ Star-Spangled Banner” after reviewing its lyrics. It pointed to third verse of Francis Scott Key's poem, which includes line: “No refuge could save hireling and slave from terror of flight or gloom of grave.”

“Tulsa Athletic came to decision that song does not align with club’s core values,” team said in its statement. “While this verse is rarely sung, Tulsa Athletic does not believe ' Star-Spangled Banner' represents or unites ir diverse players, fans and community.”

Athletic said fans can sing along if y are comfortable, and all forms of patriotic expression are welcomed.

“We believe ‘This Land Is Your Land’ not only captures a powerful patriotic sentiment, but that it does so in a far more inclusive way," Sonny Dalesandro, team's co-owner, said in a statement. " song speaks to this country being built and shared by every person of every race, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. It represents a future Tulsa Athletic is committed to striving for.”

Guthrie was born in Okemah, Oklahoma, a small town about 65 miles from Tulsa.

Image credits: AP