Oakland Roots before the game Photo From Oakland Roots Instagram

HAYWARD, CA– The Oakland Roots SC started their three game homestand against the Pittsburgh Riverhouds SC with a 0-0 draw at East Bay Hayward. The game started slow for the Roots, but they found their pace as Anuar Palaez got the first on target shot in the 24th minute.

The entire first half was Oakland backing Pittsburgh’s D-lines down and getting great opportunities in the middle of the box, but they capitalized on none of them. The second half was more of a back and forth game, but still no goals were made.

Roots were strong on set pieces as they have been all season, but Pittsburgh made sure their hopes were shot. The Riverhounds applied pressure at various points this game, but the strong defense from Oakland blocked any shot that entered the zone.

The game was a defensive battle, so if you were looking for highlight reel plays, this wasn’t the game for you. This was for fans of defense. The Roots had a last chance effort for a game winner, but the whistle blew and the game was over.

Coach Delgado says that he was proud of the boys given the adversity they faced with players missing and things like that. He says it was a grind, and they had good moments. Oakland’s next game will be next week June 24th against Phoenix Rising.