Napo Matsoso warming up before the game (Photo From Oakland Roots Instagram)
By Troy Ewers
HAYWARD–In front of a crowd of 4,665 people at CSU East Bay in Hayward, California, the Oakland Roots had another USL Championship match, this time against Miami FC which ended up in a 0-0 draw. Both squads were coming off of U.S. Open Cup losses and for Oakland, the focus of this game was to establish an attack that was not only strong and fast, but a more confident offensive attack.
The first half started with good rhythm for both teams, but no real chances. A total of twp shots from both teams and both shots went over the crossbar. Oakland’s game plan needed to change and look for more chances in the second half. The attack needed to be more aggressive. The second half started off with some heat.
Oakland took their new game plan of aggression into effect early and the Roots got two shots, but missed both. One of those shots would be the only shot on goal for Oakland. The Roots’ opportunities were good, but Miami’s defense was always there and ready to get in the lanes.
The offense wasn’t flowing for Miami either, Blanchette stopping three shots on goal in the first 65 minutes, but for Miami the stalemate wasn’t a negative, it was a point on the road that can be a morale boost and even though Miami would like a win, they would rather not get a loss.
For Oakland, this was a game that seemed to be a go ahead W, but with a result of a draw, it’s another week not having a complete game. It’s another week where a team has to find some type of confidence going into the next week. While this draw for Miami feels like a win, it’d be understatement to think this draw for Oakland feels like a setback. Next game for Oakland is against Birmingham and Oakland is looking for a W on the road that can spark some type of run here as we enter the summer.
Troy Ewers is an Oakland Roots beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com
Sports Radio Service 