Tag: Oakland Roots

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Ready for Professional Cricket?

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San Francisco Unicorns Hassan Khan takes a swing in cricket action back on Jul 25, 2024 (photo by ESPN)

Ready for Professional Cricket?

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Are we Saturated with professional Sports teams in the Bay Area?

Yes, No? Prepare for Professional Cricket, which is coming to the Oakland Coliseum. World-class cricket is coming to the Oakland Coliseum. The San Francisco Unicorns were announced as one of the six teams participating in the league’s inaugural season in 2025. Games will be held on June 12, 14, and 15 at the Oakland Coliseum, and tickets will start at $30.

–The Golden State Valkyries: A new WNBA team owned by Golden State Warriors Joe Lacob and Peter Guber. They are an American professional basketball team based in San Francisco’s Chase Center. The Valkyries compete in the Women’s National Basketball Association as a member of the Western Conference. They recently began play in the 2025 season. Fact: The Valkyries already had more attendance in their inaugural game, 18,064, a sellout, than the Oakland A’s, playing in exile in Sacramento, who have yet to sell out one (1) game this season at Sutter Health Park.

–The Town FC is an American professional soccer team in Moraga, California. It is the San Jose Earthquakes reserve team and participates in MLS Next Pro, a minor league.

The Oakland Roots Sports Club is an American professional soccer club based in Oakland, California. It is a member of the Western Conference and competes in the USL Championship.

–The Bay Football Club, an American professional soccer team based in the San Francisco Bay Area that competes in the National Women’s Soccer League. The team began play in the NWSL as an expansion team in the 2024 season.

Not satisfied with enough Soccer yet? …There is more!

Golden City Football Club (GCFC) co-founders have announced plans to bring professional soccer to the Bay Area—the Golden City Football Club. San Francisco’s iconic Kezar Stadium is getting a major facelift thanks to a new $10 million public-private investment partnership. Mayor Daniel Lurie and (Soccer in Spanish=Fútbol in Portuguese=Futebol) Bay Area franchises in other Sports. –The San Francisco Giants, the San José Giants, and the Oakland Ballers are professional baseball teams in the Major and Minor Leagues.

–The Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association were recently eliminated (minus Curry) during the playoffs.

–The NFL San Francisco 49ers, who play in Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, just signed quarterback Brock Purdy to a five-year, $265 million extension. Purdy is looking for his first Super Bowl ring. Legendary Hall of Fame QB Joe Montana led the 49ers to four (4) Super Bowl titles. Joe Montana, as the 49ers Quarterback, earned an estimated $25 million during his professional football career.

–San José Earthquakes of the MLS (Major League Soccer)USA.

–The NHL San José Sharks just signed a lease to stay at SAP Center until 2050, and the mayor of San José promised many arena improvements.

Q: Are there enough fans and money to support all these sports teams in the Bay Area?

A: Think of this: Most of the wealthiest Californians reside in the Bay Area and amassed their fortunes thanks to the tech industry. With 342,400 millionaires and 756 people worth more than $100 million, the region ranked as the second wealthiest region in the world, just behind New York City. Apr 16, 2025 Adiós Atléticos. It’s too bad for the Oakland Athletics, who left this wonderful, rich area loaded with sports action for Sacramento and are still seeking additional funds for their Las Vegas stadium project. They aim to raise to $550 million from investors. The new stadium, valued at $1.75 billion, is financed through private investment, public funding, and bank loans.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

@Central Park Fremont – Fremont CA

 OPENS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

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Bouda’s late goal propels in Earthquakes 1-0 shutout win over Roots in U.S. Open Cup

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San Jose Earthquakes forwards Ousseni Bouda (#17) and Benji Kinkanovic (#28) celebrate Bouda’s game winning goal over the Oakland Roots during the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 match at Pay Pal Park on Tuesday MAY 7, 2024. (San Jose Earthquakes)

SAN JOSE — Ousseni Bouda scored the game’s only goal as the San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Oakland Roots in 1-0 shutout win in the Round of 32 of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday evening at Pay Pal Park.

San Jose advanced to the Round of 16 and will play the Sacramento Republic FC, who beat Monterey Bay FC 2-0 later in the evening, on either May 21st or 22nd. Oakland bowed out of the tournament as they return to USL Championship play.

Niko Tsakaris found Bouda along the right wing inside the Roots zone. Bouda made a move inside and rifled a right footed shot that pinballed off the far post into the back of the net for the eventual game winning goal.

‘Quakes head coach Luchi Gonzalez starting XI consisted mainly of his bench players. 2024 Super Draft first round pick Jamar Ricketts earned his first start of the season at left back and played impressive throughout the opening 45 minutes. Hernan Lopez also made his first start in a ‘Quakes kit, in his second appearance for San Jose. Also, Emi Ochoa made his debut for the first team with his first start in goal.

San Jose played a sluggish first half as they didn’t manage many quality shots on target. Oakland played aggressive in the first half and made a surge late thanks to the Earthquakes lackadaisical play in their own end.

A give and go between Bryan Tamacas and Jeciel Cedeno resulted in a shot inside the right of the box that ‘Quakes goalkeeper Emi Ochoa had to make a save in the 41st minute. Then in the 44th minute Edwin Rodriguez’ shot attempt deflected off a ‘Quakes defender that went wide left barely missing the back of the net.

Ochoa came up with a huge save to start the second half. A header into the box went high up near the crossbar, Ochoa leaped high into the air with one hand and hit the ball off of the crossbar and cleared the ball out of danger.

Jack Skahan chance in the 63rd minute cruised across the middle of the box his shot was saved by Roots goalkeeper Paul Blanchette.

Ouesseni Bouda scored a goal with a rifle of a right footed shot pinballed off the far post into the back of the net for his first goal of the tournament in the 77th minute.

Rodriguez received a red card and automatic ejection from the match in the 82nd minute when he elbowed Bouda in the head while the ball was in the air and Bouda heading it down.

Ochoa finished the match with his first clean slate of his pro career and the first one for San Jose this season.

UP NEXT: San Jose returns to MLS action on Saturday 5/11 against the Colorado Rapids at 6:30pm at Dick’s Sporting Good Park.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: A’s meeting with Coliseum officials still waiting to be put on the docket

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The Tropicana Hotel and Casino in discussions with the Oakland A’s and the Hotel’s umbrella parent company Gaming and Leisure Properties are hoping to get A’s owner John Fisher’s financial obligation for the construction share settled. The Tropicana will stop taking reservations after the first week of April in preparation of demoing the hotel in April 2025. (photo by the Nevada Independent)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 No date mentioned yet when Oakland A’s team president David Kaval and other A’s officials plan to meet with the Oakland Coliseum Joint Powers to discuss the A’s extension beyond the 2024 season.

#2 The Oakland Roots and Oakland Ballers have expressed serious interest in playing at the Coliseum in 2025 and beyond if the A’s end up playing in Sacramento or Salt Lake City. There is still time to figure this out but the A’s do have first choice if they do plan to extend the lease after this season.

#3 In an interview with NBC Sports California A’s manager Mark Kotsay said he would never tell his player’s what to say when they are questioned by the media about the move to Las Vegas or the stadium designs or whether they prefer Vegas or Oakland.

#4 A’s owner John Fisher financing for Tropicana park: Fisher’s part of the construction costs are as follows, the A’s need construction plans and a timeline for the FAA as the park’s lighting and layout will front the Las Vegas Airport, private financing and development plans, a lease agreement, and a benefits package to present to the Las Vegas community.

#5 Amaury in your view are the A’s any closer to moving to Las Vegas than they were when the Nevada State Legislature had approved the public funding back in June. Do you see any road blocks here in March that could interfere with the A’s leaving Oakland?

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Fans Fest at Jack London Square: Strong support from fans hoping for an A’s to stay in Oakland miracle

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Former Oakland A’s pitcher Grant Balfour is thumbs up on the Fans Fest celebrating Oakland Sports and hosted by the Oakland 68’s and the Last Dive Bar at Jack London Square in downtown Oakland on Sat Feb 24, 2024 (photo by Bay Area News Group)

By Lewis Rubman

OAKLAND–Saturday’s midday Fansfest next to the Jack London Amtrak station billed itself as an affirmation of civic pride Oakland’s sports heritage. It specifically stated that it was not a protest of the current ownership of the currently Oakland Athletics.

It certainly was an outpouring of Oaktown pride and love for its local sports teams. The Fansfest also clearly was an implicit rebuke to the Fisher-Manfred-Las Vegas axis. Even the weather cooperated.

The experience in downtown Oakland was diametrically opposed to that of a typical day at the once imposing pleasure dome on the banks of the River Nimitz, a venue that Peter Gammons once called the best in baseball and which was highly praised by Allan Temko, the architecture critic of the once mighty San Francisco Chronicle. The sky was clear; the temperature, sweltering. And the place was jam packed with A’s fans, many of whom took advantage of the free indoor parking.

Both outdoors and in the enclosed Block 15, also teeming with the faces you used to see at the Coliseum, the mood was festive and co-operative. Ex-A’s Grant Balfour, Coco Crisp, Khris Davis, Ben Grieve, Mike Norris, Bill North, and Trevor May, as well as retired Giant and current Oakland Ballers coach, JT Snow were scheduled to be available for autographs.

I was only able to exchange a few words with the first two. My colleague, Stephen Ruderman, had better luck and managed to conduct a podcast interview, which he reported in his own dispatch.

Block 15’s attractions included a wall of vendors offering bobble heads, statues, drawings, enough to make your head spin. While I was there, Vida Blue’s children were describing what it was like to grow up in the Coliseum, but I could hardly hear their presentation.

The list of sponsors, corporate and individual, was impressive, in spite of the last minute withdrawal of Drake’s Brewery, a withdrawal that the Athletics’ front office vigorously denies having influenced. Whatever the reasons behind that decision, the brewery’s absence wasn’t particularly notable; plenty of suds were on sale to thirsty attendees.

Stands offered an incredible variety of baseball merchandise, from socks to caps, and a wide assortment of baseball arts, crafts, and memorabilia. Cal Athletics, the Oakland Roots, the Oakland Ballers also had booths.

Let Las Vegas match that.

Lewis Rubman is a MLB beat writer for sportsradioservice.com

Oakland Roots Eliminated From A Playoff Spot After 2-1 Loss To El Paso Locomotive FC

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Oakland Roots as much as they tuned up and practiced before the game couldn’t wrap up the regular season with a win against the visiting El Paso Locomotive at Cal State Hayward East Bay on Sat Oct 14, 2023 (@oaklandrootssc photo)

Saturday, October 14th, 2023

 By Troy Ewers

Hayward, CA – It’s the final game of the regular season for the Oakland Roots and it’s been a wild ride. This game against the El Paso Locomotive FC is a win and in scenario for Oakland and it’s exactly the scenario that encapsulates this season for the Roots. The last time Oakland faced El Paso it was a 3-1 victory for Oakland and this outcome is what Coach Delgado wants his Roots team to repeat. 

It wasn’t long until someone scored in the first half and unfortunately for Oakland it wasn’t in their favor. Eight minutes into the first half and Emmanuel Sonupe of El Paso scored one through the legs of Paul Blanchette in an effortless attack and just like that it was 1-0 and the packed Pioneer Stadium went from hype to crushed in seconds, because it felt like it was over before it even started at that point.

That became even more evident after a set piece resulted in a header from Noah Dollenmayer scored in the 14th minute, making this game 2-0 El Paso and from here frustration set in as Roots leading scorer Johnny Rodriguez was awarded a yellow card for tripping Dollenmayer a minute after he just scored.

For 30 minutes into the first half, one thing was for sure for Oakland and that was their attack wasn’t breaking the seal of El Paso’s defense and that carried on through the half, even being stopped on a penalty shot in the 41st minute.

The air was deflated in Pioneer Stadium. The whistle blew to signal the end of the first half and it was 2-0 El Paso, and the Oakland fans were stunned as the thought of the playoffs was fading away. 

The Roots weren’t going down lightly, they had heart coming out of halftime as two minutes into the second half Anuar Pelaez scored an amazing butterfly kick for a goal for the Roots and this was the shot of adrenaline to the arm for Oakland that they needed.

It was 2-1 with a lot of time on the clock and the fans were back in. El Paso was fighting for playoff hopes as well if there was a draw, El Paso would be in the playoffs, if El Paso wins they’re in the playoffs, it was up to Oakland to determine the fate of the playoff picture.

As substitutions started to come in, the fear of time came into play for Oakland. Five minutes left in the game before stoppage time and the fans were on the edge of their feet, it felt like it could go either way. The Roots had attempt after attempt, but with four minutes of stoppage time the mountain was too high to climb.

The two goals in the first half for El Paso were all that was needed to stop Oakland in their tracks and in stoppage time, a red card for the Roots was the nail in the coffin, there was no comeback story. El Paso slowed everything down and wasted time all the way until the final whistle sounded. 2-1 El Paso 2-1 and the Roots were eliminated from a chance at the playoffs. 

It was a fun season for the Oakland Roots, but it wasn’t enough to make it to the dance. The Roots had players like Johnny Rodriguez and Paul Blanchette who were league leaders in their respective categories and fought every single game, but not being able to close it out when it mattered resulted in Oakland missing a run in the postseason.

Oakland Roots lose in a crushing 4-2 loss to San Diego Loyal in final away game

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Oakland Roots players tuned up before their match against the San Diego Loyal at Torero Stadium in San Diego on Sat Oct 7, 2023 (@oaklandrootssc photo)

Saturday, October 7th, 2023

 By Troy Ewers

In Oakland’s last away game of the season, the Oakland Roots faced the San Diego Loyal in regular season play at Torero Stadium in San Diego. Oakland currently sits in eighth place in the West, one point clear of the playoff line and they had hoped to keep their spot as they had this game in hand but it got away in a crushing 4-2 loss. The Roots do have one last game at home to close the season. 

The first goal came on a sideline throw and was then headed to Bryan Tamacas who shoots on one touch past the goaltender and in for a nice goal and Oakland goes up 1-0, but that’s not new for them, can it be held? The answer is no as San Diego hit the equalizer three minutes after Oakland’s when Joe Corona hit a header past Paul Blanchette to make it 1-1.

Not even a minute later, San Diego scored their second goal when a beautiful attack led to a goal from Ronaldo Damus and the game felt out of hand early, 2-1 San Diego. The avalanche wasn’t over for San Diego as Damus hit his second goal, this time sneaking a one time shot past Blanchette and the frustration was visible on the Roots.

In the 44th minute, the SD Loyal delivered a fourth goal when Perez scored his first goal of the night and the energy was alive in San Diego, but Oakland’s energy was sucked out. The halftime whistle blew and it was clear who was on top and that was San Diego. Oakland needed to adjust, but momentum wasn’t in their favor. 

The second half was Oakland desperately fighting for scorching opportunities, but no cigar. San Diego knew all they had to do was run this clock out and play the game that got them to this point. Oakland wasn’t going anywhere without a fight as they hit a quick goal to make it 4-2 and the Roots ran the ball to center to not waste any time, but the damage was already done.

With five minutes in stoppage time left, San Diego was clearly in control and Oakland fought hard, but not hard enough and when the final whistle was blown the game ended 4-2 San Diego and Oakland looked crushed.

How this affects Oakland’s playoff chances hangs in the balance, but with one more game next week against El Paso, the fate of the Roots is on the line as we close this season October 14th.

Oakland Roots Lose 3-1 To Orange County After Three Straight Goals

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Oakland Roots player tunes up before match with Orange County SC at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine on Wed Oct 4, 2023 (@oaklandrootssc photo)

Wednesday, October 4th, 2023

By Troy Ewers

In Championship Soccer Stadium the Oakland Roots faced off against Orange County SC, who were draped in uniforms that honor the Anaheim Ducks. The final three games for Oakland before the playoffs ran through the OC tonight and the biggest thing the Roots needed was to capitalize on crucial moments. Orange County clinched their spot before the game due to the result of Hartford’s game made the energy feel less “do or die” than it did leading up to this game. 

The game ten minutes saw a major goal for the energy of the Roots as a set piece developed into a header pass from Neveal Hackshaw to Anuar Palaez for a shot to the center of the goal and the spark they needed, the Roots got early and now it was their time to capitalize on such a crucial moment.

1-0 Oakland. Orange County’s attack on Oakland consistently was strong, but couldn’t get one past Paul Blanchette in the first half it seemed. In the 40th minute Orange County had a chance on a breakaway that seemed like it was going to be the equalizer, but a foul that was not called by the ref caused a bad shot and the ball went wide of the goal and still no goals for the OC.

Orange County finally got a penalty right before stoppage time after a hard trip by Lindo Mfeka and Orange County’s Milan Iloski converted the penalty kick right past Blanchette and with four minutes of stoppage time, the game was tied 1-1.

Seconds before stoppage time was over Orange County followed up the penalty kick with a corner kick that Thomas Amang headed in for his eighth goal of the season and with the halftime whistle blown, the first half ended Orange County SC up 2-1 on Oakland. This two goal rally for Orange County is another example of what has affected Oakland all season. 

The second half started and the Roots had three shots compared to Orange County’s ten shots were a small example of the attack chances. Orange County’s assault wasn’t over as four minutes in the second half Milan Iloski’s brother Brian scored and it was clear that the Roots were outplayed.

3-1 Orange County and there was still a lot of game left. The remainder of the game was a deflated Oakland Roots trying to build some type of offense, but none of it was successful. With five minutes of stoppage time Orange County had all the momentum and all the cards were stacked in their favor at this point and when the final whistle blew the game ended with Orange County on top 3-1. 

Orange County secured their spot in the playoffs before the game, but the eighth place Oakland Roots after this loss find themselves at risk of losing that spot. Oakland’s next game is against San Diego Loyal SC in San Diego and maybe Oakland finishes their last two games still in the playoff picture.

Oakland Roots Draw 2-2 Against San Antonio After Being Up 2 At Half

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Oakland Roots couldn’t hold the 2-0 lead and came away with a 2-2 draw against San Antonio FC at CSU East Bay (@oaklandrootssc image)

Saturday, September 30th, 2023

By Troy Ewers

Hayward, CA – Four games remaining in the season and Oakland is still fighting for a final spot in the playoff picture. Tonight the Oakland Roots face San Antonio FC at CSU East Bay in the final game of September. 

The Roots started with an amazing goal to open the game nine minutes in as Guillermo Diaz hit a deep pass to Johnny Rodriguez where he hit a fantastic spin kick to score, 1-0 Oakland. A minute later Anuar Palaez stole the ball from a San Antonio player and immediately followed up with a laser shot to score the second goal for the Roots, 2-0.

The remainder of the first half was San Antonio trying hard to develop an offense and they let some shots go, but none hit the back of the net and when the whistle blew for a halftime, Roots were up 2-0. 

The second half was the make or break half for Oakland. They needed to secure a W and lately they haven’t been able to do that in the second half conceding more goals than they’ve scored. San Antonio wanted to keep that streak going ten minutes into the second half, Santiago Patino scored the first goal for San Antonio off a gorgeous shot past Paul Blanchette making it 2-1.

As we proceeded through the second half, Oakland got more physical to hold off San Antonio and this strategy was successful all the way until stoppage time when a long pass was volleyed to Toni Oluwaseyei who scored off a straight shot past Blanchette for the equalizer. 2-2!!!

Oakland’s struggle to hold off opponents in the second half when they have a lead has been what has kept their playoff chances in limbo. The final whistle blew, but not without a little bit of controversy. On the last shot of the game, San Antonio claimed there was a foul to the point where a San Antonio player got in the ref’s face and was awarded a red card. Red card aside the game ended in a 2-2 draw. 

With only three games left, Oakland is fighting for their playoff spot and the next game on their path to the playoffs is against Orange County Sporting Club in Irvine, CA on October 4th.

Roots Playoff Hopes Still Intact As Oakland Draws 2-2 With Monterey Bay FC

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Final score of the Oakland Roots vs. Monterey Bay FC match at UC Hayward East Bay on Sat Sep 23, 2023 (@oaklandrootssc photo)

Saturday, September 23rd, 2023

By Troy Ewers

Hayward, CA – This week the Oakland Roots raised over 2 million dollars from over 3,200 new investors setting the American sports record for crowdfunding effort. Billie Joe Armstrong the lead singer of Green Day became an owner as well, but with all this big hype for Oakland, they still had a game this week and tonight was against Monterey Bay FC. Oakland currently sits in 7th place in the West just one point clear of the playoff line. 

The game started with Monterey Bay getting on the board in the opening three minutes with Alex Dixon scoring one past Paul Blanchette after receiving an assist from Sam Gleadle and knocking the shot the center of the goal off his left foot, 1-0 Monterey Bay.

The Roots looked to respond in minute 28, but the attack was foiled by Monterey’s defense. Oakland would end up getting the equalizer in the 44th minute when a cross from Bryan Tamacas was capitalized on by Daniel Barbir and shot from close range to even the game at 1-1, this would take us to the end of the 1st half and it was enough for Oakland to see they might have a chance to earn three points. 

The second half on a chilly night in Hayward, California was seemingly the most important 45 minutes for the Roots at this point in the season. If Oakland was able to get the win here, they’d find themselves right at the front door of the playoffs.

The tie was broken when a deep pass beat the Roots defensive back line and with a great one touch, Sean Okoli took it himself and scored it himself, 2-1 Monterey Bay FC. It seemed like Oakland wouldn’t come back and get the equalizing goal, but in the 90th minute Neveal Hackshaw did exactly that for the Roots.

It was Hackshaw’s first goal in a Roots jersey and it couldn’t have been at a more perfect time. After three minutes in stoppage time the ref blew the closing whistle and this game ended in a 2-2 draw with the Roots at this point two points below the playoff line.

The next game for Oakland will be a home game Saturday, September 30th against San Antonio and with four games left the playoff race is in Oakland’s hands if they can run the table riding the momentum of this draw.

Oakland Roots lose 1-0 to FC Tulsa to start home stand

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Oakland Roots pose for a pre game team photo before their match against FC Tulsa on Sat Sep 16, 2023 (@oaklandrootssc photo)

Saturday, September 16th, 2023

By Troy Ewers

Hayward, CA – The Oakland Roots face off against FC Tulsa to start a three game homestand with six games left in the season, four out of those six will be home games for Oakland. The Roots find themselves in 7th place of the West, three points clear of the playoff line. 

Tulsa got on the board first 10 minutes into the game when Phillip Goodrum knocked a header in the net after receiving a short cross pass into the box and this header made it past Blanchette to put Tulsa up 1-0. The game plan for Oakland seemed more scattered than usual and Tulsa’s whole system was to take advantage of this scattered style of play.

The course of the first half was predominantly focused on setting up possible opportunities, but Oakland made the biggest mistake of the half right before stoppage time when Lindo Mfeka delivered a hard tackle that wasn’t just a clear foul, but resulted in a red card and the Roots had to play with ten men for the remainder of the game.

With only two minutes of stoppage time, the halftime whistle blew before anything could develop and Tulsa held the lead at 1-0, but with that red card on Oakland, Tulsa had the advantage. 

The second half was a complete battle of possession, but the odds were evened out when Tulsa got a red card and now both teams were playing with ten guys. From there the rest of the second half played out and Tulsa never conceded.

As the final whistle blew, the game was just like how it started, 1-0 Tulsa and three points secured for Tulsa, which isn’t good for Oakland as they go into these final five games with a huge mountain to climb. The next game will be a home match for Oakland and it will be against Monterey Bay FC and the Roots need a win to secure them in the playoff picture.