Tag: USL

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.

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.

Roots lose to Tampa Bay 3-0

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Try as hard as they did the Oakland Roots couldn’t get the futbol in the back end of the net getting shutout by the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium in St Petersburg Fl on Sat Jul 8, 2023 (@oaklandrootssc photo)

By Troy Ewers

In St Petersburg, Florida, the Tampa Bay Rowdies face the the Oakland Roots in a regular season match and this game from front to back to side to side was a dominating performance from Tampa Bay as they got 3-0 victory at home locking down three points.

Cal Jennings score the first goal of the game in the eighth minute in a brilliant set up that gave the Rowdies the 1-0 lead. The first half was primarily the Roots on the defensive side of the ball trying to stop an offense that wouldn’t let up and that meant depending on a hardworking performance from Roots goaltender Paul Blanchette, but that wasn’t enough as Cal Jennings scored his second goal of the game in the 41st minute giving Tampa Bay a 2-0 lead when the half ended.

In the second half it was no different than the first as the Rowdies didn’t take their foot off the gas and in the 57th minute of the game, Cal Jennings secured a hat trick after a cross comes from the right side across the pitch and is received from Jennings and goes past Blanchette for a 3-0 deficit.

The pressure applied by Oakland in the second half fell on deaf ears as it resulted in no goals and couldn’t close the gap that Cal Jennings and Tampa Bay opened up from the opening whistle. When the final whistle blew the Rowdies took the three points and the three goals for a victory.

Next game for Oakland comes right around the corner as they play Memphis 901 on July 12th at CSU East Bay in Hayward and Coach Delgado hopes for a different result.

Oakland Roots Lose 2-0 To The Rio Grande Valley Toros Off Of A Wilmer Cabrera Brace

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The Oakland Roots prayers were answered with a 2-0 shutout over the Grande Valley Toros at CSU East Bay in Hayward on Wed Jun 28, 2023 (@oaklandrootssc photo)

A rare weekday game for the Oakland Roots in Hayward, California at CSU East Bay, this game against the Rio Grande Valley Toros. This game was a standout game for goaltender Paul Blanchette of Oakland, but for the defensive back line it was something they wanted to forget immediately.

The first half showed promise as both teams each had good scoring chances that the goaltenders had to make highlight reel stops. The difference between both teams is how they approach their first moves, the Roots’ first move being more timid than RGV and in this game it was about who was more aggressive.

In the second half that point was proven masterfully by RGV. Even though at the beginning of the second half Lindo Mfeka had a huge scoring opportunity for the Roots, Oakland would only end up with five shots on goal total and compared to RGV’s 12 shots on goal that would be a deciding factor for this game.

Two of those 12 shots would go past a tired Paul Blanchette. First goal came from a breakout pass by RGV that would be stopped Oakland’s Joseph Nane, but when Nane tries to clear the ball, RGV gets it right back and Frank Lopez would sneak a pass past Barbir of the Roots to Wilmer Cabrera for a shot that finds the back of the net, 1-0 RGV.

The second goal coming eight minutes later and it would be a smoother play for the Toros as an offensive rush leads to Frank Lopez again getting an assist and again Wilmer Cabrera scorches it in the goal, 2-0 RGV and that was all that was needed to give RGV a W, but it wasn’t the only damage done before this game was over. Within two minutes, Guillermo Diaz got two yellow cards resulting in a red card and five minutes later the final whistle blew.

The next game for Oakland is July 8th against Tampa Bay and this is the time of year where teams at the top of the table start to separate from the rest and Oakland finds itself in the middle of the pack and they need to start winning and stop with the draws and losses before they look up and it’s October and they’re out of the race completely.

Oakland Roots Draw Phoenix Rising 1-1

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Johnny Rodriguez beating his opponent off the dribble Photo from Oakland Roots Instagram

By Tony Ewers

In the rivalry game between Oakland and Phoenix, it was a game that was a battle all the way to the final minute where both teams scored their goals in the final ten minutes. It started with both teams having scoring attempts in the first ten minutes, but neither seeing the back of the net as the Roots and Rising Sun play to a 1-1 draw.

Possession was equal 50% as they traded shot attempts through 30 minutes of action. At that point the game saw nothing, but fouls for 10 minutes and from there the back and forth was like that for the remainder of the half with no actual moment where it looked either team had the upper hand.

The second half went more in a defensive direction for the Roots, but in the 82nd minute Dariusz Formella would hit a shot off the right foot in the goal, 1-0 Oakland! The defensive direction of the Roots was working, the Phoenix Rising missed six shots except one.

In the 93rd minute, a header from Manuel Arteaga in the box went past Paul Blanchett and it was the equalizer that sealed this draw for Oakland. This would be the Roots third draw in a row and Coach Delgado says “We’ve been leading in two of those games. Moments of the game, especially when we begin to close out the season – learning how to close out games, starting out well, that’s important.”

This Formella’s sixth goal of the season and second against Phoenix this season and he’s the top goal scorer for the Roots at the moment. The next game for Oakland is next week against Rio Grande Valley Toros and this their second time facing each other.

That game was also a draw, but Oakland needs a win, because the season is moving fast and each team has to kick it in higher gear to secure top spots in the table.

Oakland Gets 2-2 Draw Against Phoenix

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Bryan Tamacas warming up before the game Photo from Oakland Roots Instagram

By Troy Ewers

In Phoenix, Arizona the Oakland Roots played Phoenix Rising FC and was trying to maintain momentum from their win against Colorado Springs and it looked like that would be the case early in this game. Darius Formella, the second highest scorer for Oakland scored with a left foot shot from the left side of the box, assisted by Joseph Nane. 1-0 Roots.

Yellow cards made the first half a stalemate and when the first half ended it looked like Oakland was riding the wave that carried them last game. When the second half started the pressure from Phoenix was amplified and in minute 58 Phoenix’s Federico Varela got the first touch from Danny Trejo and scored the equalizer from the center of the box. 1-1.

Ten minutes later, Oakland recovered from a Bryan Tamacas yellow card and the silent assassin, Lindo Mfeka scored a brilliant goal that was assisted by Napo Matasoso, who’s defined himself as the premiere set up man for Oakland. 2-1 Roots.

It looked like this game was in the bag, but Phoenix wasn’t going to go quietly as an unassisted goal by Manuel Arteaga found it’s way passed Paul Blanchette and tied everything up! 2-2. The rest of the game was both teams fighting for the upper hand, but the final whistle would blow with the score 2-2.

Next game for Oakland is back in CSU East Bay and the Roots are hoping for a home field advantage to put them on the north side of the table as they play a hungry Pittsburgh FC. This game will be one of the final games before the first half of the season comes to close and the Roots have the talent but, need to close out more games to reach the playoffs.

Early Goal Is All Roots Needed To Beat Colorado Springs FC in 1-0 Victory

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Napo Matsoso setting up the offense (Photo from Roots Instagram)

By Troy Ewers

In Colorado Springs, it was Oakland Roots against Colorado Springs FC and this was a major game for the Roots and it was needed if they wanted to stay at top five in the west in the table. This game started with a heavy amount of possession in Oakland’s favor and that led to a clean right footed shot by Johnny Rodriguez for a goal from outside the box. 1-0 Roots.

That was all the scoring for this as the rest of the game went at a grueling slow pace, because of fouls and an injury for Daniel Gomez. Gomez had to be carted off and he was replaced by Joseph Nane. Colorado had really no major momentum in the first half, except for a major attack in the 40th minute, but no foul was called and play went on.

The first half ended with both teams under three shots on goal. The possession in the first half was 58% in the favor of Oakland. The second half was an even slower pace, but this time from just sloppy play on both sides. Every time you looked, someone was either on the floor or arguing over a call (or lack of call).

A brace was almost scored for Oakland in the 94th minute, but the attempt was stopped in its tracks by the Colorado defense and before you knew it the game was over and Oakland got the win. Johnny Rodriguez has had a big season and this goal marks his five point this season. Next game for the Roots will be in Phoenix Rising Stadium in Phoenix Arizona against Phoenix Rising FC.

Oakland Roots Score A Brace Against San Diego Loyal For 2-0 Victory

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Emrah Klimenta celebrating the Roots victory (Photo From Oakland Roots Instagram)

By Troy Ewers

OAKLAND–Another week of Oakland Roots soccer in Hayward, California, this week against San Diego Loyal SC. The Roots came into this game at sevnth place in the western division and needed a big win. Last year when the Roots played San Diego, Oakland won 3-0 in a USL Championship playoff match and the Roots were looking for a similar result.

Oakland quickly got on the board when a sloppy play from the San Diego backline got picked by Guillermo Diaz and he hit a chip pass to Johnny Rodriguez, who scored off a right footed shot from very close range to the top right corner of the goal. 1-0 Oakland Roots.

The rest of the first half was San Diego in control of possession, but never putting anything past the deep third. Oakland fans can make any game feel like game 7, even if the action is at a stand still. The next half was a lot of the same for both teams, but the Roots closed the gap in terms of possession. Six shots on goal for Oakland and five for San Diego, but San Diego could only save four of those shots.

The second goal for Oakland came in the closing minute of the game by Anuar Palaez, who scored from a right footed shot from the center of the box to the bottom left corner. 2-0 Oakland Roots and the final whistle blew.

This win moved the Roots up to fifth place in the west and the momentum needs to be upheld, because the Roots have scorers and a goalkeeper who seems to be stopping everything that comes his way. Next game for Oakland will be in Colorado Springs against Colorado Springs and all eyes will be on Formella, Rodriguez, and Blanchette.

A Dominant 3-0 Win For Oakland Against Orange Cassidy

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Bryan Tamacas waving to the fans as the game starts Photo From Oakland Roots Instagram

By Troy Ewers

HAYWARD–It was a big day for Oakland soccer fans as they got to see the home debut of the Oakland Soul, which are the new USWL team in Oakland on the same day Oakland had a big game against Orange County SC. The Roots needed a win to get a confidence boost and jolt their season and they did exactly that and they did it convincingly.

This game started off with Oakland having a clear advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Roots had the ball majority of the game and this resulted in a big 1st half, where Oakland would score twice. The first goal coming from Formella who has been one of the main scorers for Oakland and he scored this goal after a Roots push into the box and shoots past the back line and the goalkeeper.

1-0 Oakland. The second goal comes after a beautiful cross by Mfeka, Morad hits a brilliant header that sees the back of the net. 2-0 Oakland. The first half went by very quickly as there weren’t any fouls in the first half from either team. The second half was more focused on defense, where Orange County had more of an effort pushing the ball.

The OC’s best scoring chances came from this half and by the end of the game both teams had 9 shots each and were almost even on possession time. Oakland would score one more goal going into the final whistle, but it was clear that this game was all Oakland Roots.

The Roots found gaps in the OC defense and created space on offense, Oakland’s defense showed huge growth from past games, especially on the back line and this all was the catalyst for them to flourish this game.

The next game for the Roots will be in Sacramento against Sacramento Republic FC, who are the leaders of the Western conference in the USL Championship.

A Red Card For Birmingham Legion Gives Oakland Roots A 4-1 Victory

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Bryan Tamacas clearing the ball out (Photo from Oakland Roots Instagram)

By Troy Ewers

For the Oakland Roots, the problem the last few games was finishing their chances. Not getting an open play goal in the last 4 games, but that changed today in Birmingham, Alabama. The first half possession wise started out in Birmingham’s favor and it looked like this game was going to be one sided, but one red card changed it all.

Birmingham’s Kavita got his first yellow card in the 35th minute and that would give Oakland a window of opportunity and they went through that window and blew up the house from there. Two scoring opportunities were blocked by Birmingham’s goalkeeper Vanoeke, but when Kavita would get his second yellow card, resulting in a red card and a penalty shot for Oakland, the momentum that was seemingly in Birmingham’s favor was gone.

Formella would capitalize on the penalty shot making it 1-0 and that was it for the first half, so Birmingham headed into the dressing room with this penalty goal on their mind. Coming back from halftime, Birmingham would get a quick goal to change the energy, but another yellow card for Birmingham would dig them a hole they couldn’t get out of.

Formella would shoot his second penalty shot, but after a block, Mfeka would clean it up and score off a rebound shot making it 2-1 and the avalanche for Birmingham would continue from there. Reid would get his first goal of the season off a rebound shot which would put Oakland up 3-1.

The final goal was scored by Johnny Rodriguez, who funny enough subbed in for Formella and four minutes later we’d get the final whistle, 4-1 Oakland. This game was a spotlight for the offense of Oakland, but it was the first game for Oakland where the defensive backline outplayed their opponent and didn’t just rely on goalie Paul Blanchette.

A game like this is important, because so far this season the Roots didn’t concede a lot of goals, but that’s because Blanchette had to put in a lot of work to make up for the backline’s mistakes. Not today. The backline was ready for whatever Birmingham brought to the table and the moment they were able to clear that ball out they did.

Next game for Oakland is at the place they will call home for the rest of the season, CSU East Bay in Hayward and it will be against Orange County and there are a lot of takeaways from this match that will help them in next week’s contest.