RootsBlog

Saturday’s scoreless draw against Miami FC wasn’t a defining match, but it was an informative one. Julian Bravo’s return continues to reshape the Roots’ approach, while persistent issues in the attack remained. Together, these factors shed more light on what is working and what is not. Loved: Julian Bravo’s Changing the Defense and the Attack … More Oakland Roots vs. Miami FC: What I loved, hated, and remain unsure about

Oakland: In a contest that saw both the Oakland Roots and Miami FC without their star strikers, it wasn’t a total surprise that Saturday evening’s USL contest ended with a scoreless 0-0 draw. A point is a point and currently the Oakland Roots sit in third place in the Western Conference. Bad news is the … More Poulter Ponders: Oakland Roots Top-10 Ratings vs Miami FC

Oakland Roots came away with a scoreless tie with Miami FC, keeping them in third place of the USL Championship Western Conference at 4-5-3 with 17 points. It marked Oakland’s second consecutive clean sheet, while it marked their first clean sheet in league competition since their season opener 1-nil win over Monterey Bay. Roots had … More Oakland Roots miss chances in 0-0 tie with Miami FC, stay in third place

The USL’s decision to continue playing during the World Cup may provide the Roots with a timely opportunity. Miami FC will enter Saturday’s match without two key contributors. These absences will completely alter the complexion of the matchup.  Will the World Cup Benefit the Roots?  Miami FC goalkeeper Eloy Room made the Curacao World Cup … More Three Questions for Oakland Roots Against Miami FC

In a USL Cup match with little to play for, the Roots used the match to experiment. While the 2-0 scoreline was encouraging after a three-game winless stretch across all competitions, the data points the coaching staff can take from the match will matter far more down the line. Saturday’s match provided Coach Ryan Martin … More Oakland Roots vs. Las Vegas Lights FC: What I loved, hated, and remain unsure about

Las Vegas: No Peter Wilson, no problem for the Oakland Roots, as Jesus de Vicente and company helped power the Roots to 2-0 victory over the Las Vegas Lights on Saturday evening. The Lights were on a 10 game home winning streak that dated back to last August, but put up little resistance to the … More Poulter Ponders: Oakland Roots Top-10 Ratings vs Las Vegas Lights

Oakland Roots won 2-nil over Las Vegas Lights on Saturday night, giving them their first win in the Prinx Tires USL Cup. Roots struck first in the 41st minute with a Goal of the Year contender. Lining up for a corner kick on the right side, Jesus de Vicente took matters into his own hands, … More Oakland Roots snap skid with 2-nil win over Las Vegas Lights

With hopes of advancing in the USL Cup all but extinguished, Saturday becomes less about outcome and more about information: who can play, who can solve problems, and what the roster will look like as it approaches full health.  Do the Young Guys Play?  The clearest evaluation opportunity sits with the young players on the … More Three Questions for Oakland Roots Against Las Vegas Lights FC

There wasn’t much to take away positively from Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to the Switchbacks. The performance resurfaced similar issues rather than new answers. Those issues remain as pressing as ever. Loved: Neveal Hackshaw In a match defined by offensive frustration, one bright spot emerged: Neveal Hackshaw.  The Roots struggled to break through Colorado Springs’ press … More Oakland Roots vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: What I loved, hated, and remain unsure about