Update:
The Oakland Roots confirmed the appointment of Juan Guerra as their new head coach.
“I feel ready, I feel confident, I feel that I’m in a place in an organization that allows me the opportunity to build; to build something truly special. We all believe in one thing, and it’s to make this organization one of the top organizations in North America. And I know it’s not gonna be easy. But this is why we want to bring in, not just good players or people who are capable in their own areas, we want to bring good people. People who understand how to work together and push towards a common goal,” said Guerra.
“For the supporters, for the fans, I hope we can build a team that reflects the character of Oakland; hard-working, they don’t back down, they push forward. We have a lot of work to do, and we’re gonna need absolutely everyone. I can’t wait to see you guys out there for the first game.”
Roots’ vice president of soccer Eric Yamamoto points out that Guerra has experience coaching in both of the USL’s Eastern and Western conferences with Indianapolis and Phoenix.
“We are incredibly excited to bring Juan to Oakland,” said Yamamoto, via the team’s official site. “He has a deep knowledge of this league having played and coached in both the East and West and we can’t wait to get started in 2022 with Juan at the helm.”
The blog has learned that the Oakland Roots are hiring former Phoenix Rising assistant coach Juan Guerra as its next head coach, according to multiple sources.
An official announcement from the club is considered imminent.
It will be Guerra’s first head coaching role and will officially restore Jordan Ferrell as Roots’ full-time technical director. Guerra announced his departure from Phoenix on Wednesday night.
Given his ties to Phoenix, it will be interesting to see if Guerra has any pull at his former club. It is worth mentioning that Rising still has former starters out of a contract like Solomon Asante and Tate Schmitt.
Guerra, 34, is a native of Venezuela and made six appearances as a midfielder for their national team including playing in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers. His coaching career began in 2019 as Indy Eleven’s assistant coach before signing on with Phoenix back in March ahead of the 2021 season.
His playing career began in 2008 with the Brooklyn Knights after graduating from Florida International University. He returned to Venezuela from 2009-2014 in the Primera División, making appearances with Monagas S.C. (2009-2010), Caracas F.C. (2010-2013), Carabobo F.C. (2013-2014), and Deportivo Lara (2014).
Guerra played two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rowdies from 2015-2016, making 45 appearances. From there, he went to the NASL’s New York Cosmos in 2017 and closed his career in 2018 with the Indy Eleven before joining their staff.
He was teammates with Roots’ legend Jack McInerny during his 2018 season in Indianapolis.
During his three-year coaching career, Guerra has helped compile a 46-15-21 record as an assistant on Indy Eleven and Phoenix Rising.