He’s back!
The Oakland Roots announced that they have re-signed Chuy Enriquez to a contract extension on Wednesday.
The Bay Area native emerged as a fan-favorite in the lineup due to his skills on the pitch and connection to the fanbase. During a short stint out of the lineup in 2021, Enriquez made his way to the stands to bang La Brigada Del Pueblo’s drum. From that point on, Chuy produced over the final stretch of the season.
This now puts the Oakland Roots’ 2022 roster at 21 of 26 applicable spots. The full list includes:
- Paul Blanchette
- Taylor Bailey
- Alejandro Fuenmayor
- Emrah Klimenta
- Tarek Morad
- Kai Greene
- Max Ornstil
- Danny Barbir
- Akeem O’Connor-Ward
- Edgardo Rito
- Memo Diaz
- Ariel Mbumba
- Joseph Nane
- Jose Hernandez
- Matias Fissore
- Lindo Mfeka
- Charlie Dennis
- Johnny Rodriguez
- Chuy Enriquez
- Dariusz Formella
- Juan Carlos Azocar (unofficial)
Enriquez, 25, finished the 2021 season with 22 appearances and 19 starts to record four goals and three assists over 1,652 minutes. He earned a 6.73 overall rating by FotMob last season and twice earned Man of the Match; at Los Angeles (May 23) and at Las Vegas (Aug. 21).
His presence in Oakland’s 1-0 win over El Paso in the USL Championship’s first round of the playoffs was instrumental, earning a 7.7 rating in 89 minutes and the assist on Jeremy Bokila’s game-winner.
The club honored him with the “Roots Righteous” award for his leadership and team-spirit.
Enriquez will step onto the 2022 lineup as the presumptive favorite to land a starting role given his stature on the program, but could face competition for time from Edgardo Rito, Dariusz Formella, or perhaps Juan Carlos Azocar once his deal is finalized.
A well deserved extension, props to the Oakland Roots for taking care of their own.