Welcome back to the blog’s live matchday coverage from Laney Stadium. Oakland Roots are coming off of a 2-2 draw with San Diego Loyal and still looking for their first win under Juan Guerra, sitting at 0-3-3. Loudoun comes into Oakland at 2-1-2 overall and sixth place in the Eastern Conference, but haven’t scored a goal since a 3-nil victory over NY Red Bulls II back on March 19.
Provided is Bloom’s official match preview, where he dives into Loudoun’s history and both teams run of form heading into tonight. Here’s a useful excerpt:
If you’d asked two weeks into the season, I’d have said “jaw dropping.” Loudoun had the fewest points in the USL last season. They started the season with a 1-0 over Indy 11 and followed that with a 3-0 rout of NY Red Bulls II. Then a 0-0 draw away to Miami suggested that Loudoun’s form might have more to do with their opponents than with them…. Loudoun returned home to the DC exurbs to host Louisville, who also beat them 2-0. The commentator makes it 0 seconds into the highlight reel before making his first mistake. Louisville carved Loudoun apart in the 4th minute for the first goal. Louisville’s second was a magnificent chip from Brian Ownby, who famously sports what all agree is the finest look a man can sport (bald, haggard beard).
Only changes from Wednesday are Lindo Mfeka in for Darek Formella, Emrah Klimenta in for Tarek Morad, and Joseph Nane in for Matias Fissore, as expected.
Oakland, your Magical Xl for tonight's home match against @LoudounUnitedFC.