Hello and welcome to Wednesday’s live coverage of Oakland Roots hosting New Mexico United from Laney College. The Roots enter after a come-from-behind 2-2 draw against RGV Toros and hold a 4-8-4 overall record with 20 points, still outside of playoff qualification in eighth place now hitting the mid-way point of the season. New Mexico comes in at 6-4-2 with 22 points and has played four matches less than Oakland, however, a Roots win would catapult them about NMU in the standings from the time being.
Oakland has gone unbeaten in their last seven matches with three of their last five being wins above Monterey, Orange County, and Los Dos. It marks the second game of the season against New Mexico after playing to a 2-2 draw back on March 30, which was the start of the ‘Cardiac Roots’ late-game magic when Tarek Morad scored an equalizer at 90+1′.
In Bloom’s match preview, he highlights that New Mexico’s current run of form on a four-game winning streak. However, this marks their first appearance since defeating Orange County 2-1 on June 4. Perhaps travel and a lack of game-time leads to a less-connected New Mexico side.
Bloom names Neco Brett, Daniel Bruce, Justin Portillo, and Sergio Rivas as players to watch on NMU.
In my preview for the first match-up I suggested we keep an eye on Neco Brett and Daniel Bruce. Sure enough, Brett (F #7) got on the scoresheet, and Bruce (RW #25) had a pretty good game as well. Brett has four goals and, uh, keep watching I guess? Portillo has played for several lower-division teams in the US and Canada, and got 11 games with Real Salt Lake in MLS over a three-season period with the club. Portillo leads United on minutes played, and is tied for the lead on each of goals and assists with four and three, respectively. Rivas has only one goal and no assists so far in 2022, that one goal coming in the match against Oakland where Fotmob had him as United’s best player. That will earn you a spot on “Players to Watch” even when you’re struggling.
https://oaklandrootsblog.com/2022/06/15/oakland-roots-vs-new-mexico-united-match-preview-june-15-2022/
Postgame presser
RootsBlog Man of the Match
Edgardo Rito
It’s hard not to go with Rito. He scored Oakland’s opening goal on a beautiful dribble by a defender to free himself up for the shot. It seemed like he had more in him when he had to be subbed out early. He was FotMob’s highest rated player for Roots at 7.3.
Key Events
- New Mexico goal – 68′
Nava to Wehan unmarked. Header goal.
- New Mexico goal – 58′
Neco Brett scores after nice buildup.
- ROOTS GOAL – 20′
- Oakland Roots Starting 11
Formella and Dennis pair together in the attack with Matias Fissore in the midfield. Alejandro Fuenmayor gets the start while Tarek Morad gets a rest. Paul Blanchette starts, as expected.
- New Mexico Starting 11
Timeline
Gametime!
NMU set – 6′
leads to nothing
NMU corner – 7′
Easy grab by Paul
Jose play to Rito – 11′
Nice buildup by Roots. Jose looks for Rito, just out of reach.
Azocar shot on target – 14′
Azocar shoots one on target on the left side. Rito wanted a pass.
ROOTS GOAL – 20′
Rito scores after receiving a ball over the top, I believe from Jose Hernandez. His shot from the right side goes to the far post and in
NMU corner – 23′
Leads to nothing.
Rito walking slow after taking a shot to his back. Guerra really upset.
Rito off in the 32nd, Memo on.
NMU set on edge of area on right – 36′
Header over
Azocar cross overcooked – 45′
NMU chance cleader out – 45+1′
Blanchette rushed out, shot cleared away by Emrah.
First half notes:
Roots lead 1-nil with Rito’s goal early, his since gone off with an injury.
Roots with 3 shots, 2 on target with 50 percent possession. New Mexico more active with 7 shots, 2 on target but not particularly challenging looks. Oakland must ‘keep the zero’ going forward.
Karlsson shot in target – 54′
Roots corner – 57′
whistle blows it dead. Foul by Ottar
NMU ties – 58′
Neco Brett scores after a ball over the top.
Roots sub – 73′
Lindo and Johnsen on for Charlie and Mati.
Formella shot sails – 80′
NMU set – 86
Ball goes out.
NMU shot wide – 87
Steal high off Johnsen.
Ottar shot blocked – 88′
Dribbles through two, shot with defenders draped around him.
Lindo cross to keeper -89′
Ottar header on target saved – 90′
cross in by Johnsen from a set piece
Play to Johnsen, keeper with a good stop – stoppage