Hello and welcome to the blog’s live coverage of Oakland Roots hosting New York Red Bulls II. The Baby Bulls, flat-out, are not good–they are the worst team in the league with a 3-5-21 record and have shipped 67 goals. Oakland, meanwhile, continues to fight for its playoff lives after its big 2-nil victory over Phoenix Rising to make itself tied for points with Los Angeles and RGV Toros, while being one point back of Las Vegas in the seventh-place playoff line.
As of posting, Las Vegas lost 3-0 to Hartford and the Toros are currently leading 1-0 on Colorado Springs. Los Angeles squares off with El Paso tomorrow, where a tie and a Roots win would put Oakland above LA and two points behind Locomotive.
Tonight should be a win for Oakland. If the current results hold in the games mentioned above, Roots would be tied for points with RGV in seventh but Toros hold the tiebreaker based on their two wins over Oakland.
In tonight’s match preview, Bloom highlights Oakland’s recent win over Phoenix and how Roots lined up. He also names Jordan Adebayo-Smith and O’Vonte Mullings as New York’s players to watch.
If you’d told us in April that that Roots would cruise to a 2-0 win over Phoenix in September at Wild Horse Pass, we’d have thought the Roots were having a much better season than they are. The Roots lined up a little differently last week, with Dennis partnering with Fissore in the midfield. This was by necessity as Jose’s yellow card accumulation suspension was two games. Up top Mfeka was opposite Formella on either side of Karlsson, and Barbir came in for a an injured Morad.
https://oaklandrootsblog.com/2022/09/16/oakland-roots-vs-new-york-red-bulls-ii-match-preview-september-17-2022/
Man of the Match
Ottar Magnus Karlsson
We named Ottar Magnus Karlsson one of two RootsBlog Man of the Match recipients after his 16th goal of the season. He had four of five shot attempts go on target.
Edgardo Rito
Edgardo Rito also earns a selection after contributing in Ottar’s goal. Rito often used his speed down the wing, which helped him sent the pass in the goal. He was credited with four chances created.
Postgame presser
Key Events
- ROOTS GOAL – 76′
Ottar with his 16th goal of the season. Rito on the assist
- Oakland Roots Starting 11
RootsBlog gets its wish! Charlie gets the start in the midfield alongside Jose. Lindo and Formella start side-by-side in the attack for a second consecutive match. Good opportunity for Oakland.
- New York Red Bulls II Starting 11
Timeline
Gametime! Oakland Roots need another victory to keep its playoff hopes alive. They opportunely face the worst team in the USL Championship in New York Red Bulls II, can Oakland get the job done? Scroll down for all of tonight’s key moments.
Tonight’s Los Roots tifo
Early shot on target by Formella
Lindo shot on target – 9′
Ottar shot on target – 11′
NY corner- 16′
cleared out.
Formella shot curls wide – 17′
Long play to Rito. Sends a cross in and falls to Formella on the edge of the box.
Roots corner 20′
Barbir header high.
NY good look pushed out for a corner – 31′
cleared out.
Lindo wants a foul in the box – 35′
Ottar interplay similar to PHX.
Lindo shot on target forces diving save – 38′
First half notes:
Roots are threatening but haven’t made totally clear chances on net. 10 shots, 5 on target, 1 blocked, but 0 big chances. NY with 0 shots.
Roots set piece- 48′
leads to nothing
Roots near chance- 53′
leads to a corner. Leads to nothing.
Lindo shot on target – 57′
straight at keeper.
NY set piece – 60′
caught by Paul
Formella off for Johnsen – 68′
Johnsen shot just wide – 69′
buildup on the counter.
NY corner – 70′
foul turns posession.
Ottar header straight to the keeper – 75′
Nice pass from Rito. Big opportunity
ROOTS GOAL – 76′
Ottar with his 16th goal of the season. Rito on the assist
Chuy and Memo on.
Paul HUGE save – 83′
back to back NY corners
cleared out.
Roots corner – 87′
Nane on for Dennis