Hello and welcome to the blog’s live coverage of Oakland Roots hosting New Mexico United at Cal State University East Bay in Hayward for its de facto home opener following last week’s postponement due to field conditions at Laney College.
- If you haven’t gotten caught up on Roots’ field situation, here’s my report from earlier this week.
With an added week preparation, we’re still yet to see Roots’ expected A-team with Bryan Tamacas, Neveal Hackshaw, Trayvone Reid, and Kevin Wright out of the starting lineup.
Despite last week’s game being called off, Oakland has still played two more matches than New Mexico United so far in 2023 with tonight being NMU’s second appearance of the season. The visitors are coming off a 1-nil win over Miami on March 18 in a middling game where NMU won off a PK in the 85th, so it’s hard to determine New Mexico’s quality with its limited sample size.
In Bloom’s preview, he takes a look at New Mexico’s only match. He names Greg Hurst, Santi Moar, and Justin Portillo as his players to watch.
New Mexico had a modest advantage in possession, and the teams had the same number of shots. The highlights are not worth your time–the chances created are pretty pathetic, and Fotmob agrees, saying that New Mexico won the “big chances” battle 1-0… Without much else to look at, all I can tell you is that Miami are 0-2-1, with draws at home to Tulsa (1-2-1) and away to Pittsburgh (3-1-0). It’s not as clear as you might like whether a 1-0 away win over Miami is that good.
https://oaklandrootsblog.com/2023/04/01/east-bay-roots-vs-new-mexico-united-match-preview-april-1-2023/
Postgame Presser
Man of the Match – Johnny Rodriguez
We elect Johnny Rodriguez as our Man of the Match after scoring the game-winner just moments after being subbed into the match. His finishing was spot on in the moment and he’s quickly becoming a super sub. 2023 is appearing to be the start of a possible breakout campaign for Johnny B Good.
In 18 minutes, Johnny had one goal, two shots on target, completed two long balls, and had 15 total touches.
Initial Takeaways
- A good defensive night from Roots. After struggling against set pieces through the first two games, Oakland was visibly better. New Mexico had 9 shots with 4 on target but nothing was overtly challenging.
- Competition is tight, notably at left back and left wing. Formella and Memo are both playing really well and it’s getting more difficult to see them out of the lineup.
- Pelaez physicality made an impact. Although he came out around the 60th, he wore down the defense with his physical play and runs in behind.
- Edgardo Rito is still a problem. Perhaps we should just give Rito MOTM every game because the attack is always flowing through him. His footwork is just nasty.
Key Events
- ROOTS GOAL – 63′
Johnny Rodriguez scores. Memo feeds Formella, who takes a touch around Tambakis and centers the ball. Charging in was Johnny, first touch goal.
- Oakland Roots Starting 11
A similar lineup to the RGV match. Anuar Pelaez leads the attack, earning the second start of his USL Championship career. Darek Formella continues at left wing over Trayvone Reid while still no changes to the back line despite Neveal Hackshaw, Bryan Tamacas, and Kevin Wright entering training last week. Napo Matsoso is back in the midfield after suffering an injury late against RGV, we’re told he was fine shortly after the last game.
- New Mexico United Starting 11
Timeline
Gametime! Oakland Roots play New Mexico United from Pioneer Stadium of CSUEB–the alma mater of Roots’ technical director Jordan Ferrell.
Roots corner – 3′
Plays to Koze, skies a shot attempt
Play to Pelaez – 9′
Can’t retrieve it.
Play in to Rito – 11′
Cant create a shooting opportunity.
Formella first touch shot goes slightly over – 12′
Nice ball in by Rito.
Roots corner – 16′
NMU shot from distance saved easily – 20′
Roots free kick – 21′
NMU shot on target – 22′
Jump grab by Paul.
Roots corner – 28′
Fall to Koze, shot blocked
NMU shot wide – 30′
roots corner- 38
Header wide Pelaez – 43′
First half notes
Even match, hard to say who looks the better side. No shots on target for Roots but nothing challenging from NMU either. Oakland has 60 percent possession, 4 shots to New Mexico’s 5.
NMU free kick – 54′
claimed
NMU shot on target – 55′
Easily handled.
Johnny coming on – 60′
ROOTS GOAL – 63′
Johnny Rodriguez scores. Memo feeds Formella, who takes a touch around Tambakis and centers the ball. Charging in was Johnny, first touch goal.
Rito shot wide – 69′
Red card NMU – 71′
Johnny draws corner – 73′
Roots want handball- 74′
NMU clear off line – 82′
Lindo shot cleared off line. Nearly 2-nil
NMU free kick- 83′
cleared
Nane coming in – 85′
Koze shot wide- 90′
Wright and Reid in