Hello and welcome to the blog’s live coverage of Oakland Roots hosting Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Cal State East Bay. Riverhounds walk into Pioneer Stadium as the No. 1 ranked Eastern Conference team while Roots are in fifth-place and a win could push them above San Diego Loyal into fourth.
Oakland is without critical players like Bryan Tamacas and Neveal Hackshaw due to the upcoming Gold Cup. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, won’t have starting goal keeper Jahmali Waite but loaned in Luis Zamudio from D.C. United.
It’ll be a tough task for Roots against a 7-5-2 Riverhounds, which are on a seven-match league unbeaten run including five consecutive wins. Oakland is on a three-match unbeaten run and have won four of the last six matches. In his preview, Bloom highlights Pittsburgh’s current run of form. He names Kenardo Forbes, Nate Dossantos, Albert Dikwa, and the Riverhounds’ goal keeper spot as his players to watch.
Pittsburgh haven’t lost a game since April 22 and haven’t dropped a point since May 5. The first in their five-game win streak was Birmingham, who have five straight losses and appear to be shattered. The second was Las Vegas Lights and the third was Loudoun, who have fallen off from their early-season success. The two more recent games do probably say something, though.
https://oaklandrootsblog.com/2023/06/17/oakland-roots-vs-pittsburgh-riverhounds-match-preview-june-17-2023/
Postgame Presser
RootsBlog Man of the Match – Jeciel Cedeno
We’re pretty much guessing for tonight’s Man of the Match given it was a relatively even 0-0 draw. We’re going with Jeciel Cedeno as our Man of the Match for making an impact in his first start. He was good in possession with 3/4 succesful dribbles.
Perhaps he can be the answer for a creative midfielder.
Initial Takeaways
- A lackluster 0-0 draw, but that was a good result. You’re probably happy coming away with a point against the No. 1 team in the Eastern Conference, Pittsburgh. Roots looked like the better side in the first half but the Riverhounds pressed and controlled the tempo in the second. Oakland finishes with eight shots and three on target to Pitt’s seven shots and one on target.
- Evident by the shot stats, it was a good defensive game for Oakland. Paul didn’t have to make a Paul The Wall type of save and only had one stop on the night, but he also made an impact coming out for crosses.
- Joseph Nane made an unconventional appearance in the middle center back role. As coach Delgado explained, it was a necessary move after Tarek Morad suffered an injury in the week of practice. Morad was still on the subs list, so its doesn’t seem to be a severe issue. But Nane did well in his spot, he definitely didn’t look out of place.
- Roots finish the night down to 6th place after Monterey upset Sacramento 1-0 to push itself up to 4th. It builds for a critical rematch with Phoenix Rising, where The Function welcomes Juan Guerra for the first time. It’s going to be a fun one!
Starting Lineups
- Oakland Roots Starting 11
Big changes! Anuar Pelaez starts in the 9-role, Lindo Mfeka to his right and Darek Formella on the left. In the midfield is Napo Matsoso and Jeciel Cedeno starting in the midfield. The big surprise is Joseph Nane starting at middle center back with Emrag on the right and Barbir on the left.
- Pittsburgh Riverhounds Starting 11
Timeline
GAMETIME! Can Oakland Roots upset the first-place Eastern Conference team? A win would go a long way for Oakland, let’s see if they can get the job done.
Yellow on Pitt’s Joe Farrell- 10′
Yellow on Pelaez – 12′
Not much to write through 15 mins.
Lindo dribbles into area but surrounded by 5 yellow shirts – 19′
Pitt shot wide – 20′
Lindo draws a free kick – 22′
About 10 yards above area. Memo ball in trickles around but cleared.
Anuar longshot from distance on target – 24′
Great job by Formella to win possession high.
Formella shoy deflects out for corner – 29′
Targets Barbir, volley goes high over.
Memo shot goes very high. Attempt on volley. Good buildup – 35′
Roots corner – 38′
Play short to Lindo, ball in targets Anuar and blocked. Ball falls to Cedeno, another shot very high.
Pitt corner – stoppage
First half notes:
I’d say Roots are looking like the better team. They are doing well to prevent open looks in transition and really forcing the ball to go backwards.
Oakland has 5 shots with 1 on target and holding 53 percent possession. Pittsburgh has just 2 shots. No big chances for either team.
Pitt corner – 47′
Claim by Paul.
Pitt corner – 50′
Barbir shot from distance sails – 55′
Anuar header loops high – 60′
Tense moment – 66′
Pitt wins possession in Roots penalty area. Shot blocked but they keep possession. Slow rolling shit handled.
Pitt shot sails – 67′
Pitt really pressing for possession- 70′
Reid and Johnny on for Anuar and Lindo- 71′
Roots free kick – 72′
Ball eventually falls to Reid. Shot deflected but goes through to net. Saved.
Pitt corner – 74′
Header goes over. Never a chance.