Hello and welcome to the blog’s live coverage of Oakland Roots hosting Monterey Bay Union FC at CSUEB’s Pioneer Stadium. It’s a critical six-point game with both sides entering the match tied for points at 40, fighting for playoff stability.
Can Oakland finally turn things around tonight? Roots are in the midst of a four-game losing streak, while Monterey won four of its last five matches but lost its most recent match against San Diego in come-from-behind fashion.
In his preview, Bloom highlights Monterey’s recent run of form. He names Alex Dixon, Christian Volesky, Sam Gleadle, and Sean Okoli as his players to watch.
Streaky! When the Roots beat Monterey Bay in Seaside on July 15, it kicked off a five-game losing streak for MBFC. They then drew away in San Antonio, a remarkable result, and then won four in a row, 2-1 over Colorado Springs, 2-1 over El Paso, 1-0 over Memphis, and 3-2 over Las Vegas Lights. Not that the Roots have any room to criticize, but there were cracks showing in MFBC’s win over Vegas, since they trailed for 62 minutes before scoring twice. This past Wednesday, the 20th, MBFC sorta did the reverse, securing a two-goal lead in the first half before letting it slip all the way away.
https://oaklandrootsblog.com/2023/09/23/oakland-roots-vs-monterey-bay-f-c-match-preview-september-23-2023/
Postgame Presser
RootsBlog Man of the Match – Danny Barbir
We named Danny Barbir our RootsBlog Man of the Match for his goal at the end of the first half. He’s continuously proving himself as one of the most vital players on the roster with his ability to line up all over the field–from the back line, in the midfield, and as an attacker. He’s arguably having the best season for any player on the team.
Initial Takeaways
- Oakland Roots, finally, snapped the four-game losing streak with a tie. It was a much-needed result, keeping Roots in 7th, just one point above 9th place El Paso. A tie may not have been what was desired, but a point after the downward skid was a welcomed sight. If it wasn’t for a couple of untidy moments, the result could’ve been different. That’s been the case over the last couple of games.
- Hackshaw, what a goal! Roots have now scored on bicycle kicks in each of its USL Championship seasons. That may have been a season-saving goal.
- Maybe we see more of Pelaez and Johnny in the lineup? I think the combination worked out well and I feel its increasingly important to get Oakland’s weapons on the field. Coach Noah said it was a possibility to see the combination again in his postgame presser.
Starting Lineups
- Oakland Roots Starting 11
I get my wish with Anuar Pelaez and Johnny Rodriguez getting the start, I think this is a setup that could lead to a lot of shots from distance. Reid starts in Lindo’s LW role, Napo and Koze in the midfield.
Timeline
GAME TIME! Can Oakland Roots get back on track against Monterey? Both teams need the points, should be a fun one.
And just like that, Roots trail – 3′
Ball to Volesky on counter, passes to Alex Dixon for the goal.
Gleadle shot on target – 8′
Pelaez bowled over, no call – 10′
Handball on MB, edge of box on left side – 15′
Roots want a pen, not given.
Memo ball in nice, but cleared.
Okoli shot wide – 21′
Volesky shot wide, good chance – 23′
Roots corner – 27′
cleared.
Memo shot on target – 28′
First attempt for Oakland
Ball over the top to Pelaez, shot wide – 31′
Roots free kick, about 30 yards above area – 35′
ROOTS GOAL – 44′
BARBIR!!! Perfect pass by Tamacas into him right in front of goal
First half notes:
A lot offense for Roots with 66 percent of possession, 9 shots, 2 on target, 5 shots blocked. Monterey with 4 shots, 2 on target. Doing most of its work on the counter
Roots corner – 46′
Barbir ball targets Johnny, header sails – 49′
Koze shot goes into Pelaez – 52′
Reid for Cedeño- 58′
MB corner – 60′
cleared
MB goal – 64′
Ball over the top to Okoli and it bounces by Hackshaw. Somehow Okoli gets a shot off, goal. Ugly mistake.
Roots corner – 71′
Cleared.
Napo fot Njie – 75′
Roots corner- 78′
Leads to Cedeño shot on target on volley
Roots corner – 85′
Play short, Njie shot blocked
Tamacas and Koze off for Saldaña and Morad – 87′
ROOTS GOAL – 90′
Hackshaw, falling backwards, gets a foot on it to redirects it in. What a goal!