Hello and welcome to the blog’s live coverage of Oakland Roots traveling to San Diego Loyal for its second-to-last game of the season. Tonight marks Loyal’s final regular season game in its existence and they’ll undoubtedly be playing with a chip on their shoulder.
For Roots, they limp into the match on a seven-game winless streak and are out of a playoff spot if RGV upsets Sacramento *Update: RGV lost 3-2*. New Mexico is also playing Phoenix, while Monterey faces Birmingham on Sunday. If El Paso loses or ties to Memphis, it sets up a huge season-finale for a playoff spot. *Update: El Paso losing 4-0, NMU tied 0-0*
San Diego walks in unbeaten in its last four matches at 2-2-0, coming off a 0-0 draw with El Paso, and can overtake Orange County in third with a win or draw. This would typically be a match Roots walk in with confidence having a 5-2-1 record over Loyal and haven’t lost since their very first meeting in 2021.
Initial Takeaways
- Welp, another disastrous loss for Oakland, and it all comes down to championship Saturday against El Paso. Roots still need a lot to go right, Monterey faces Birmingham tomorrow–while New Mexico defeated Phoenix to push Roots down to ninth. A win over El Paso catapults them above Locomotive. It’s essentially a do-or-die final game; forget about giving away leads, the losses, attacking inability, everything. It all comes down to next Saturday and Oakland doesn’t control their destiny.
Starting Lineups
- Oakland Roots Starting 11
Pelaez starts up top with Johnny on the left and Cedeño on the right. Njie starts at LWB with Memo on the bench. The midfield is Gomez getting his first start since his injury opposite of Donasiyano. No surprises after that. Let’s see what they can do.
- San Diego Loyal Starting 11
Timeline
GAME TIME! Is the season in the cellar? Roots have something to prove to themselves and every supporter tonight.
Roots corner – 5′
Ball trickles to Hackshaw, shot on volley wide.
ROOTS GOAL – 14′
Throw in by Njie headed on by Barbir. Tamacas with a goal on the volley!
SD goal – 18′
Cross in by Bodily headed in
SD goal – 20′
Low cross to Damus, tapped in.
Roots free kick – 22′
Header by Tamacas pushed away by diving save
Roots corner – 22′
Hackshaw shot deflected out.
nada
SD goal – 25′
Damus finishes a low cross, its 3-1.
Roots free kick – 28′
Nice feed by Tamacas, Pelaez shot blocked – 36′
SD shot high – 38′
Tamacas shot forces diving save – 39′
Roots corner – 40′
Tamacas header high.
SD header wide – 41′
SD goal – 45′
Perez a run long toward the area, unloads on a shot past Paul’s dive.
First half notes:
ITS BAD BAYBAYYYYYY
A total meltdown coupled with perfect SF execution leads to a 4-1 deficit.
Oakland with good numbers, 7 shots with 3 on target, but Loyal with 6 shots and all 4 shots on target convert for goals. Welp, onto the season-finale barring an epic comeback.
SD free kick – 46′
Good distance, 6 yards above area.
Roots corner – 48′
way out.
Roots corner – 49′
Nice cross by Cedeno targets Pelaez.
Roots corner – 53′
Diving save Paul – 54′
Giveaway in back.
Memo for Njie – 57′
Roots free kick – 66′
From far right side. Hackshaw contact on header goes wide. Not a challenge.
Damus shot forces diving save – 71′
Moshobane rebound skies
Tray goes down in box, no call, dive – 76′
SD corner – 81′
Cleared.
Roots free kick – 82′
Trayvone draws it on the left side.
Memo ball in hesded centrally by Barbir, Pelaez cleans it up for the goal.