Hello and welcome to the blog’s live coverage of Oakland Roots visiting San Jose Earthquakes for the Tuesday’s Round of 32 clash. It’s already a spicy affair and the blog has it on good authority there will be some anti-John Fisher rhetoric tonight from the near sell-out crowd. Tonight marks the first-ever meeting between the two sides and it feels like it’s going to be a fun one.
With Oakland prioritizing Tuesday’s game after running out six Project 51O callups in their 2-2 draw at San Antonio, interim head coach Gavin Glinton is able to use an ideal starting lineup tonight. San Jose, meanwhile, is coming off of a 3-1 win over LAFC and featured a strong cast. Should the Earthquakes lose, it will become their third consecutive U.S. Open Cup loss to a USL Championship side.
In today’s preview, Ivan Ornales mentions things to expect with San Jose and his crack at the starting 11, which shows a lot of depth and development players.
RootBlog Players of the Match – the support
We name the Roots’ traveling support as RootsBlog Players of the Match. You guys were loud for all 90 minutes. Especially in the second half, it sounded like sections 134 got louder after Oakland conceded a goal. “Fuck John Fisher” roared near the end of the game, along with “Let’s Go Oakland” flooding over the home support.
Hat’s off to everyone. Great showing.
Postgame Pressers
Initial Takeaways
- Roots looked productive in the first half and appeared like the better side with 6 shots and 3 on target, but could only muster one shot attempt in the latter 45 minutes. Oakland had the better side of possession and were knocking on the door in the moments prior to halftime, including a pair of shots by Johnny Rodriguez.
- A great showing by the visiting support for Oakland Roots. They packed section 134 and that side of the stands was littered with Roots fans. I’m not sure which team had more fanbase in attendance.
- There’s a good energy from Gavin, it looks like the team has a better connection on the field. He has a vision and there’s an imprint he’s looking to make on the lineup. In our interview, he described wanting people to be aggressive and to experience a “culture change.” We’ll see how that develops going forward.
Starting Lineup
- Oakland Roots Starting 11
It appears Dom Dwyer was unable to make his Oakland Roots’ debut and isn’t even on the subs, meaning Johnny Rodriguez and Jeceil Cedeño lead the attack. Behind them is Koze Donasiyano in the CAM spot with Neveal Hackshaw andDanny Gomez backing him up in the midfield. At the wingback spots are Memo Diaz on the left side and Bryan Tamacas on the right, while the back line features Niall Logue centrally, Gagi Margvelashvili on the right and Justin Ramussen on the left. Camden Riley on the subs.
- San Jose Earthquakes Starting 11
Timeline
GAMETIME!!!! It’s a historic Tuesday night in San Jose, can Oakland Roots make it a cupset?? There’s a lot of Roots’ fans in the building.
SJ play in box – 13′
Eventually cleared. Product of High press
San Jose header wide – 17′
Judd with a free header at right post
SJ free kick area – 19′
On right side about 40 yards out. They play short
SJ turning up speakers when anti-Fisher chants happen?
Memo ball toward net, Johnny can’t greet it – 31′
SJ skies shot – 36′
Loose ball in box, Marie’s shot goes way high. Could’ve been dangerous
Cedeno shot saved- 41′
Good stop by Ochoa
Johnny shot goes wide- 42′
Deflected for corner.
Roots corner – 43′
Roots retain possession after ball in
Gagi header high – 43′
wasn’t close
Diaz shot wide on volley – 45′
Johnny shot on target – 45+1′
Good buildup in transition, shot from atop box. Good try.
First half:
It goes into the half tied 0-0, but Roots have had the better of the chances, especially toward the end of the half. Oakland with the better stats at 52% possession, 6 shots with 3 on target and 2 corners. SJ has 4 shots, none on target, no corners.
Roots corner – 48′
Almost a header goal by Hackshaw, tipped off crossbar
Yellow on Bouda – 51′
SJ corner – 64′
Nearly a play in front of net. Memo sends out for corner
out for another
SJ corner – 64′
shot eventually goes wide. Very wide.
Save by Paul, SJ shot goes right at him – 75′
Another big save by Paul – 76′
Header by Bouda, but in good position for stop
Not much action for Roots in second half – 76′
SJ goal by Bouda – 77′
With an absolute rocket from a couple of steps atop area.
Johnny red carded – 82′
shot to the face.
Judd shot blocked out for corner – 85′
Riley and Chery on – 85′
SJ corner – 85′
Leads to nothing
Better game from the Roots against the Earthquakes but really need to sort out the discipline. Five red cards in what, 11 games? Not good, especially from the senior players and really poor to see. Can’t win matches if your best players are suspended.
Keep up the good work on the blog – glad to be able to read every week.