Roots are back.
After a sloppy start saw them fall down 0-1 after just five minutes, the heavily rotated Oakland squad kept the good times rolling, leaving El Paso Locomotive at the bottom of the table in a 2-1 come-from-behind win. The result moves Oakland to third in the Western Conference, becoming the third win in a row for a team finding success—and having a lot of fun—under interim head coach Gavin Glinton.
Niall Logue’s attempted clearance in the 5th minute smacked off of Miles Lyons and opportunely landed at the feet of Locomotive striker Justin Dhillon, tucking the ball into the net. It was far from an ideal Roots’ starting 11, featuring nine changes from the previous game with many regular “Game Changers” (substitutes), as well as Project 510 players Etsgar Cruz and Thomas Camier, which is far more than Glinton likely wanted. Nut the team fought back with an attitude and edge that has defined the start of Gavin’s time as the lead man.
“That start didn’t go right, that’s for sure,” Glinton said with a laugh. “But everything after that went pretty well. It was another tricky team, they’ve been doing well under Wilmer [Cabrera]. For us, we had to deal with their attacking talent. We made some rotations and the depth of the squad is fantastic. I thought the guys communicated well, we held on and defended when we needed to, but we were tough as nails.”
It was Napo Matsoso, left out of the team against Sacramento on Saturday, who scored a goal late in the first half to level the game going into the break. Matsoso pounced on a corner kick that El Paso failed to clear and buried it past Ramón Pasquel with a lightning bolt into net from a few feet inside the area.
In the second half it was Ilya Alekseev, another Project 510 academy player, who scored the game winner. The Pleasanton native finished a perfect cross from Justin Rasmussen, whose pass out front was just right enough to evade Pasquel’s outstretched hand. It’s what made the difference in the end.
Alekseev started the season hot, but he has struggled to find the field with Memo Diaz and Bryan Tamacas available. It marked his first appearance since the 2-2 draw with San Antonio in May.
“We can only play 11 and we’ve played a lot of people at his position. Being able to deal with being out of the lineup, continuing to train hard, have a good attitude, and make the most of your moments when it comes–we need that from everybody,” Glinton said.
“Ilya’s a grinder, he’s in there all the time and he’s got a great attitude,” Rasmussen said postgame about Alekseev continuing to help the team in limited action. “It was great for me, finding him wingback to wingback on the goal and seeing him get the glory for us tonight.”
The glory created on the field has been matched by a rejuvenated Pioneer Stadium. The team thanked the crowd after the match, and the stands remained full long after the final whistle. For Glinton, who attended Livermore High and often visited the Coliseum, the scenes were moving.
“It means a lot to be able to represent the football team here in Oakland,” Glinton said postgame while Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration” played in the background after the Oakland win. “It’s special and it’s special for our fans, giving them something to rally around.”
The team has also rallied behind their new leader, and are playing with intensity and a joy that’s becoming infectious. As Glinton gave his interview, he paused to laugh at Neveal Hackshaw dancing as he tried to gather his thoughts. It was a moment that perhaps exemplified the new energy around the locker room and the connection Glinton has with his players.
Dom Dwyer had his most extended run of the season on Wednesday, playing half an hour. Dwyer’s veteran savvy helped the team in and out of possession with his cleaver positioning and pressure, but his presence also helps define the edge the Roots want to play with.
Dwyer could be seen counting the time when Pasquel caught the ball to the ref to make sure he restarted play quickly and blowing kisses to Francisco Nevárez after the go-ahead goal. Nevárez would go on to receive a yellow card in stoppage time for expressing his visible frustration.
His quality was visible in the 66th minute when he did backheel flicked the ball out of the air to a wide open Jeciel Cedeño in the box. Cedeño’s shot was saved, but a testament to Dwyer’s playmaking ability.
“He played the game at a high level and he understands moments you need to, you know, make adjustments. I’ll leave it at that,” Glinton said of the U.S. international.
His quality on the ball and movement should play a crucial part in Oakland’s attack, but his energy, and some of the antics, will be a welcome fit on a Roots team that prides themselves on bringing the game to their opponents.
“Part of our culture [is] being scrappy,” Rasmussen explained. “We like to represent for not only us but for the city, for the Bay, and I think our style of play reflects that.”
Roots look ahead to Saturday afternoon in Monterey, where they will try to capture its fourth win in a row for a franchise record. Glinton’s time as interim head coach has been highlighted by the team ending negative streaks and starting good ones, evident by Oakland having two clean sheets, a winning streak, and going from 10th to third. When asked if its been Gavin’s goal to make this much noise, he’s just taking things one day at a time.
“We’re just taking it one game and one practice at a time. That’s all we can do,” he said.