Oakland Roots fell 2-1 to Monterey Bay FC in a lackluster performance, unable to capture its fourth win in a row for a franchise record.
Monterey got on the scoreboard first in the 30th minute when Walmer Martinez found Tristan Trager for a free header just a couple of feet in front of net.
Monterey got the second half started quickly with former Roots forward Chuy Enriquez sending a long pass to Alex Dixon for the 2-nil lead three minutes into the half in the 48th.
Johnny Rodriguez got Oakland’s only goal with a fancy finish, calmly slotting the ball home over his shoulder to cut the lead in half in the 65th minute, making the game 2-1.
Then in the 84th, Koze Donasiyano drew a second yellow, giving Roots a numerical disadvantage with five minutes left.
Initial Takeaways
- Roots’ energy wasn’t there
Oakland had its chances, taking 20 total shot attempts on the afternoon, but only five were on target. It was a representation of the lackluster finishing and energy, just not providing the stifling presence from the previous three games.
The result put Monterey up to fourth and they’ve won both meetings with Roots, making it a big disadvantage should both teams end the season equal in points.
Monterey looked like it had a good plan to shut down Oakland through the wide channels and fed passes down the wings as Oakland’s wingbacks pushed up the field. In their second goal, they took advantage of Tamacas out of position and left the Salvadoran wingback watching as they converted. It just was a day with a lot of lacking energy.
- Missed chances
Oakland Roots had chances, like Lindo’s goal wiped due to an offside call, while Trayvone Reid scuffed a shot from right in front of the net, but they were unable to finish.
Johnny had a near look in the 71st, but his shot went narrowly wide. Six minutes later, he had a shot trails high that left him in agony. Njie also had a shot on target in the 78th, but it didn’t have much power.
- Seaside PD is ridiculous and authority hungry
Lastly, Seaside PD nervously hanging around Oakland Roots supporters from the second we drove into the parking lot brought some extremely threatening energy.
From the moment we arrived until the moment we left, Monterey PD followed and continuously pestered Roots supporters. Before leaving, a Monterey PD officer–who was probably less than 25 years old–threatened supporters with tickets and unquestioned DUI charges just for standing by their cars.
It was shocking to see such aggressive police activity in a town where the majority of residents are senior citizens. Police with power complexes are a common sight around the country and Monterey PD gave the feeling of officers eager to misuse their authority.
Kids were playing soccer in the lot and police just swerved up erratically without any regard of human safety. I’d like to see the list of human rights violations from Seaside PD.
Fuck Seaside Police.
Starting Lineup
- Oakland Roots Starting 11
It’s a renewed attacking four with Johnny at striker and Reid at LW, but Cedeño suits up in the CAM spot and Mfeka moves out right. Gomez and Koze pair as the CM combination, while Diaz starts at LB and Tamacas at RB. No Gagi on the roster sheet, so Logue and Hackshaw start at CB. Notably, no Dom Dwyer on the list.
- Monterey Bay Starting 11
Timeline
IT’S MATCH TIME!!!! Can Oakland Roots get a fourth win for a franchise record?
MB corner – 2′
Roots free kick – 4′
on left side. Cedeño ball in out for a corner
Roots corner – 5′
bad ball, offside
Johnny shot on target – 10′
initial attempt blocked, retrieves own shot for attempt
Johnny blocks Siaha pass, shot went high – 13′
Lindo goal wiped – 20′
Called offside
MB free kick – 24′
Good area, about 11 yards atop area. Shot skies
Tray shot on target – 26′
nice dribble in front of goal. I thought he could’ve drawn a foul if he dove
MB free kick – 28′
on left side near sideline.
eventual foul on MB
MB goal – 30′
Cross out front, Tristan Trager header goal
Johnny slow shot – 32′
MB corner – stoppage
First half notes: Oakland has had some dangerous looks with 5 shots, 3 on target, including 1 big chance missed–assuming it was Trayvone’s shot from in front of goal. Monterey with 42% possession, 2 shots, with its only shot on target going in.
MB goal – 48′
Counter attack, ball from Chuy out to Alex Dixon in space. Slots it in, too easy
MB free kick – 52′
Cedeño shot wide – 55′
Chuy shot on target – 57′
Logue shot from distance very wide – 58′
Njie shot high – 59′
ROOTS GOAL- 64′
Johnny pulls one back. Receives a ball over the top, volleys one in out of the air.
Johnny shot narrowly wide- 71′
Johnny shot trails narrowly high – 77′
Njie shot on target is slow – 78′
Roots corner – 81′
Chery coming on for Lindo – 84′
Koze red carded, second yellow – 86′
MB corner – 89′
MB shot on target – stoppage
Empty play in front. Chery and Tamacas with chances, neither can make good contact