That’s a huge three points! Oakland Roots claim the victory thanks to a header goal by Dom Dwyer in the 76th minute from a Memo Diaz corner cross.
The result brings Oakland up to third place with a 12-4-10, overtaking Memphis by one point.
Oakland didn’t need to dominate the day, finishing with seven shots and one on target. New Mexico couldn’t get anything clear with just two on target in 10 attempts.
Oakland will now head on the road for their next USL Championship action when they face North Carolina FC on Sept. 7th. Roots will return to the East Bay for their next home game versus San Antonio FC on Sept. 14th — Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM PT.
RootsBlog Man of the Match – Dom Dwyer
We name Dom Dwyer our RootsBlog Man of the Match for his game-winning goal in the 76th minute, scoring just five minutes after entering the match.
His goal was on a perfectly drawn up play, where Johnny Rodriguez made a near-post run created space for Dwyer in front of net. Big play from a big player.
Postgame press conference
Talking Points
- Another big win for Roots, are they ready for the postseason?
Roots’ victory was another big win against tough competition. Gavin’s side has now pulled off wins against No. 1 Eastern Conference team Louisville, No. 1 West side New Mexico, Sacramento, and Tampa Bay.
“It says that we are very, very capable,” interim HC Gavin Glinton said. “We know we can play with anybody. It’s going to be about continuing to fine-tune things and put things together. You see their ability to defend and how they bounce back and come through in the end. We’ve had some tough results and they’ve regroups.
“So, we’re getting there,” Glinton closed with a smile.
Oakland has now extended its unbeaten streak to five games since July 21’s loss to Sacramento. They’ve taken 11 out of the last 15 possible points with eight games left in the season. It’s a time of the year when teams need to start finding their prime form to prepare for a playoff run.
Roots will have to perform their best when playoffs roll around, but Glinton is aware there is still a long ways to go until then.
“We’re not there yet,” Glinton said when asked how they win showed they are playoff-ready, “but I thought it was a fantastic performance on both sides of the ball for us. I thought we were much better with the ball than we’ve been the last few games and we were able to buy ourself time.”
Glinton thinks it was among the most complete performances he’s seen this season.
“We know how good of a team New Mexico is. You aren’t going to be able to get through the match without having to defend and hold on for a bit. I thought this was as complete of a performance that we’ve put in the last two months or so. It’s a great three points to build on.”
- A needed performance from Dom Dwyer
Dwyer was our Man of the Match for the game-winner, but also because it was a much-needed performance from the veteran striker. He came off of the bench in the 71st minute and brought energy to the forward line.
“It’s been big to have him here ever since he arrived. His experience, his history, and just what he does. For him to get going and get his first goal is a great start. He’s been great in the locker room,” Glinton said.
Roots staff has never lost faith in Dom, knowing this time of the season will be a most pivotal time. Dwyer making a difference off of the bench, opening up the field for Johnny, and providing the finishing required on his header goal was a big reason why they signed him. Although its taken some time for him to score his first goal since being signed on April 25,the club remains confident that he’ll make a big difference.
“He’s been working hard,” Glinton said. “We’ve been maintaining and building up his fitness; being able to get minutes and get supplementary stuff that he needs to grow and come back. It’s great to see him back in today. Hopefully we can continue to build on those.”
The coach also thinks Dwyer is a big part of Roots’ locker room coming together.
“I think the guys in the group right now are really starting to come together in terms of the work-rate, the effort, and togetherness. You can see that all the way through.”
- Execution on the goal
Dwyer’s goal was a product of perfect execution. Memo Diaz earned FotMob’s Man of the Match with an 8.5 rating, recording his seventh assist on the season, tying him for second on the USL Championship with Aedan Stanley. But in the buildup, Johnny was making the near-post run, pulling two defenders in his path.
Here’s a video of the goal by Alexis Catt, give her a follow.
Oakland is markedly improved on corners this season compared to 2023, having now scored by way of a corner in three consecutive games.
“We’ve talked about how the execution, the movement, and timing has been excellent. We’ve been able to create the space and also hit the spaces that we’ve wanted to. They’ve been dialed in.”
- Updates on Lindo and Sinisterra.
Lindo Mfeka was out of the lineup for a second straight game. Glinton said he’s dealing with an injury but could be back for their game at North Carolina.
“We’re just being cautious right now and then everyone will be available, I think, next week,” Glinton said.
Jose Luis Sinisterra has now been with the club since August 22, but the club is still getting him acclimated to the system. Glinton was asked what he likes about the new signing.
“He’s an explosive player and has great technique,” Glinton said. “He finds spaces really well; he’s intelligent and can play in front or behind the lines. He likes to involve his teammates and can work on both sides of the ball too. We’re excited to get him into the group.”
Glinton added he hopes Sinisterra will be incorporated, “sooner than later, I hope.”
- A very happy fifth birthday to Roots.
Today marked the club’s fifth birthday since playing its first game on August 31, 2019. It’s interesting to recollect at this point, but seeing former players like Chuy Enriquez, Nikolai Littleton, Kevin Gonzalez, and others, brought a lot of reflection on where the club has come and the direction of the new Oakland sports franchise.
It’s been an honor to cover the club and watch its growth first-hand. Littleton, in fact, was the first person to inform me of a new soccer club playing at Laney College.
The blog already eclipsed its annual views record months ago; it’s a testament to how far Roots have come. It will be interesting to see how much more noise they make when at the Coliseum in 2025. Don’t say you’re surprised when they sell out the place and swarms of people start calling for Roots to gain entry into MLS.
To those at the club who have helped the blog grow along the way, our hats are off to you. Happy birthday.
Starting Lineups
- Oakland Roots Starting 11
It’s a 3-4-3 again with Johnny up top, Reid on the left and Njie on the right. Really no surprises other than Dom Dwyer on the subs list. Still no Sinisterra, but Hackshaw is back in the central CB role.
- New Mexico United Starting 11
Timeline
GAME TIME!!!! Can Oakland Roots get it done against a tough test?
Nice goes down in the box, no call – 4′
NM corner – 8′
Looping header trails wide. Never a challenge
Memo cross/shot skyed – 10′
Johnny down behind the play – 15′
Got shoved over before the buildup to Njie
NM shot wide – 23′
Micaletto with a shot wide from about five feet above penalty area.
NM shot on target – 24′
Hurst shot right at Paul
Roots free kick – 25′
From sideline, long distance cross. Njie pass in header out for a corner
Roots corner – 26′
Njie found for a free header, but doesn’t make good contact.
NM shot forces diving save – 31′
Reyes with a shot on a run into the box, forces a dive to Paul’s right
NM corner – 32′
leads to another
NM corner – 33′
Leads to a throw in following a defensive header by Logue
NM shot wide – 35′
By Hurst. Good interplay from NM
Memo shot blocked – 38′
Roots a couple of empty buildups- 40′
NM corner 45+3′
leads to nothing
First half notes:
Sure feels like a 0-0 tie is justified through 45 minutes. New Mexico with the better of chances, but a diving save from Paul makes the difference. NM with 5 shots, 2 on target and 5 corners. Oakland with 3 shots, none on target, just 1 corner.
Roots free kick – 56′
leads to a foul by Johnny, issued a yellow
Roots corner – 59′
Njie good footwork to draw it.
NM corner – 62′
Logue blocks a shot from off his back – 65′
Reid header hits off ground and lays up for the GK – 68′
NM shot trails high- 69′
Akale
Dwyer and Napo coming on – 71′
Njie and Riley off
Roots corner- 75′
DOM DWYER HEADER GOAL. ANOTHER PERFECT CROSS FROM MEMO
Ball to Johnny, first touch shot loops high over- 82′
NM corner – 83′
Paul pushes aside a dangerous pass.
cleared out
Chéry and Koze coming on – 87′
Ilya on for Johnny
NM corner – 90+4′
could be the last play. GK is up