Hello darkness, my old friend.
Oakland Roots suffered its third straight loss without a goal, this time in a 2-nil defeat at Hartford Athletic. Roots have now allowed eight unanswered goals since its last 1-0 win over New Mexico on August 31.
Hartford Athletic scored in the 20th minute when Marlon Hairston tapped in a loose ball right in front of the net after a ball in to Paul Blanchette’s feet rebounded opportunely back into play. Hartford nearly struck again in several other instances in the first half in the 34th when Gagi Margvelashvili stopped a shot in front of net, a scrum in the box in the 35th, then a shot hitting off of the post in the 38th.
Although Hartford’s Jordan Scarlett received a red card in the 50th minute, Oakland still could find the net despite taking 15 shots with four going on target.
In the 77th minute, Hartford put the game away when a ball-in from a free kick settled for Kyle Edwards standing free in the box–firing in a goal o the volley.
Oakland comes back home on Sunday, September 29 against FC Tulsa, which is another team below the playoff line in 9th.
Talking Points
- History repeating?
The initial reaction for all Roots fans coming out of Saturday’s match is an unsettling feeling of nostalgia. Now three straight losses without a single goal, September 2024 is starting to feel way too similar to September 2023.
Interim head coach Gavin Glinton is now facing the team’s worst run since taking the reins. He talked about what Roots need to do to become ready for the playoffs following the loss to San Antonio, and it seems the team is still looking to re-find itself.
“We need to make sure that we bring some of those baseline culture things; that’s our competitive drive, our fight, our attention to detail, our selflessness, and our resiliency. When we’ve played with that, we’ve done really well,” Glinton said last week.
Now in sixth place and watching to see if Phoenix can gain ground, Oakland’s season could turn for the worst just like 2023’s drop from 3rd to 10th. It’s a song all too familiar for Roots’ supporters.
In 2023, Noah Delgado closed August just one win away from setting the club record for most wins as a manager, only for the honor to wait until the start of this season. Glinton, who was an assistant coach last year, has the current Roots just six points away from tying their club record for points in a season at 46.
At one point, Glinton had Oakland playing some of its most inspired football they’ve shown in recent years. They’ll need to re-find that magic in the closing five matches.
- Lack of intensity
The broadcast announcers called out Roots’ defense for ball-watching on numerous occasions, crediting both goals as a result.
On the first, Tristan Hodge sent a ball on net that bounced in front of Blanchette and into his knees with both Oakland center backs watching the play unfold. Edwards’ goal in the 77th came in an unmarked situation, where Edwards shot lasered between several Roots defenders on its way into net.
Moreso than defensive mistakes, the announcers commented on a lack of intensity from Roots. There seemed like a casual approach at times, which is something Glinton talked about following the match against San Antonio.
“We need to be aggressive. Especially [against North Carolina], we were just playing too casual…,” Glinton said after the loss to San Antonio.
- Juan Luis Sinisterra & Rafa Baca
One silver lining is Juan Luis Sinisterra and Rafael Baca look like surefire starters.
Sinisterra suited up as the right winger in Glinton’s 4-2-3-1 and rotated inside to the central attacking midfield role later when Trayvone Reid entered the game. Baca, meanwhile, was highly involved in the central midfield spot and will benefit from more time with his teammates.
Sinisterra finished with 38 touches in 89 minutes, creating two scoring chances with two shot attempts, three passes into the final third, and won two duels.
Baca had 61 total touches in 74 minutes of work. He also created two scoring chances, recording seven passes into the final third, completed three long balls and 49 passes, six recoveries, four defensive actions, and one interception.
Starting Lineups
- Oakland Roots Starting 11
It’s a change to a 4-2-3-1 with Irakoze Donasiyano slotting into the central attacking midfieldfer spot, Juan Luis Sinisterra on the right, Baboucarr Njie on the left, and Johnny Rodriguez up top. Rafa Baca gets his first minutes in the midfield alongside Danny Gomez. The back line from left to right brings no surprises; Justin Rasmussen and Memo Diaz make up the fullbacks, while Gagi and Hackshaw pair at CB once again. Let’s see how the extra addition of a midfielder helps the operation.
- Hartford Athletic Starting 11
Timeline
GAME TIME! Can Oakland Roots get back in the win column on the road? They need three points to stay in the top-four discussion.
Hartford dangerous pass out front – 8′
Hartford near goal – 19′
nearly a bad giveaway just a few feet in front of the goal. Huge diving save by Paul.
Hartford goal – 20′
Dangerous ball straight to Paul, ball rebounds off Blanchette straight to Hairston for the easy tap in.
Hairston comes off with an injury – 25′
Hartford corner – 29′
Sinisterra shot blocked- 29′
Off a counter attack from the corner. Nice ball up from Johnny
Huge slide tackle in the box by Gagi – 34′
stops a big scoring chance.
Another nervy moment in front of goal – 35′
Hartford getting the ball back in dangerous areas. A scrum in the box eventually grabbed by Paul.
Hartford hits post – 38′
another dangerous pass out front of net
Roots free kick from distance- 42′
Ball from Njie deflected to Johnny, takes an athletic shot on target that goes straight to the GK.
Roots free kick good area – 44′
On left side 10 feet outside of area. Header by Gagi on target, forces a dive. Best chance for Oakland
Hartford shot high – 45′
Hartford another dangerous ball out front – 45+2′
Memo scuffs shot on volley – 45+3′
First half notes:
Really shaky throughout the first half where Roots didn’t look dangerous until the final minutes or so. Hartford sending continuous dangerous passes on the doorstep.
Hartford with 11 shots, 4 on target and 58% possession to Roots’ 3 shots and 2 on target.
red card on Hartford – 51′
Baca shanks a longshot – 53′
Roots corner – 53′
Ball goes through the area
Koze cross/shot to far post- 55′
Roots corner – 60′
Another Roots corner- 61′
Reid on for Koze – 63′
Moves Sinisterra into the CAM role.
Loose ball in front Hartford’ net, no one can make contact – 69′
Hackshaw long shot slowly deflects through – 70′
Johnny long shot sails – 70′
Roots corner – 72′
played short, Njie eventually blocked
Reid goes down in box, no call – 73′
Memo slow header wide – 74′
Chery and Almasnaouy coming in for Njie and Baca – 75′
Hartford corner – 75′
Hartford free kick – 77′
Ball settles in the area, settles for Edward’s unmarked. Fires it in.
Memo sends a shot out of the stadium – 82′
Roots free kick – 83′
Good area about 6 yards above area. Rasmussen stands over it, sends a cross thats eventually cleared
Roots corner – 87′
Ball goes to no one.
Roots corner – 89′
Memo shot in target – 90+3′
Best chance of the night, Reid shot on target on volley in area – 90+4′
Roots corner – 90+4′
Roots free kick – 90+5′
Reid stands over it, Reid hits the post then Oakland has 2 shots blocked.