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The scoring drought is over for Oakland Roots in its 1-1 tie at Memphis 901, snapping a four-game losing streak but continuing its winless run since August 31’s win over New Mexico. Roots still cling onto sixth place in the USL Championship Western Conference just five points ahead of Orange County and Phoenix with three matches remaining.

Roots fell behind early, once again, allowing Memphis’ goal in just four minutes when Bruno Lapa received a pass from Alvaro Quezada in the middle of the penalty area to slot in the shot. It marked the ninth time Oakland has conceded a goal in the first 10 minutes this year, including allowing five of the goals in four of the last five matches.

Oakland finally broke their scoreless streak when Camden Riley headed home a corner cross from Baboucarr Njie in the 36th minute, curling in a shot over two defenders. It marked Riley’s second goal of the season. Roots finished the goal drought in approximately 410 minutes at the time of Cam’s header.

Roots return to Pioneer Stadium in Hayward against Phoenix Rising on October 12. It marks another critical six-point match in what could become a playoff-clinching game for Oakland.

Here are our talking points from Saturday.

Productive second half, again

For another game, Oakland looked productive in the second half but couldn’t put one past the keeper. After going into halftime with five shots and two on target, Oakland generated six shots with just one on target but created one big scoring chance.

Johnny Rodriguez was who generated Oakland’s big opportunity in the 77th minute when his shot clanged off of the left post. Rodriguez did an amazing job to wheel his way in front of Memphis’ Walid Yacoubou to receive Memo Diaz’s long pass into the box, but his shot skipped too far wide.

Rodriguez hasn’t scored since August 10 against Loudoun. After looking like he was a sure thing to set himself a new personal record for goals, Johnny still sits two away from tying his all-time mark.

Rodriguez also had a look in the 52nd minute when Njie fed a low ball to the center of the box, but his pass was about a foot too far in front for Johnny. Reid then had a shot force a leaping save by Tyler Deric in the same minute following a corner.

In the 72nd minute, Justin Rasmussen likely should’ve been credited with a missed big chance as well. After receiving a spot-on through ball by Reid, Rasmussen whipped a hard shot over the cross bar. His shot came from just a couple of yards in front of the six-yard box, resulting in him putting his head to his hands, knowing he just missed the possible game-winner. He also had Johnny running free right in front of goal asking for the ball.

Corner production vs. open play

Roots goal on a corner from Njie to Riley marked their sixth score by way of a corner this season, including all four of the last four goals. In fact, the last goal from open play was Trayvone Reid’s right-footed laser against Loudoun United back on August 10.

Roots continued to generate chances from corners on Saturday night. Johnny had a header go straight to the keeper in the 22nd minute, while Trayvone’s shot to force a leaping save in the 52nd also came after receiving a short pass from a corner.

Oakland is notably much more successful at corners this season compared to previous years. This season, Roots have scored six goals directly from corners in 115 attempts, equating a conversion rate of 5.2 percent.

However, despite Oakland’s increased quality at the corner flag, they still have faced struggles getting there. This season, Roots’ 115 corners currently ranks 21st of 24 teams. They finished 2023 in 10th with 169 corners, 2022 in 11th of 27 with 177, and 2021 in 24th of 31 with 128.

Playoff clinching scenarios vs. Phoenix

Three Western Conference teams have now clinched for the postseason, including New Mexico, Sacramento, and Las Vegas. Colorado Springs with 46 points is on the verge of qualifying and same goes for Memphis with 44. With 41 points, Oakland is still on the outside, but currently hold four points above Phoenix and Orange County going into Saturday’s clash with Rising. Ninth-place Tulsa, meanwhile, has 34 points.

Currently, Oakland can earn a maximum of nine points with its final three matches, while Phoenix, Orange County, and Tulsa both have four games on the docket but will go back to even-footing with mid-week games this Wednesday, October 9.

So, how can Roots clinch a playoff spot?

It starts with Phoenix, Tulsa, and Orange County’s games this Wednesday with Rising set to play New Mexico, OCSC hosting Colorado Switchbacks, and Tulsa at North Carolina.

Should Phoenix lose against New Mexico, Oakland could extend the gap on Rising to eight points with a victory over them on Saturday in Hayward or six points with a tie. With just two games to follow, taking three points on Phoenix plus a Wednesday loss will secure Oakland finishing above them.

For Orange County, their final three games following this Wednesday’s clash with Colorado includes El Paso, New Mexico, and Hartford. With OCSC losses versus Colorado and El Paso plus a Roots win over Phoenix means Oakland will clinch above them as well.

Say both Phoenix and OC tie their Wednesday games, bringing them to 37 points. Oakland will need a win over Phoenix to get to seven point advantage, which will clinch a spot over Rising regardless of the final two games results. An OC tie and loss will also keep Roots seven points above them.

As for Tulsa, a lot is riding on Wednesday’s game at North Carolina. With 34 points, a loss means they can achieve a maximum of 43 points over the following three games against New Mexico, Hartford, and Monterey. With back-to-back losses, Tulsa will have no way of catching Roots.