Oakland Roots made USL Championship history on Saturday night with a sellout crowd of 26,574 spectators on Saturday night, becoming the league’s new All-Time leader for attendants among it’s active teams. But Roots couldn’t get the job done on the field, losing 2-1 to San Antonio to continue its winless record at 0-0-3.
Close doesn’t cut it when you are yet to put points on the board three games into the season. I am curious to know which aspects of the game Gavin Glinton will be more eager to improve on: offense or defense. Things have to turn around quickly in this continued homestand with Las Vegas Lights next week and Rhode Island FC the week after.
San Antonio got on the board quickly in the fifth minute when Alex Grieve slotted one in. But Roots wasted no time responding when Justin Rasmussen shot in an athletic bicycle kick in the box.
SAFC scored the eventual game-winner in the 69th when Luke Haakenson curled in a volley in front of the net.
Press Conference
Justin Ramsussen
• Gavin Glinton overall thoughts
“Disappointing not to get at least a point out of the match. We did a good job to fight back into the match as we showed throughout the year (2024).”“In the second goal, we started to circulate the ball more. We need to be a little bit braver. We are integrating guys back into the group. I thought the guys embraced the moment”
- On the atmosphere
“It exceeded expectations. It is one of the best in the world. They give their energy and love as well as in their road matches to be fair. To pack the house, it was incredible”
“The game went faster as the night went on. The pitch was fantastic and amazing.”
“When we sit back and look back, we will appreciate this moment more. But in the moment we were locked in and focus.”
- GG on thoughts through three matches
“We talked about taking plays off in the goals we’ve given up. In the attack, we’ve shown good moments to come back after going down.”
“We need to play less tight and be better there (offensively),” Glinton said. “Some guys started late with us and are working up to fitness. Our ability to press high and win the ball up the field.”
- GG on San Antonio’s possession
“We wanted to extend the ball for an extra play or two to minimize the impact of their possession.”
“There were spaces for us to hit and circulate but we weren’t finding or attempting until the second goal was conceded. We need to make our opponents to work a little bit harder.”
- Panos Armenakas’s impact
“He can help us find the gaps to make our other players even more dangerous”“Our fans bring a lot of passionate and rugged energy but we need to make sure we don’t cross the line. We must bring the best of ourselves.”
Talking Points
- 26,575 was amazing to see
Roots may have lost 2-1, but the energy around the Coliseum on Saturday night was special to take in from the media section on the South end line. It’s easy to overlook a third straight loss with an enormous tifo, a roaring crowd, and multiple waves rolling through the stadium. March 22 was truly a remarkable night.
Coach Gavin Glinton recognized Roots’ support, praising them for showing out to all three matches so far this season.
“What an amazing atmosphere, I think it exceeded the expectations,” Glinton said. “Our crowd is the best in the world, tonight they came out and really showed it. They give their energy and love, and they’ve done that in both of our road matches as well. I’m gutted that we couldn’t give them three points tonight.”
For Glinton, he had to find a way to lock in through one of the largest crowds he’s experienced.
“It was unbelievable, but I was locked in for the most part,” Glinton said. ‘You have to block that stuff out, get ultra-focused, and feel that energy. You want to make sure you reciprocate that energy. For a lot of the match, we did that.”
Justin Rasmussen called it “unlike anything” he’s seen since he joined the club last year.
“It was unlike anything I’ve experienced so far in a Roots jersey. I know Oakland has the best fans in the league and our cathedral to play in is the best in the USL. We have the best fans in Oakland and we’re going to keep working on giving them something to celebrate,” Rasmussen said.
- Nine goals allowed in three games
Oakland’s 2-1 defeat results in its ninth goal allowed through three matches. They conceded four in their opening 4-2 loss to OC, three in last week’s 3-2 defeat at Monterey, and now two to SAFC.
Glinton gave his assessment of their start to the season, saying “taking plays off” has been a byproduct of some goals. It’s a somewhat similar thought to previous comments he made last season.
“We’ve talked about taking plays off for some of the goals that we’ve given up. In some individual defending moments where we let guys come inside, we want to batten down the hatches.
Rasmussen feels their defensive mistakes are curable and will require the team to become a “cohesive unit.”
“Nine goals conceded isn’t something to talk about too positively. Moving forward, we don’t just need to look at the back line, but all of us as a whole. Attacking and defending takes all 11 players. It’s tightening those lines, getting our timing right on when to set or drop back, and being a cohesive unit,” Rasmussen said.
“We’ll get back to the drawing board on Monday and look at that.”
- The jelling process
Roots is starting this season with a lot of changes to its roster. Players like Peter Wilson and EJ Johnson are getting integrated following Johnny Rodriguez’s transfer. Jurgen Damm is getting more minutes. Camden Riley is getting more time at right back. Panos Armenakas, Kai Greene, and Tyler Gibson are all new starters.
Incorporating the slew of new players is proving to be a process. It’s also worth pointing out that Bobosi Byaruhanga still has to debut in the midfield and Raphael Spiegel could appear soon at goalkeeper.
“We’ve talked about changing the identity of the group and being a team that’s more aggressive,” Glinton said. “We have guys who have started late for us and are continuing to get up to fitness. Also, it’s working on the tactical integration of the group. I think we’ve seen some good stuff in moments where we press high and win the ball up the field. If we’re a bit cleaner in transition moments, we’re probably have more goals in those moments.”
Glinton wants his team to be more imposing.
“We want to dictate matches, get on the ball a little bit more, and impose ourselves. I think there were moments we were doing that,” Glinton said.
Rasmussen thinks there’s been glimpses of brilliance for Roots and success will come.
“It takes some time but we feel it. You can see it tonight with the energy and the work-rate. We all believe in the locker room that it’s going to strike for us,” Rasmussen said. “Like in Monterey, there’s been a lot of new faces and positions. We’re going to get it, we have a great group. The mentality is above any other team, this group will be just fine.”
- Justin Rasmussen on his bike
Justin Rasmussen’s goal in the seventh minute sent in Oakland’s only score to equalize things at the moment just two minutes after SAFC’s opener. It was a miraculous play following a corner, where the ball hung up for Rasmussen with his back turned to the net, flicking his foot at it while falling backward for an athletic bicycle kick.
He reflected on the golazo.
“It all happened pretty quick and my instincts took over,” Rasmussen said. “The cross came in and the ball popped up, I took a quick scan with my peripherals and saw no one in my vicinity. My instincts kicked in and I gave the bicycle kick a try. All I saw after I hit it was the last bit when the ball rippled the net.
“I’m very happy to get the goal and give the fans something to celebrate, but I’m gonna get back to work. We’re back in on Monday to get our first three points.”
- Taking better advantage of Panos Armenakas
Panos Armenakas has proven to be a vital part of Roots’ operation through the first three matches. Although he didn’t get the assist, his cross from the corner eventually set up Rasmussen’s bicycle kick.
But Oakland struggled to create offensively on Saturday night, once again, resulting in just six shot attempts and nine touches inside San Antonio’s penalty area–a number SAFC doubled. Armenakas finished with two created scoring chances and no touches inside the opponent’s box, which could be a testament to the team needing to get him more involved in critical areas.
“We know his ability as a playmaker and we need to get him in more positions where he can play-make for us more often,” Glinton said. “Some of that is being sure we can stretch out the defense, get in behind, and force them to drop deeper so we can create space where he likes to operate.”
- The P-Word chant
A dark tone on the match was a stoppage of play around the end of the match due to the p-word chant echoing from the southern stands. Following San Diego FC facing a similar situation in its opener in recent weeks, it’s a possible situation many saw coming, where droves of casual fans were hell-bent on making some mayhem on an odd night out at the Coliseum.
Glinton shared his thoughts on the chant echoing around the stadium.
“Our fans bring a lot of energy, but we have to make sure not to cross the line. We have to respect the game and respect everybody. That’s not what we want to see. We want to bring the best of ourselves without bringing that negative over,” Glinton said.
Starting Lineup
- Oakland Roots
Peter Wilson gets his first start at striker, while Alekseev with the surprise start, possibly at RB. Sinisterra gets moved to the bench is a surprise as well. Prentice gets his second straight start as well.
- San Antonio FC
Many familiar names from an MLS perspective. Sánchez, Medranda, Haakenson, and LaCava to be specific. The Roots will have a hard time breaking this San Antonio side down. The 4-1-4-1 is set up to reduce the damage but they’ll need to keep their scoring output. The latter has been the positive over the first two games.
Timeline
GAME TIME! ARE YOU READY FOR THIS 26,000 STRONG PARTY?!?!?!
Ivan – 2’
It’s good to see Wolfgang Prentice be composed in the defensive final third to deal with the dangerous ball on the left side. He’s earning his heavy involvement with the Roots so far this season.
Ivan – 4’ Danny Gomez intercepts the ball in a dangerous position, but his pass up top to Wilson was easily intercepted by a San Antonio centerback.
San Antonio goal – 5′
Too easy for SAFC.
Ivan – San Antonio usually dominate possession but they sprung a counter attack that sliced apart the Roots defense: a familiar sight in patches last season and definitely this season. That’s the 8th goal the Roots have conceded in 185 minutes plus stoppage in 2025 USL Championship play. The New Zealander Alex Grieve makes it 1-0. The worst part is, many people in the stadium initially cheered the goal thinking the Roots were in black.
Roots corner- 7′
GOAL BY RASMUSSEN. WITH HIS BACK TURNED TO NET.
Ivan – First corner of the game goes to the Roots and an instant response! A bicycle kick goal will be the first scored by the Roots in the Coliseum! Justin Rasmussen (unassisted) found the inspiration and the technique, and now it’s 1-1! What an electric home opener so far!
Ivan – 14’
That amazing goal has allowed the Oakland Roots to settle in possession. Camden Riley, who was in the spotlight for the wrong reasons last week, is looking more composed and earned a free kick. Moments later on the left side, the Roots draw another foul. This one yields the first yellow card of the game to San Antonio’s Osorio. He’s listed as a midfielder playing as a right back so the Roots should exploit that matchup.
Ivan – 18’
San Antonio starts to creep back into the Oakland Roots final third and Camden Riley concedes a foul. This free kick is from about 30 yards out as nightfall hits the city. The ball floats into the right side and is dealt with for a corner. First, there will be a hydration break, crucial for the players observing Ramadan. About three minutes passed since the stoppage and corner.
SA free kick – 19′
Ball in leads to a corner
The tifo
McIntosh big save – 22′
Ivan – The corner kick is taken and McIntosh makes his first save of the game, from close range at an advantageous angle for the keeper. Either way, it’s an important confidence booster having conceded early on in this one.
Roots corner – 25′
SA free kick – 28′
Ivan – Camden Riley stuck a foot out and tripped a San Antonio player, and that was clearly going to be a yellow card. He made a rough challenge earlier, but now he has to be careful. We’ll see how deep into this game he’ll stick around because Gavin Glinton has many defensive options on the bench. McIntosh saved the following chance from the free kick.
SA corner- 29′
Ivan – 31’
The corner kick took a long time to be kicked. The result was Jimmy Medranda losing control and serving up a beach ball to McIntosh to easily collect.
Ivan – 34’
Player down for San Antonio. The goalscorer Alex Greive received some treatment and will get some further attention on the sideline as he is subbed out for Pacheco. Pacheco is a capable substitute but that’s a big loss for the visitors.
Wilson draws free kick – 35′
in good area, Wilson did well to run in front of defender to draw contact. Panos over it, put for a corner.
Ivan – 36’
Rasmussen’s ball was speculative, but Wilson is fouled and earns a free kick about 10 yards left of the 18. Armenakas’s service is cleared by the wall for a corner. The corner amounts to nothing.
Roots corner – 37′
Ivan – 38’
Pacheco’s first action since coming on is coming in contact with Kendall McIntosh’s head. Goalkeepers are heavily protected, as are head collisions for all players, so the decision makes sense. McIntosh is a little shaken up but looks good to continue. Glad to see that from the Oakland native.
Ivan – 41’
San Antonio’s buildup is concerning because every pass they make seems to open up one or two players with little pressure on them. Not sure if the Roots are playing deep or zone to a detriment, but it allowed steady advancing until Neveal Hackshaw did what he does best: use his strong frame to earn a foul.
Ivan – 43’
Generating offense is still a problem for the Roots as they couldn’t capitalize on a promising buildup and instead inadvertidently launch a counter attack for the Spurs.
SA corner – 44′
SA free kick – 45+2′
plans short, header goes way off target
We have a pitch invader. Possibly first in club history.
First half notes:
It goes into the half tied thanks to an unbelievable bicycle kick by Justin Rasmussen. Roots with just 35 percent possession, generating 3 shots and 1 on target. SA with 5 shots and 4 on target.
Helluva show by Too $hort
Ivan – A lightning fast start to the game that saw either side score within 7 minutes has somewhat cooled off on that front, but now it’ll come down to which side can generate more quality opportunities. Oakland Roots have improved in their possession but still need to do more with it.
Abdi on, Riley off at halftime
Ivan – 47’
Roots start the second half off adventurous, trying different ways to open up the San Antonio defense. While it hasn’t yielded much results, it is stretching their backline so the Roots may find some success with a little more precision.
Roots free kick – 49′
Good area, about 20 yards above area.
Foul on Kai
Ivan – 49’
Armenakas’s free kick goes toward Kai Greene but he fouls a San Antonio defender.
Sanchez collision with Wilson – 51′
Ivan – Sánchez grabs a ball but falls on Wilson. An unfortunate collision but both parties can continue. That’s been the lasting impact of this game outside of the goals: the physical nature of this encounter.
SA corner – 53′
shot on volley blocked
SA glancing header wide – 54′
Ivan – San Antonio are starting to show their teeth again as their shot tested McIntosh from distance. It’s another haunting reminder that the Oakland Roots have everything to gain and to lose at this tenuous juncture.
SA corner- 54′
Wilson header just miss landing on pass – 59′
Ivan – 63’
Nervous moments between Hackshaw and McIntosh and their awkward clearances. It results in a San Antonio throw in.
Damm and Sinisterra on for Prentice and Ilya – 63′
Ivan – 64’
Sinisterra for Alekseev and Damm for Prentice. The experience has come in to relieve the youth for the remaining 25 minutes or so. Immediately after, Damm hits a shot straight at the keeper.
Jurgen shot on target – 64′
Wilson off for EJ – 67′
SA goal – 69′
Ivan – San Antonio makes it 2-1 with another precise buildup and a classy finished. The ball is lobbed over McIntosh and there was nothing he could do about it. It’s Luke Haakenson’s second goal of the season, which matches the amount he scored through 57 appearances in Nashville.
EJ shot on first touch after a laser pass by Rasmussen goes high. Fans want a PK – 74′
26,575 is the announced attendance for this sellout crowd at the Coliseum.
Ivan – 74’
Roots come close to another rapid response, and they also call for a penalty for a foul inside the box. The referee has nothing of it and the game continues on.
Ivan – 75’
San Antonio switch the play from right to left but their services goes too far and out for a goalkick. A rare break considering they’ve played mistake free football for much of the second half. A yellow card was issued to Jorge Hernandez for a previous infringement.
Ivan – 76’
A silly challenge by Armenakas as it’s right by the ref and even if you hold your hands up, you can still foul the player. Oakland Roots need to focus here because those minor blips will just sap your momentum.
Ivan – 80’
Another Roots attack fizzles out, this time for a San Antonio throw in just by their corner flag. Honestly, that takes some skill. It’s a low bar.
Ivan – 81’
The game is briefly paused because of an announcement in reaction to the use of a certain slur by some people in attendance. That is far more disappointing than any sporting result. There should be no place for that. The game resumed shortly after.
Ivan – 82’
Abdi Mohamed made a great run but before he could shoot, the linesman judges him to be offside.
Ivan – 83’
EJ Johnson got called for a foul in a 50/50 situation with Sánchez, and after pushing a San Antonio player he receives a yellow card. Every play seems to be going wrong in some capacity.
Njie on for Rasmussen- 85′
Panos shot high- 88′
Echoing P-word chants pauses the game- 90+2′
7 minutes of stoppage time. A real lifeline for the Oakland Roots to take advantage of.The game is paused due to excessive and repeated use of the slurs from people in attendance. Neveal Hackshaw leads the appeals to calm the fans down.The game resumes 2 minutes after stoppage time was confirmed.