Rootsfam, we’re on a winning streak!
With Oakland Roots’ 2-nil win over Detroit City, Roots have now won three straight matches in all competitions and their second straight against USL Championship competition. The result brings Roots up to 10th place in the Western Conference, now one point shy of Las Vegas Lights in eighth, two behind seventh-place Monterey, and three back of Phoenix and Sacramento in fifth.
Roots never truly got its attack going with just one shot on target, but it was all Oakland needed. Panos Armenakas got Oakland’s opening goal in the 55th minute on a gorgeous shot from about five yards atop the penalty area, whipping in a curling shot.
Oakland put the game away in the 85th minute via an own-goal by Detroit’s Marcello Polisi. On a free kick about 15 yards outside the box on the left side, Armenakas sent a long cross to Gagi Margvelashvili at the far post. Gagi sent a header centrally, resulting in Polisi firing it into his own net.
Marking Roots’ third clean sheet under Benny Feilhaber, the squad stayed strong defensively by holding Detroit without a shot on target until the 89th minute.
RootsBlog Man of the Match – Panos Armenakas
We’re naming Panos Armenakas our RootsBlog Man of the Match for scoring an absolute worldie of a goal in the 55th minute and then sending the cross from a free kick (shown in the photo above) to Gagi Margvelashvili, setting up the own goal. His score marked his first in an Oakland uniform.
Panos seems to be hitting his stride under Benny Feilhaber, producing as one of Roots’ best players over the last two matches.
Talking Points
- Electricity is in the air
Roots still have a long way to go, but there is something different about this team over the last few games. After the final whistle, Oakland’s roster ran up to La Union in the Deep Roots section to dance with the supporters groups, waving their arms and screaming along with the crowd.
The team, finally, is having fun.
“We’ve always had that joy,” Armenakas said. “We had a lot of new players, like me. I’ve been trying to implement my personality. People coming in late, people having different languages and cultures, it isn’t easy. But, for sure, the last month has been amazing. Winning and playing well help everything.”
Before Roots went over to the supporters’ section, there was a moment where Feilhaber gathered his team in a huddle to talk. He described it as something he’s always liked doing as a coach.
Tonight, the gathering felt like it had some extra meaning after Oakland’s turbulent start to the season.
“I’ve always loved doing that. I’ve actually got lost in the mix a couple of these games and wasn’t able to have that conversation early. I enjoy having that moment with the players on the field. It has that sense of a team huddle, whether it’s good, bad, or ugly. Getting together and being one team is important after fighting for 90 minutes. Obviously, it’s great when it’s a win; it’s an easier conversation. I give the guys my quick two cents after the game and how we move forward from there.”
The spark can be seen in several players throughout the roster. Gagi, as we highlighted earlier this week, has been a huge beneficiary of Feilhaber’s arrival. Ali Elmasnaouy is another player finding his form, while Panos’ impact over the last two games has been a breath of fresh air.
Armenakas commented on Feilhaber giving chances to players who deserve time.
“On a day-to-day basis on the training field, we are gaining that confidence,” Armenakas said. “We can see there’s a process to it. Benny’s come in and given opportunities to those who deserve it. Everyone wants the best for everyone and fights for each other.”
Feilhaber is now 3-1-1 with a goal differential of +3 through his first five games in charge. He’s still working to find out absolutely everything about his players, but he expressed confidence that their “foundational pieces” have been found.
“I think it’s early,” Feilhaber said. “They understand what we are trying to implement, but the most important thing is building a foundation. To build to the tippy top of the Empire State Building, you have to put the pieces all together slowly. The big foundational pieces are set, guys understand what we’re trying to do and how we’re trying to do it. I was really impressed with how we ended. The final 10-15 minutes against Monterey was not what we wanted it to look like; the last 5-10 minutes of this game were much more what we wanted.”
- Panos Armenakas finding his stride
Panos Armenakas is coming off his two best performances with Oakland. Against Monterey, Panos had an assist and was robbed of a second due to an own-goal. Aside from his wicked goal tonight versus Detroit, he similarly sent another dangerous pass that led to an own-goal.
“I would say last week was bigger for him,” Feilhaber said. “He was so involved in things that we did. He was the epicenter of all our good movements last week and created the two goals. Of course, goals give confidence and motivate you in a really positive way. One good game can be everything a player needs. Panos has put in a ton of work over the five weeks I’ve been here. Belief is a very powerful thing.”
After being a marquee offseason addition, Panos’ productivity will likely be instrumental toward Roots’ success.
“Wins breed confidence. When you feel the belief of the players, it means a lot,” Armenakas said. “They’ve given me the responsibility to be that man to create for the team. I know that’s what I’m here to do, so it’s been a little bit disappointing on my side to take a little while to get going. It’s been tough at the beginning with different systems, but the way Benny wants the team to play suits me down to the ground.
“You’re starting to see what I can do. I know I have even more levels to get to. I’ve proven what I can do in the Championship, now it’s about being consistent.”
Feilhaber commented on keeping Armenakas in central locations after their win over Monterey. Now with a goal and an assist to his credit over the past two games, Benny reiterated how he’s wanted Panos to operate.
“Where he’s receiving the ball on the field,” Feilhaber said when asked about changes he’s made. “Every player has qualities, and you have to figure out how those qualities fit in with what the team needs. In the first couple of games, I was struggling to find a way to involve Panos in the best way. One really big conversation between us was telling him, ‘I need you to be more central. I need you to be patient and the ball will find you.'”
Armenakas dropping deeper into the field may have been a reflection of Roots’ inability to create a consistent attack before Benny’s arrival. Feilhaber played a similar midfield position as Panos during his 16-year playing career, giving him an understanding of what the Greek-Australian is thinking.
“I could totally relate as a player in his position, where I’d get antsy and say, ‘Hey, give me the ball. And if you don’t, I’m gonna come get it.’ It was one of those conversations where I’m asking him to take a leap of faith and trust what we’re trying to get to. He was excellent against Monterey in where he was on the field. Now, he’s starting to see how dangerous he can be with his ability to shoot and pass. It’s fun to work with a player like that.”
Panos elaborated on Feilhaber’s instructions, reflecting on how he’d pull himself out of position by dropping deeper to help teammates.
“Benny played a similar position to myself, so we’ve had these conversations. I’m a guy who tries to take as much responsibility on the field as I can. When I see things that I feel I can impact, my natural instinct is to go help my teammates,” Panos said. “If we’re struggling to build up from the back, I always want to go help. Maybe that’s not best for the team, and Benny has really instilled in me to trust my teammates.
“Before Benny was here, we weren’t able to create opportunities and I would drop deeper to help, but then I’m not in the right areas. The difference since Benny has come in has allowed me to play higher up the field. He’s honest with me, like telling me that if I’m not in those spots, I’m not going to play. Now we’re seeing the benefits, I’m using my main strengths. Benny told me from the beginning to have blind faith in him and he’ll give me opportunities to be the player I am.”
- Ali Elmasnaouy cementing his spot
Ali Elmasnaouy has started all five of Feilhaber’s games in charge and has seemingly accomplished an astronomical leap up the depth chart to full-fledged starter. Feilhaber was proud to see Ali continue playing well after receiving a yellow card in the first half.
“Today was a huge game for him,” Feilhaber said. “I’m glad I didn’t make the decision to bring him out at halftime. I wanted to see if he could still up his performance from the first half. He had an extremely impressive second-half performance. He has a hell of a future ahead of him and a high soccer IQ. Very coachable and nothing but praise for him.”
He helped set up Panos’ goal in the 55th minute, dribbling himself free and attracting multiple defenders before finding Armenakas with open space. Panos said he’s building a connection with the young Berkeley High product.
“I don’t try to overstep and really be that mentor to him, but we have a really good relationship on and off the field,” Armenakas said. “Since preseason, we’ve seen his quality, and he’s been biding his time. I’ve always put my arm around him because I see myself when I was younger in him. I think I’ve taken that role a bit, mainly with Ali. The connection is building, and we’re always looking for each other. His calmness and maturity have been unbelievable. His composure was big for us, even when 1-0 up, he was drawing fouls and keeping possession.”
- The transfer window and Roots’ roster
The USL Championships’ international transfer window opened on July 1 and stretches to August 28. Oakland has some questions about the roster, like the future of Baboucarr Njie and the left outside back position after Julian Bravo appeared in the role against Detroit despite being a natural center back.
Roots have had quite a bit of activity in July over the last few years, including transferring Jeciel Cedeno to Detroit last year, bringing in Cedeno in exchange for Edgardo Rito in 2023, and trading away Akeem Ward in 2022.
When asked about his evaluation of the roster, Feilhaber mentioned he won’t have much say in the matter, but likes where things are at.
“I think we’re in a good spot with the roster. I’m not gonna be at the forefront of those conversations,” Feilhaber said. “Maybe I’ll be a part of the conversation with guys like Jordan and Nana, but at the end of the day, I believe in the roster we have. You can always try to improve and look for guys who are out there who might fit what we want to do. Right now, I don’t have any real requests. I’m enjoying working with these guys and getting to know them on and off the field. We have more than enough to be very competitive.”
Press Conference
Starting Lineups
- Oakland Roots
Kai Greene, Gagi Margvelashvili and Neveal Hackshaw start, while it looks like Julian Bravo starts at left outside back. No Jurgen Damm, but Morey Doner starts. Elmasnaouy and Gibson start, keeping Bobosi on the bench. Panos Armenakas starts with Wolfgang Prentice and Peter Wilson also in that attack. Sinisterra on the bench.
Ivan: Oakland Roots are riding their only winning streak of the 2025 season (wins over Birmingham Legion in the league and Monterey Bay in the Jagermeister Cup), but extending that to three is essential to continue the turnaround under Benny Feilhaber and make a serious playoff push.If the Oakland Roots remain in the same position a month from now, even in a wide open Western Conference, it’s difficult for even the most optimistic Roots supporter to envision a playoff berth.
- Detroit City FC
Timeline
Free kick – 1′
In a good area, about 15 yards outside the penalty area on the left side.
Ball in by Gibson cleared out.
Ivan: Oakland Roots earn the first free kick of the game, which is immediately turned over and results in a foul conceded in midfield.
Ivan 9’: Gagi Margvelashvili had spent most of the first half of the season on the bench, but his resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time for the club. He is dictating the decisions made at the heart of the defense and the buildup.
Panos draws free kick in good area on right side near sideline – 11′
Free kick – 12′
About 15 yards outside of the area on the right side.
Ivan: Free kick opportunity from the far side of the stadium. Fails to beat the first Detroit defender.
Ivan 14’: In one quick sequence, you can see the benefits and draw backs of the crossfield passes Roots have been employing in this game. They showcase the technical ability to pull it off and bewilder the Detroit defense. In the next attempt, it almost springs a counter attack for the visitors.
DCFC free kick – 15′
Played short and back.
DCFC corner – 16′
Cleared to the top of the box and retained. Ball goes back out wide to Cedeno, he sends a dangerous cross that’s eventually shot out of bounds for a goal kick.
Ivan:
18’ Neveal Hackshaw, never afraid to drive the offensive action, pushes the ball forward and tried to split the entire defense with a through ball to Peter Wilson. Wilson didn’t quite have the reaction that was required to receive that pass.
20’ Detroit are growing into the game but Oakland is maintaining their defensive shape. There seems to be more activity, confidence, and off ball movement in this interaction of the roots under Feilhaber.
Detroit shot blocked – 23
They retain possession.
Detroit sending a lot of dangerous crosses targeting in front of the net – 24′
Bravo makes a good run down the left side, sends a dangerous pass to the center of the box but no one is there – 25′
Ivan: Another pleasant surprise in these last few games has been Ali Elmasnaouy. He’s been biding his time after his US Open Cup match-winning goal against El Farolito, and now he is a deserved starter that can put in defensive contributions as well. He stood his ground as Detroit tried to get the game’s first goal, but to no avail as a heavy touch yielded a goal kick for Kendall McIntosh
Morey Doner sends a low cross to the front of the six yard box, but Herrera there to fall on it – 27′
DCFC free kick 10 yards past midfield – 29′
Almost starts a counter attack, but Panos’ pass too far in front of Doner.
Ivan 30’: Doner once again at the center of a slick attacking move, but the give and go pass routine doesn’t quite work out. The return pass toward Doner masquerading as a number 9 in that attack was just past his outstretched boot.
Ivan 32’: The referee is opting not to call any of a series of well timed but increasingly risky/physical challenges from either team. Players such as Wolfgang Prentice think they are brought down unfairly, but the ref waves play on.
Ivan 34’: Darren Smith tries to break away for a clean shot but he fouled Margvelashvili in the process. Foul given. Further up the field, Wolfgang Prentice gets a yellow card for a separate infraction.
Yellow on Wolfy – 35′
DCFC free kick, about 10 yards past midfield – 36′
Panos plays Wilson in the box, but Wilson can’t handle the pass – 36′
Ivan: Peter Wilson’s touch lets him down as he spins a little too much and lets the ball go out for a goal kick. It’s one of, if not the best move, for the Oakland Roots tonight until that occurred.
Ivan:
41’ Detroit’s throw in is a waste as the ball sails over the head of Connor Rutz and bounces into McIntosh’s gloves.
42’ Gibson and Bravo with some interplay on the left side of the field as Roots continue to probe the 18 yard box of Detroit. The pressure mounts and yields a corner kick. Armenakas’s delivery from the corner flag finds Neveal Hackshaw but unfortunately he crashes into a Detroit player, leaving both parties shaken up on the ground.
Corner – 43′
Panos ball targets Hackshaw wide open in the box, but looked like he crossed himself up on whether to shoot on the volley or take a touch.
First half notes:
0-0 seems pretty fair for both sides without anyone having any overtly dangerous chances. Roots have proved to be a strong second-half team under Feilhaber, we’ll see if any adjustments are made. Oakland getting the ball to good areas, but just hasn’t done anything with it.
Roots still haven’t recorded a shot attempt, while Detroit has just two without any on target.
Ivan:
The only thing missing from this first half performance is the most important ingredient: the goals. Whether it’s Armenakas or Wilson, they need to take a little more of the reigns. Prentice can get more involved too as he can’t be too useful defensively on a yellow card. When Doner is finding himself in Wilson’s position in certain counter attacks, there are some tweaks to be made.
Bobosi and Gomez in for Gibson and Wolfy – 46′
Ivan 48’
Armenakas finds Doner making a run on the right side and it looked like Amoo-Mensah brought him down on the edge of the box, but no foul given.
ROOTS GOAL- 55′
PANOS DOING PANOS THINGS. He sends a curling shot from about 5 yards outside the box to the right post, beating the keeper’s dive. It marks Armenakas’ first goal in an Oakland uniform.
Ivan:
First shot of the game for the Oakland Roots is a beauty and puts them up 1-0! Panos Armenakas doing what fans wanted to see throughout the season when his transfer was announced, but the Aussie puts his team on his back tonight!
Ivan 56’
The Roots won the ball back from kick off. That reminded me of the intensity in which New Mexico United played against Oakland. It’s nice to be on the good side of that equation. Their pressure is also forcing mistakes such as Devon Amoo-Mensah hitting a ball out for a throw in. Michael Bryant on the right of the defense has been more solid tonight, so the Roots should continue attacking on their right side.
DC corner – 61′
cleared out
Ivan 63’
Attendance for today’s game confirmed to be 5,191 at the Coliseum. If this stands for another half hour, 99% of that attendance number should be going home happy.
64’ Sure, why not Bobosi! That shot from 30 yards out is only just wide of Herrera’s net from the right side.
Bobosi longshot pushed wide for a corner – 64
Sinisterra on for Wilson
Corner – 65′
Detroit shot wide – 68′
Free kick – 70′
longball targets Doner. Out for a Roots throw
QR CODE
Corner – 73′
Ivan 73’
Initially a well worked corner kick routine for Feilhaber’s side but the flag goes up for offside.
Ivan 77’
Detroit had a sustained methodical period of possession but McIntosh commands his defense and takes control of the situation at the end.
79’ Roots keeping with their physical identity but being smarter with their fouls.
DC free kick – 80′
long ball in headed out
Free kick good area – 85′
About 15 yards outside of the box on left side.
ROOTS GOAL – 86′
Ball from Panos targets Gagi at the far post. He heads it centrally and it’s knocked in for an own goal. Looks like the dagger!
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