Hello and welcome back to the blog’s live coverage of Oakland Roots hosting Colorado Springs Switchbacks for a USL Championship Western Conference clash at the Coliseum. Roots started the day in third place with 16 points, but sit just one point above fourth-place Tulsa, two above fifth-place El Paso, and three points above Sacramento, Phoenix, and New Mexico in the following three spots. Colorado Springs, meanwhile, is trudging along in 10th place — making today an important time for Roots to get back in the win column.
Although COS had an impressive 4-nil win over New Mexico in the USL Cup on May 16, they haven’t won a league match since April 14, when they beat Monterey Bay 4-1. Oakland has done well against the bottom teams of the Western Conference this season with wins over MBFC, Las Vegas, and New Mexico.
Starting Lineups
- Oakland Roots
Two changes for Oakland Roots from its last league match. Kendall McIntosh gets the nod at goalkeeper, giving him his first USLC start of the season. Faysal Bettache also returns in place of Florian Valot. Bettache has had some good moments this season and has another chance to stick his starting spot. Other than that, no changes. Peter Wilson, Wolfgang Prentice, and Bertin Jacquesson make up the attack. Tommy McCabe and Tyler Gibson make up the midfield. Jesus de Vicente at left back, Keegan Tingey at right back, and Hackshaw/Edwards make the CB pair.
- Colorado Springs Switchbacks
Timeline
Colorado Springs score – 5′
Ball in, striker is falling and it hits off his back heel and skips into net. Troy Bennett scores, assisted by Hanya
COS chance the other way, McIntosh jumps on a loose balls- 6′
De Vicenta dangerous cross into the box goes across thr face – 8′
Edwards blocked shot near 6 yard box by Bennett – 18′
CS shot wide by Masereka – 20′
Bettache sends a shot wide – 28′
Good work in transition to find Wilson on a long ball. Cuts out wide the left then a pass centers for Faysal atop the box.
CS free kick – 31′