Oakland: This past Saturday then starting goalkeeper Kendal McIntosh told the media post game to trust the process. Just four days later I have his words bouncing around my head and ringing in my ears. The Oakland Roots had 37 touches in the Birmingham Legion box, but needed a stoppage time goal from Peter Wilson to inch out a 1-1 draw at home against one of the bottom teams in the Eastern Conference. Over the past three USL games the Oakland Roots have 2 points against three below average sides. Not the June many people envisioned.
Finishing continues to be an issue for Oakland, as the Roots were at 300 plus minutes of game time without a goal in USL play until the Wilson miracle happened. This Roots team on paper and analytically should be a top 10 team in the whole USL, but until Oakland can figure out turning opportunities into results. It will continue to be a what if season for the Roots.
The Roots will return Saturday against Phoenix Rising in expected 100 plus degree heat in Arizona.
Here are our top-10 player ratings from Wednesday afternoon.
1. Jesus de Vicente, 7.9
With Jesus de Vicente’s offensively minded style of play, we may see the newcomer atop these top 10 rankings a decent amount this season, but Wednesday afternoon was another quality showing from the Spaniard. De Vicente had the lone assist for the game for the Oakland Roots, as the 25-year old defenseman delivered the ball from the corner on Peter Wilson’s stoppage time goal. De Vicente was burned on the only Birmingham Legion FC goal. A mistake, but something to build on.
2. Peter Wilson, 7.5
Thank the heavens for Peter Wilson. After missing two games with reportedly a small injury, the defending USL Golden Boot winner saved the Oakland Roots from complete embarrassment, with a 93rd minute goal from a Jesus de Vicente corner. If no one else on this roster will score, at least we know Peter Wilson will have the Roots back. Team high seventh goal of the year for Wilson.
3. Florian Valot, 7.4
On a day that saw extremely few chances created, it was Florian Valot that provided two chances created on Wednesday. A stunning 16 passes into the final third for Valot, as the Frenchman is still looking for his first goal and assist of the season. A team high 88 touches for Valot in the 1-1 draw.
4. Keegan Tingey, 7.3
Maybe Keegan Tingey heard what I said last week or maybe this is just what we should expect from Tingey, as the Stanford graduate was everywhere on the right side of the field. Tingey was 4-for-4 on long balls and had 10 passes into the final third, but once again struggled on accurate crosses with 0-for-4 on Wednesday. Phoenix Rising in the heat will be another test.
5. Michael Edwards, 7.0
Nothing out of the ordinary for Michael Edwards. Safety net at the back and had some opportunities pushing forward. Good job Michael Edwards. We stan a defensive king.
6. Julian Bravo, 6.9
The Oakland Roots may have depth at center-back?? What a wild few weeks it has been for the Roots backline, as Julian Bravo has quickly become a solid piece that can be counted on. Even if Bravo heads to the bench when David Garcia returns in a few weeks, that just means a trusted defender can swap in for any of the back four when needed.
7.Neveal Hackshaw, 6.9
Did you also have a moment of dread during the 60th minute seeing Neveal Hackshaw entering the game? Well I certainly did, but the USL veteran proves why he is still on this roster. Hacksaw was a steading force on the backline and outside of an early yellow card, was overall pretty solid. Hacksaw didn’t cost the Roots any points this week and you will take that.
8. Raphael Spiegel, 6.8
Birmingham Legion FC had two total shots on goal. Two Shots… But it wouldn’t be a Raphael Spiegel start without a silly and unnecessary incident. It’s usually a goal, but you never know when Raphael “The Incident” Spiegel is between the posts. If Spiegel is truly Ryan Martin’s keeper this season, he will either lead this team to a championship or a true soul crushing disappointment. I don’t feel there is any in between. Join me on this rollercoaster and i’ll see you on the other side.
9. Bobosi Byaruhanga, 6.8
First time in a while for Bobosi Byaruhanga to make the top 10, as the Ugandan national picked up another start. Byaruhanga was tied with Michael Edwards for the most passes on the afternoon with 60 and was a solid partner for Tommy McCabe in the midfield. We still aren’t seeing the early season flash that had us believing that Byaruhanga could be a top 5 midfielder in the USL. Definitely a player to watch next week.
10. Tommy McCabe, 6.7
A rare visit to the bottom of the rankings for Tommy McCabe, but the professor was only 59-for-71 on pass accuracy, which would be a surprisingly low 83% for the 28-year old captain. We haven’t had any stunning moments from McCabe over the last few weeks, but he continues to be a sturdy and strong player pushing the offense from the midfield.