El Paso: The Oakland Roots have only one win in their last 10 games. Over the past 50 days it has become extremely clear to me that the Roots are old and far too slow. Oakland has talent, but this group of players have hit a wall and haven’t shown an ability to overcome that obstacle. The Roots fell 1-0 on the road to El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday in another sun scorched evening.
Even with one of the worst 10 game stretches in franchise history, the season isn’t over, as the Roots COULD still make the playoffs. Oakland are only four points behind Las Vegas Lights FC for 8th place in the Western Conference. The dream of a home playoff game at the Oakland Coliseum may be over, but this team should have the parts still for a playoff push. Is this maybe me being far too optimistic for my own good, but the Roots still have time in theory.
The Roots will return this Saturday, as they host last placed Monterey Bay at the Oakland Coliseum.
Here are our top-10 player ratings from the 1-0 defeat at the hands of the El Paso Locomotive FC
1. Julian Bravo, 7.2
Julian Bravo returned to the starting lineup for the Oakland Roots, but moved over to Left-Back after playing a few games at centerback for Neveal Hackshaw. Bravo was a mixed bag for the Roots, as the 25-year old veteran did have a rocket of a shot that bounced off the crossbar, but the defender was burned a few times with poor turnovers near the box. I am surprised he started over Jesus de Vicente, but this could be Ryan Martin trying to shake up change.
2. Neveal Hackshaw, 6.9
On the defensive side of the ball, Hackshaw was solid on Saturday evening, but the wily defender was 4-of-17 on accurate long ball passes. For a team that currently has to start their attacks from the back, this percentage HAS to improve. Wouldn’t be shocked if we see Hackshaw head to the bench for David Garcia once he is fully conditioned.
3. Kendell McIntosh, 6.9
One positive from this horrid stretch of play is that Kendell McIntosh can still be a high level USL Championship goalkeeper from time to time. In the last three games McIntosh has only allowed two goals over that stretch and recorded just the third clean sheet of the season for the Oakland Roots. McIntosh had five stunning saves, but can still work on his accurate long ball passes. The Oakland native was only 2-of-8 from downtown.
4. Michael Edwards, 6.8
On a top 4 team in the USL, I could see Michael Edwards as a game changing right back, but on this current Oakland Roots squad… he is just a solid option. I wouldn’t be upset with a back four of Jesus de Vicente on the left, David Garcia and Julian Bravo in the middle and Edwards on the right side. Something to ponder this week.
5. Florian Valot, 6.8
Florian Valot can still be a contributor at the USL Championship level, but I am unsure where he fits. Whispers before the game had the Roots experimenting with Valot at Right Back and I can see the vision. Valot still has the passing ability that Ryan Martin covets, but he feels a step behind to deal with the speed of attacking midfield. The Frenchman could also fill the super-sub role that Danny Trejo was likely heading for before his injury.
6. Jesus de Vicente, 6.7
Jesus de Vicente didn’t start Saturday’s contest, but did enter for David Garcia just past the halfway mark. Interested to talk with Ryan Martin this week to see what his future plan at the backline looks like. You would assume that de Vicente should be a part of those plans, but only time will tell. He played well in the roughly 30 minutes he had against the Locomotive.
7. Tommy McCabe, 6.7
Dearest mother… Following our draw against the Lights of Las Vegas, General Martin has declared we must head out west and battle upon the border town of El Paso. A new campaign is upon us, but I am still recovering from cranium damage sustained against the dogs of the river in the fields of Pittsburg with an H. I cannot comprehend what awaits us next for our Roots company, but I hear tales of a mythical beast waiting for us when we return to the sometimes fruitful confines of the Last Dive Bar. If we are victorious on Saturday and snap a 10 battle win-less streak, I shall bring the skull of Kelpie back to the farmstead in New Jersey.
8. Wolfgang Prentice, 6.6
We have officially hit the classic Wolfgang slump and it has come at the worst time. Wolfgang Prentice hasn’t had an assist or goal for the Oakland Roots since the veteran had two assists off the bench against Phoenix Rising in a 4-3 victory. Interestingly enough, that was the last time the Oakland Roots won a game, with that contest coming in the MIDDLE of June.
9. Bobosi Byaruhanga, 6.3
Tommy McCabe will take most of the stats between the two midfielders, but Bobosi Byaruhanga appears to lack confidence. From starting the season as a breakout candidate, to now being mistaken on broadcast for David Garcia. The talent is there for Bobosi, but I do wonder if he will ever figure it out truly in an Oakland Roots jersey.
10. David Garcia, 6.1
David Garcia returned to the starting lineup for the first time since April 26th and from the eye test, it appeared he was decent. Garcia struggled in aerial duels and ground duels, with the Spaniard only achieving 1-of-5 duel victories. After returning from injury Garcia is still on a minutes restriction, but I won’t be surprised if that is lifted after the Monterey Bay game this upcoming Saturday.