Oakland Coliseum: The 2026 Oakland Roots season isn’t over yet, but after Saturday evening’s 1-1 draw with last-place Monterey Bay FF, it truly feels that the five-point gap between the Oakland Roots and the playoff line seems insurmountable. Is that probably an overreaction to the last two months? Probably, but currently I have no evidence that this sinking ship will rebound.
The first half was one of the best examples of keeping it simple, and you will be rewarded in the end. Nothing has come easy over this eight-game winless streak, but especially moving the ball up the field has been a chore for the Roots. During the first half Oakland had five shots on target, and all five of those opportunities came off of a Monterey Bay turnover and featured 1 or fewer passes before the shot.
The Oakland Roots have only managed 2 points in their past seven USL Championship contests, and this eight-game winless streak across all forms of competition is now tied for second-worst in franchise history. In 2021, the Oakland Roots had a 11 game win-less streak and another eight-game streak.
The Roots will return this Saturday, as they travel to Texas to take on 3rd-placed San Antonio FC
Here are our top-10 player ratings from the 1-1 draw with Monterey Bay FC.
1. Florian Valot, 8.4
In real time in the press box, it felt that Florian Valot was having a solid performance this past weekend, but after reviewing the film and stats. WOAH, ok Florian that may be your best half of the season. The Frenchman created the most chances with five and had a joint-most 10 defensive contributions. I do believe that Valot should stop taking corner kicks this season, as the 33-year old had 4 corners and also was 0-of-6 on crosses. But overall a great day for Valot.
2. David Garcia 7.6
Maybe it was David Garcia that was the true spice on the backline for the Oakland Roots. The 25-year old from Spain was tied with Florian Valot with 10 defensive contributions and had the lone assist on the evening for the Roots. This was also the first full 90 minute performance from Garcia since coming back from injury. Garcia has to be a part of the 2027 side.
3. Jesus de Vicente, 7.5
Jesus de Vicente started at right-back for the Oakland Roots against Monterey Bay FC, before being swapped to the left side after Mark Fisher was subbed on for Julian Bravo in the second half. The Spaniard is clearly an offensive weapon on the wings with creating two big chances and three chances created overall. Is the offensive potential worth some risks on the back end? I feel so, but that could be a conversation of debate heading into next season.
4. Bertin Jacquesson, 7.5
It was a great day for the French against Monterey Bay FC, as Bertin Jacquesson picked up his second goal of the season. Jacquesson pounced on a failed punch-out ball from Monterey Bay FC after a David Garcia deflection. The midfielder has shown a lot of promise when he is allowed to make quick actions with space to run. Jacquesson struggles heavily when it comes to passing statistics and I am excited to see how he builds chemistry with Bruno Lapa.
5. Wolfgang Prentice, 7.3
Wolfgang Prentice missed a golden opportunity, but outside of that we are starting to see the Wolfgang from earlier in the season. The assists and goals aren’t there yet, but I do believe he is the correct choice along the left wing. Though if a team in the Eastern Conference made a call this week for Prentice– I think Nana and Ryan Martin maybe should listen.
6. Bobosi Byaruhanga, 7.3
Bobosi Byaruhanga was better than Tommy McCabe this week in the midfield and I don’t expect Ryan Martin to move off McCabe, I am encouraged by what I saw from Bobosi when it comes to offensive creation. The 24-year-old had two chances created and was 3-for-3 on accurate long balls. This must continue if Byaruhanga is to come back from next season.
7. Kendall McIntosh, 6.9
Kendall McIntosh had only allowed 3 goals in the last four games and the Oakland Roots have rewarded his heroics in goals with only two points during that stretch. Oakland’s own deserves to leave the Oakland Coliseum with a few wins, but I am not sure this team will be able to achieve that dream. McIntosh starting a playoff game at the Oakland Coliseum SHOULD have been a thing. Just a shame.
8. Bruno Lapa, 6.9
I will need a few more games to put together my true thoughts on midseason pickup Bruno Lapa. The Brazilian isn’t afraid to take a shot and is much more of a self creator compared to Peter Wilson’s poaching style. Lapa had a team high three total shots, but struggled on quality crosses by going 0-for-5 for the game.
9. Michael Edwards, 6.9
Michael Edwards was back at centerback after filling in at right-back last week against El Paso Locomotive FC. David Garcia and Edwards need to be the starting backline if healthy next season and the duo has consistently shown promise as a unit. He has started all 21 USL Championship games this season for the Roots.
10. Julian Bravo, 6.9
Julian Bravo picked up the start at Left-Back this week, but it was noteworthy that Ryan Martin said postgame that Julian Bravo and Jesus de Vicente are both Left-Back’s. We may be witnessing the battle for the starting spot the rest of the way this season. My vote would be for de Vicente, BUT Bravo has had some of the best pure shot quality over the last few weeks. I wouldn’t be shocked if Bravo’s steadier defense is what wins out. Martin said he would rather have 7-of-10 performance than inconsistencies.