San Antonio: As we all expected, a week after squandering two points against the worst team in the Western Conference at home, the Oakland Roots went to red hot humid Texas and stunned San Antonio FC 1-0 in a must win game for the Roots. If this Roots side wants to make the playoffs, a winning streak and run must start here with this victory over San Antonio FC.
The Oakland Roots prior to Saturday’s contest only had one victory in 10 games against San Antonio FC, but miraculously are now on a two game winning streak over the formerly top 4 side in the Western Conference. Somehow the Oakland Roots are only three points behind Las Vegas Lights for 8th place in the Western Conference and if you REALLY want to huff the hopeium… the Roots are only eight points outside of 1st place. What is clear in the Western Conference this season, is that whichever eight teams have the best final 10 game stretch will make the playoffs.
Covering the Oakland Roots in August is traditionally pretty painful for all involved, but until this team is mathematically eliminated, I’ll still look for the glimpse of hope this team may give its fans. That started on Saturday and we shall see how the Roots deal with another tough task this week at the Oakland Coliseum.
The Roots will return this Saturday, as Oakland will take on Orange County SC.
Here are our top-10 player ratings from the 1-0 win over San Antonio.
1. David Garcia, 8.0
Time to break out the checkbook Nana. At the beginning of the season the Oakland Roots had one of the top defensive units in the USL… Then David Garcia was injured in April and the defense fell off a cliff. Fast forward to this past month and the Oakland Roots have only given up three goals in their past five games. Funnily enough, that is when Garcia returned from injury. Garcia on Saturday was 11-for-12 on ground and aerial duels won. He must be a part of the future.
2. Peter Wilson, 7.8
Ryan Martin sent a message last week by benching star striker Peter Wilson and in the post match press conference told John and I that Wilson needed to be less hesitant. For the second straight week Wilson started on the bench for the Roots, but the defending Golden Boot winner scored his first goal since June on a perfect penalty kick. It wasn’t lost on me seeing the emotional reaction from Wilson after the goal, with the 29-year old pointing to the Roots crest on his chest. Goosebumps.
3. Neveal Hackshaw, 7.7
Sources inside the Oakland Roots confirmed to me that Michael Edwards benching this week was a coaches decision and Neveal Hackshaw returned the favor with a solid performance next to David Garcia. Not sure I would go with Hackshaw over Edwards, but the veteran can have a lot of value if paired with a safety net such as Garcia.
4. Kendell McIntosh, 7.5
Third shutout of the season for Kendell McIntosh, as the 32-year old keeper still has it in him for stunning performances. The defense as a whole over the past five games have only allowed three total goals. McIntosh is holding up his end of the bargain.
5. Tommy McCabe, 7.5
Best game I have seen from Tommy McCabe in months. The captain was more involved in the attack than his previous performances and created one chance alongside his normal stability on defense. McCabe appears to be rejuvenated next to Mark Fisher in the central midfield. More on Fisher below.
6. Julian Bravo, 7.3
Something to note… Bravo started at left-back over Jesus de Vicente who picked up the nod on the right side. Bravo had three shots that were just about a foot right of the post from opportunities outside of the box, but he isn’t afraid to let it rip. Bravo struggled with ground duels, but overall had a solid performance. Let’s see how he does versus Orange County.
7. Florian Valot, 7.2
Florian Valot appears to be finally materializing as the type of player the off-season reports had indicated. The Frenchman wasn’t as good as last week, but Valot still has excelled on the right wing in tandem with Bruno Lapa and Bertin Jacquesson. Valot is still in the top 15 percentile for his position as chances created and his first assist should come sooner rather than later.
8. Jesus de Vicente, 7.2
I wouldn’t be shocked if Ryan Martin was looking for more consistency from Jesus de Vicente, as the highs have been some of the best play in the USL, but sometimes you get nights similar to Saturday that have Martin wanting more. In my opinion the highs are worth any drop off from de Vicente, but Keegan Tingey’s health will be one to monitor down the stretch.
9. Mark Fisher, 7.1
Mark Fisher picked his first start in the midfield next to Tommy McCabe and instantly there was a presence in the midfield pushing the attack with Fisher. Could this also be because San Antonio had absolutely no issue or worries giving up the middle of the field? Could be, but right now Fisher and McCabe seem to complement each other more than McCabe and Bobosi. Fisher played central midfield during his college and MLS Next days.
10. Bruno Lapa, 7.1
I see the vision Ryan Martin has for Bruno Lapa. He is an attacking player that has the finesse to be an outlet for others options up top. I do wonder if it will be Lapa on this team next season or if this move is a proof of concept towards more offseason acquisitions.