There is no more margin for error. With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Roots travel to Oklahoma needing three points to keep their season alive. How do the Roots Handle Tulsa’s Long Ball Game? Tulsa has one of the most unusual statistical profiles in the league.   They lead the Western Conference … More Three Questions for the Oakland Roots Against FC Tulsa

The Roots couldn’t find a way to win their final game at the Coliseum. The crowd found a way to make it memorable anyways. From the chants to a stoppage time moment that brought the entire stadium together, Saturday reminded me that the Coliseum’s greatest gift was never just what happened on the field. Loved: … More Oakland Roots vs. San Antonio FC: What I loved, hated, and remain unsure about

Saturday night will be emotional for many in the stands. Unless something unforeseen occurs, it will be their last visit to the Coliseum. A place near and dear to so many. A repository for countless memories. A location that turned into a community on random Wednesday afternoons, Sundays, and Saturday nights. Still, it feels like … More Three Questions for the Oakland Roots Against San Antonio FC

The Roots didn’t particularly play well against Colorado Springs. They didn’t have to. Oakland walked away with a point in a match they needed a positive result from. Still, the result raises some difficult questions about the team as they gear up for the Coliseum finale next week. Loved: Getting a Point A point is … More Oakland Roots vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: What I loved, hated, and remain unsure about

Last week’s victory against Phoenix felt like a cathartic release for the Roots and their supporters. As Tyler Gibson put it, “that was a fucking shift.” Saturday offers a chance to see whether the shift was permanent or temporary in yet another critical match in what has become a never-ending line of critical matches for … More Three Questions for Oakland Roots Against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

Do y’all remember this guy? The Little Man from the San Francisco Chronicle? For younger readers, the decline of print media may mean he’s not a familiar sight. For me, however, the Little Man loomed large in my childhood. On weekends, my grandfather would bring home a copy of the Chronicle. After he finished checking … More Oakland Roots vs. Phoenix Rising FC: What I loved, loved, and loved

The Roots return to the Coliseum on Saturday for a crucial matchup against Phoenix Rising FC. With just a few matches remaining, every point matters in th playoff race. Three points would be a massive boost to Oakland’s postseason hopes. A draw would keep them afloat. A loss would represent a significant setback and a … More Three Questions for the Oakland Roots Against Phoenix Rising FC

At this point in the season, I’m not going to complain about three points. The Roots are running out of time and every win matters. Still, I found myself with more questions than answers after the Roots 1-0 victory on Sunday. Loved: Kendall McIntosh Where would the Roots be without McIntosh? Time and time again, … More Oakland Roots vs. Indy Eleven: What I loved, hated, and remain unsure about

The Roots return to action facing a different kind of transition threat in Indy. Lexington wanted to win the ball and run. Indy Eleven wants to win the ball and launch. Much of Sunday’s match will stem from how the Roots handle that stylistic clash. Can the Roots Survive Indy’s Direct Attack? This week the … More Three Questions for the Oakland Roots Against Indy Eleven

The Roots lost 4-1 to Lexington on Saturday, and for the first time in the history of this column, I don’t have a “Loved,” “Unsure,” and “Hated.” I have three things I hated. Hated: The “Prayer Circle Formation” I wish I had come up with the moniker. I really do. In the midst of the … More Oakland Roots vs. Lexington SC: What I hated, hated, and hated