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

The Roots return to action at a pivotal point in their season. Eighth-place Lexington SC visits the Coliseum to face the 11th-place Roots in a match with significant playoff implications. The matchup presents an interesting tactical clash: Lexington is one of the USL’s most transition-heavy teams, while Oakland has frequently been vulnerable in those moments. … More Three Questions for the Oakland Roots Against Lexington SC

The Roots left Saturday with a point, but not necessarily with more clarity. While Florian Valot’s recent form continue to provide encouragement, many of the same issues remained on display. As the playoff race enters its final stretch, here is what stood out from Saturday’s match: Loved: Someone on the Team Finally Passed the Opposition … More Oakland Roots vs. Orange County SC: What I loved, hated, and remain unsure about

Orange County returns to the Coliseum for the third meeting between the two sides this season. The last matchup resulted in a 3-2 loss for the Roots in what felt like a moral victory. Oakland created chances, scored twice, and exposed cracks in a defense that had been one of the league’s stingiest. Since then, … More Three Questions for Oakland Roots Against Orange County SC

After a pivotal 1-0 victory on the road against San Antonio FC, the Roots kept their playoff hopes alive. Still, the bigger question remains: did Saturday represent a turning point, or did the Roots simply survive? Saturday offered reasons for optimism, reasons for concern, and some lingering questions for the playoff push. Loved: David Garcia’s … More Oakland Roots vs. San Antonio FC: What I loved, hated, and remain unsure about

The Roots travel to San Antonio on Saturday in a season that increasingly leaves little margin for error if Oakland hopes to make the playoffs. The Roots’ chances on Saturday hinge on their ability to impose a specific style of play on SAFC and force SAFC to play a game it doesn’t want to play. … More Three Questions for Oakland Roots Against San Antonio FC

Saturday’s draw with Monterey Bay played out like so many previous Roots’ matches. The Roots looked dangerous when they pressed, attacked quickly, and played in transition in the first half. They looked vulnerable in the second. The result highlighted both further evidence for the blueprint for the Roots’ success and the recurring issues that continue … More Oakland Roots vs. Monterey Bay FC: What I loved, hated, and remain unsure about