In one of the most complete games of Oakland’s 2026 campaign, Roots dominated through all 90 minutes, winning 3-0 over visiting Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday night at the Oakland Coliseum.
Roots opened the scoring early with a gorgeous series of ball movement up the left side capped off when Jesus De Vicente split two Phoenix defenders with a pinpoint through ball into the box to find Bruno Lapa at the end of a run. Lapa’s shot glanced off the keeper before finding the back of the net for his first goal in an Oakland kit to give Roots a 1-0 lead.
Continuing their early control, Oakland doubled their lead in the 22nd minute thanks again to excellent passing in the attacking third, this time when Bertin Jacquesson took a through ball up the left side before driving the net and making a last second cross to Danny Trejo who redirected the ball past the Phoenix netminder and into the twine to make it 2-0.
Following the half-time break, Roots looked to focus on keeping their shape in the defensive third to protect their two goal lead, and while Phoenix began to push up the field in an attempt to bring the game back within reach, Oakland’s backline stood strong and prevented Rising from creating more than a few truly dangerous chances, which Kendall McIntosh cleaned up to continue his run of excellence in recent matches.
Despite the pressure from Phoenix, Roots put the game to bed in the 71st minute when Bertin Jacquesson earned his second contribution of the night, this time with a goal of his own, and once again off an assist from De Vicente who curled a long lob into the box to find Jacquesson all alone with the strike on the far side to bring the lead to 3-0.
Roots never looked in danger of squandering their lead for the remainder of the match, cruising to a crucial six-point swing victory as the playoff push intensifies.
Oakland will now head on the road for their next match, continuing their hunt for a playoff berth in Colorado Springs versus Switchbacks FC next Saturday, October 3rd at 7 PM PT.
Talking with Head Coach Ryan Martin
What are your overall thoughts on the 3-0 performance and the win tonight?
We’re really proud of the guys for finding the second and third goals and ending the game. I thought our start to the match was really good. It was really proactive.
I think there were some moments where we needed to keep the ball a little bit more. Some of our decision making and execution led to some chances that we conceded. But really proud of the effort, the mentality, the way the guys went after it.
You know, back-to-back clean sheets against two pretty good teams is always difficult, and scoring wise and attacking wise between Torres, Sacko, Badji and the talent that they have is a different level. So to get a shutout, it’s a huge statement for the guys and a huge win for the last push here.
