Against DC United’s reserve team on Saturday night at Laney College, the Oakland Roots scored four goals in its first victory of the 2022 season. Captain and center back Emrah Klimenta scored the opener in the first half and the Roots looked comfortable in possession and in defense.
When the game opened up in the second half the Roots attack came alive, scoring three goals in 23 minutes. The Roots scored more goals against Loudoun tonight than Loudoun has scored all season before this match.
Venezia FC loanee Óttar Magnús Kalsson scored a penalty kick early in the second half and Juan Azocar finished off a sweeping team move 15 minutes later. Wide man Edgardo Rito added one of his own in the 76th minute. Loudoun scored a consolation goal five minutes later but it was too little too late for the traveling team.
The Roots look to continue their winning form against the El Paso Locomotive on April 23rd. They return to Laney College on April 30th when they face off against the Colorado Switchbacks.
Talking to Head Coach Juan Guerra
What a performance. What is your reaction to the game?
Juan Guerra: I’m happy for the players. They deserved that so much. It was a good performance and a good result. We’ve had good performances without the three points. Today it was both — tonight I can go to sleep because I know the players will be happy.
How did it feel to get the first goal on a set piece?
Juan Guerra: It was probably the worst delivery from a set piece we’ve had and it ended up in the back of the net. It was great because it gave us that extra push and confidence that we needed. This is a good team with talented players — before the match I was watching them and I knew it wouldn’t be easy. All credit to the players that fought and stayed focused.
Óttar was heavily involved tonight. He had double the amount of touches than he did against San Diego last week. What was the plan with him?
Juan Guerra: Óttar wears out defenders. He doesn’t mind making runs knowing he won’t get the ball. He keeps making runs and keeps the center backs busy. Then the 75th minute comes around and the defenders are tired. You give him an inch and he will create an opportunity. That’s what we want to do.
We know we’re good at attacking from wide areas. We know we have speed and athleticism, we’re gonna make sure to keep getting better. Now I also know we have to get better in combination areas through the center of the field. We have that ability and Ottar gives us that.
Oakland Roots SC vs Loudoun United FC
USL Championship | April 16, 2022
Venue: Laney College, Oakland, California
Kickoff: 7:00 PM PT
Weather: 54 degrees, mostly cloudy
SCORELINE:
OAK: 4
LDN: 1
SCORING SUMMARY:
OAK: 26’ Emrah Klimenta
OAK: 53’ Óttar Magnús Karlsson (PK)
OAK: 67’ Juan Azocar
OAK: 76′ Edgardo Rito
LDN: 81’ Abdellatif Aboujoura
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
LDN: 34’ Azad Liadi (yellow card)
LDN: 36’ Nicky Downs (yellow card)
OAK: 70’ Benny Diaz (yellow card)
LDN: 74′ Carson Von Steeg (yellow card)
LDN: 80’ Zanne Abdui (yellow card)
OAK: 85’ Dariusz Formella (yellow card)
OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Benny Diaz, Emrah Klimenta, Alejandro Fuenmayor (Max Ornstil), Danny Barbir, Juan Azocar, Edgardo Rito, Joseph Nane (Wolfgang Prentice), Jose Hernandez, Charlie Dennis (Dariusz Formella), Lindo Mfeka (Jesus Enriquez) , Óttar Magnús Karlsson (Johnny Rodriguez)
Unused subs: Taylor Bailey, Memo Diaz
Shots: 8 | Shots On Goal: 4 | Corner Kicks: 3 | Fouls: 15 | Offside: 1 |
LOUDOUN UNITED FC LINEUP: Luis Zamudio, Nicky Downs, Carson Vom Steeg, Rio Hope-Gund (c), Sami Guediri, Michael Gamble (Matai Akinmboni), Houssou Landry (Mathias Yohannes), Jacob Greene, Tyler Freeman (Zoumana Diarra), Azaad Liadi (Abellatif Aboujoura), Kimarni Smith (Zanne Abdoui)
Unused subs: Joseph Rice
Shots: 8 | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corner Kicks: 3 | Fouls: 15 | Offside: 0 |