Johnny Rodriguez found the back of the net for his second goal of the season only moments after substituting into the game, giving Oakland Roots a 1-0 lead they would never relinquish in a win over New Mexico United at Pioneer Field on the CSU, East Bay Campus Saturday Night.
Oakland Roots started strong with a flurry of scoring chances early in the match, and while Oakland was unable to capitalize in the first half, they continued to apply pressure leading to the goal in the 63rd minute.
Despite holding the lead and playing up a man after a red card was issued to United’s Justin Portillo in the 71st minute, Oakland looked determined to keep their foot on the gas to close out a game they controlled from the outset, nearly scoring again on multiple chances towards the end of the match.
Oakland Roots return to CSU, East Bay on Tuesday, April 4th at 7:00 PM PT to play El Farolito in Round Two of the U.S. Open Cup.
Interview with Head Coach Noah Delgado
Alright Noah, big win, first win of the season, just give me your initial takeaways, what you thought worked well, and what was effective.
The group in general grinding the game out, you know, just worked hard on and off the ball. We had some good moments and we created some good chances, but also moments where we didn’t have the ball we had to defend and had to defend our box, but just proud of the effort. We can definitely improve on some things, but it’s nice to get a win at home.
Obviously a great result after a stressful week. What was your message to the team throughout the week?
Throughout the week, I would say just go to work and then really focus on the game today. They were very professional all week. There wasn’t a lot of talk about it, they wanted to just see the field and train here, and it just goes to credit the trainers and coaches and the culture to deal with adversity and come out and play for the team.
Oakland Roots SC vs New Mexico United
USL Championship | April 1, 2023
Venue: Cal State University, East Bay, Hayward, California
Kickoff: 7:00 PM PT
Weather: 52 degrees, clear
SCORELINE:
OAK: 1
NMU: 0
SCORING SUMMARY:
OAK: 63’ Johnny Rodriguez
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
NM: 14’ Santi Moar (yellow card)
NM: 22’ Sam Hamilton (yellow card)
NM: 51’ Justin Portillo (yellow card)
OAK: 53’ Napo Matsoso (yellow card)
NM: 71’ Justin Portillo (2nd yellow card)
NM: 84’ Greg Hurst (yellow cardL
OAK: 86’ Memo Diaz (yellow card)
NM: 89’ Ford Parker (yellow card)
OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Paul Blanchette, Danny Barbir, Tarek Morad, Emrah Klimenta, Napo Matsoso (Joseph Nane), Irakoze Donasiyano, Memo Diaz (Kevin Wright), Edgardo Rito, Lindo Mfeka (Trayvone Reid), Darek Formella, Anuar Peláez (Johnny Rodriguez)
Unused subs: Neveal Hackshaw, Brayn Tamacas, Taylor Bailey
Shots: 13 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corner Kicks: 8 | Fouls: 13 | Offside: 4 |
NEW MEXICO UNITED LINEUP: Alexandros Tabakis, Harry Swartz, Will Seymore, Kalen Ryden, Austin Yearwood, Justin Portillo, Sam Hamilton, Chris Wehan (Daniel Bruce), Amando Moreno (Sergio Rivas), Santi Moar (Josh Suggs), Greg Hurst
Unused subs: Ford Parker, Josh Dolling, Kyle Colonna, Jose Sosa
Shots: 9 | Shots On Goal: 4| Corner Kicks: 0| Fouls: 12| Offside: 1|
