In the first match of the Roots’ three-game homestand, Oakland drew a potent Pittsburgh Riverhounds team 0-0.
Roots started slowly but gradually found their rhythm, with striker Anuar Peláez earning fouls and delivering the first on-target shot of the match in the 24th minute.
As the first half progressed, Roots took control, moving the Riverhounds’ defensive lines and creating dangerous opportunities through the middle.
The second half brought more intensity as both teams sought the elusive winning goal. Roots threatened from set pieces, but their efforts couldn’t find the back of the net. The Riverhounds also pressed forward, but the resilient Roots defense blocked multiple shots in a short span of time.
Oakland fought for a last-gasp winner but three points were not in the cards on Saturday night. Oakland will be back at Cal State, East Bay on Saturday June 24th against the Phoenix Rising, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM PT.
Hearing From Head Coach Noah Delgado
A point against one of the top teams in the East. Reflect on the result?
Yeah, I’m proud of the boys given the adversity they faced with players missing and things like that. This was just a grind; I think we had some good moments, still could have created a little bit more but I give a lot of credit to Pittsburgh. They’re solid defensively, very organized, and a well-coached team.
How did the match progress for you from the first half to the second?
In the first half we had a bit more possession than them. They pushed us back a bit in the second half and tried to counter. They kept it in there — we were close on a couple balls on the counter that could’ve been dangerous. Overall, it was a tough grind out game for us.
Oakland Roots SC vs Pittsburgh Riverhounds
USL Championship | June 17, 2023
Venue: Cal State University, East Bay, Hayward, California
Kickoff: 7:00 PM PT
Weather: 66, partly cloudy
SCORELINE:
OAK: 0
PIT: 0
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
PIT: 9’ Joe Farrell (yellow card)
OAK: 11’ Anuar Peleaz (yellow card)
PIT: 21’ Nate Dossantos (yellow card)
PIT: 60’ Kenardo Forbes (yellow card)
PIT: 81’ Tola Showunmi (yellow card)
PIT: 89’ Mark Ybarra (yellow card)
OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Paul Blanchette, Danny Barbir, Joseph Nane, Emrah Klimenta, Kevin Wright (Wolfgang Prentice), Jeciel Cedeño, Napo Matsoso, Memo Diaz, Darek Formella, Anuar Peláez (Johnny Rodriguez), Lindo Mfeka (Trayvone Reid)
Unused subs: Tarek Morad, Ryan Her, Etsgar Cruz, Taylor Bailey
Shots: 9 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corner Kicks: 2 | Fouls: 8 | Offside: 1 |
PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS LINEUP: Luis Zamudio, Nate Dossantos (Tola Showunmi), Mike Deshields, Joe Farrell (Trevor Zwetsloot), Luke Biasi, Mark Ybarra, Kenardo Forbes (Burke Fahling), Junior Etou, Danny Griffin, Dani Rovira, Edward Kizza (Longston Blackstock)
Unused subs: Jonathan Gomes, Pat Flogan, Illal Osamanu
Shots: 7 | Shots On Goal: 1 | Corner Kicks: 3 | Fouls: 22 | Offside: 0 |
