Quick Look:
Date: September 16, 2023
Time: 7:00 PM PT
Location: Cal State East Bay
How to Watch:
- ESPN+ (Streaming)
Match Preview:
Oakland Roots SC will look to flip the script and collect three crucial points when they host FC Tulsa on Saturday night at Cal State University, East Bay.
Last weekend’s unexpected loss against Western Conference bottom dwellers Las Vegas Lights FC put another dent in Oakland’s hopes to earn the club’s first-ever home playoff game. With just 6 games remaining in the USL Championship regular season, Roots can no longer afford negative results if they want to secure playoff qualification, let alone host a first-round fixture. Noah Delgado’s side have lost 4 of their last 5 games, and haven’t won a game at home since July 26th. Should those trends continue, Oakland could miss the postseason entirely with the likes of El Paso, Colorado Springs, and Monterey Bay all breathing down their neck in the standings. There is reason to be optimistic for Roots fans, however, as defenders Neveal Hackshaw and Bryan Tamacas will both be returning from international duty and could be crucial in Oakland’s effort to secure a first home victory in nearly two months.
Saturday’s opponents, FC Tulsa, are currently on the outside looking in at the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Although they have only amassed 33 points this season, they sit just 1 point behind the final playoff spot in the East. Head Coach Blair Gavin and his team have only won 1 of their last 8 games, but that lone victory came in the form of a shock upset of defending champions San Antonio FC two weeks ago. The Oklahomans have struggled mightily on the road this season, having picked up just 11 points from their 13 away games, which is a good sign for Oakland and their chances of getting back on track after a rocky spell.
Saturday’s game will be Oakland Roots SC’s first since the launch of their Community Investment Round, so it’s safe to say that all the new owners and fans of the club will be showing out and turning up at Pioneer Stadium. With the stakes high and the energy even higher, this is a match you won’t want to miss!
