Quick Look:
Date: September 23, 2023
Time: 7:00 PM PT
Location: Cal State University, East Bay
How to Watch: ESPN+ (Streaming)
Match Preview:
Oakland Roots SC will hope to quash their wretched run of form on Saturday night when California rivals Monterey Bay F.C. come to town for what will be a season-defining match.
Head Coach Noah Delgado and his Oakland side fell to another defeat last weekend, this time at the hands of FC Tulsa due to an early goal from Phillip Goodrum. Despite being down to 10-men for over half of the game, Roots kept the majority of possession and registered twice as many shots as the visitors, but they could not find an equalizer and lost in an all too familiar manner. Of Oakland’s 5 home losses this season, 4 have been by a one goal margin. They cannot let that trend continue, however, as a spot in the playoffs no longer seems a guarantee considering the competitiveness of the Western Conference.
Visitors Monterey Bay FC find themselves in a similar situation, although they have been trending in the opposite direction as the hosts. Two-time MLS Coach of the Year winner Frank Yallop’s Monterey team sit level with Oakland on 40 points after winning 4 of their last 5 matches. Monterey have played one more game, however, which came in the form of a stunning late comeback by San Diego Loyal to take all 3 points at Cardinale Stadium on Wednesday night. That defeat from a winning position was a significant blow to Monterey’s late surge towards the playoff spots and ended their 4-match winning streak. The stage has therefore been set for a climactic encounter between these California competitors at Pioneer Stadium which may make or break the entire season for either side. With El Paso and New Mexico still in the hunt for a postseason berth, neither club can afford to slip up with so few games remaining.
Oakland Roots SC will also be adding to the occasion off the pitch, as Saturday is ‘Conoce Tus Raíses’ Night, presented by Anthem Blue Cross. The celebration will include a pre-game performance from Los Rakas as well as guest announcer Carlos Yustis, a World Cup anchor with Telemundo, who will provide the first Spanish stadium PA in the club’s history. You certainly won’t want to miss it!
