Monterey Bay and Oakland both came out of the blocks looking for a much-needed win, with each side looking to create chances early. While Monterey controlled the early possession, the best chances fell to Roots in the first 20 minutes of the game. The best came off the foot of Bruno Lapa, who struck the crossbar following three early Oakland shots on target.
Oakland continued to apply pressure, dominating much of the rest of the first half. That pressure led to a deflected goal off the foot of Bertin Jacquesson to give Roots the 1-0 lead just as the half came to a close.
Roots came out of the locker room in the second half full of confidence from the late first-half goal, forcing Monterey to sit deep in their own half despite being down a goal.
As the second half progressed, Monterey was slowly able to build some momentum as the game pushed into the final 15 minutes of play, but Oakland looked in control, creating chances of their own throughout the second half.
Monterey, through their building momentum in the game, were able to equalize in the 76th minute as Paul Gindiri fired a shot that deflected off Roots defender Jesus De Vicente and into the net, making it 1-1 with just over 10 minutes to play.
Following the equalizing goal, both teams battled for the winner, but in the end, the teams shared the points.
Roots now return to the road as the team heads to Texas to take on San Antonio FC next Saturday, August 22nd.
