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Oakland Roots traveled down to Southern California for the Western Conference Semifinal and their fifth game against Orange County SC in the 2021 season. Roots had lost the four previous meetings but coming off their win against the top seed in the Mountain Division last week, anything is possible. Both sides played somewhat conservative in the first half for fear of conceding the opening goal. Chances were slim, but Memo Diaz had a great strike in the thirtieth minute that was just off target. Orange County led in possession going into the half, certainly something Head Coach Jordan Ferrell would look to change to start the second half.

The second half was a much different story as Roots came out looking to control the game and found themselves constantly in the attacking third and more than doubling their shots on goal. This forced Orange County to sit back and play more conservatively, midway through the half they looked to bring on some more offensive firepower but it wasn’t enough against the strong defensive front of Oakland. Even with four minutes of stoppage time, both teams were unable to find the game-changing goal, forcing the Western Conference Semifinal into extra time.

The first half of stoppage saw both teams doing their best to keep the pressure up and attack the ball. In the 97th minute the game saw its first yellow card of the game off a tackle from Akeem Ward. The intensity continued to grow and just a few minutes later tempers flared as both Roots and Orange County players got into a short shoving match after a foul from Orange County. Fatigue started to set in at the start of the second half of extra time as the teams exchanged fouls and free kicks without much cohesion from either side. After 120 minutes of play, the season was on the line with a penalty shootout.

This was to be the first penalty shootout in Oakland Roots history. Yohannes Harish was subbed on with just seconds left to play in extra time, surely he was to be one of the selected few to take a kick. Roots were first to shoot, with Tarek Morad easily finding the back of the net. On their next turn, Jeremy Bokila did the same. Throughout the shootout, goalkeeper Paul Blanchette would guess the correct side but was unable to come up with a stop. Veteran Joseph Nane, as well as Ariel Mbumba and Yohannes Harish all would score, bringing things to sudden death. Akeem Ward took the sixth shot and was blocked by OC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky. OC striker Ronaldo Damus was up next, he pulled a classic stutter step but was blocked by Paul Blanchette. Unfortunately Blanchette was called for coming off his line too early. On the rekick, Damus would score, ending the Roots inaugural season in the USL Championship.

Head Coach Jordan Ferrell

Can you reflect on this team and their character throughout this season?

It’s been monstrous, I can’t say enough about the character of these individuals and how they come together as a team. We had some really low lows, but we also had some incredible highs. Inside the locker room, after the first 12 games of the season, there were questions but I don’t think there was doubt, and that’s what got us here. Once the wheels started turning, with some incredible fight from the team week in and week out, I can’t say enough about these guys. Not just the players but also the staff. It’s not just the players but everybody that was behind them. The fans weren’t able to be with us much for those first 12 games but once they were there, everybody started to see the work they were doing and the players were able to see the support that they had. Tonight the support was equally incredible to cap off the first year. It’s a great jumping off point for us and the second season can’t start soon enough.

The fans, they brought it tonight and showed up when it mattered most. Is it the best atmosphere from fans travelling that you’ve seen all year?

I think what we’ve tried to build as a team that has the character, the quality, the personality of Oakland, the fans see that. It’s one thing to come down for a playoff game, it’s another to come in full voice like they did. There were moments of the game where they were far louder than any OC fans and that shows how much the entire support off the field believes that the group on the field is fighting as much as they can. We’ve been lucky to build this not just this year in the USL but I think this year you see that on the stage is where we belong. The fans, they have a stronger connection to their team than teams that have been here for longer. To start that in year one and give them what we’ve given them down the stretch has built a strong foundation for what’s to come.

Difficult game, you shutdown a lot of what they had to offer and even had some of the better chances, but the game goes to PKs. Can you reflect on that for us a bit?

Penalties, I love penalties. I look at penalties and say that’s our game. I’ll continue to think that way even though things didn’t go our way tonight. We had a good game plan and created some good opportunities. I certainly think that we did enough tonight to be stepping into the Wester Conference Final but that’s knockout football. You play to PKs and it’s a guessing game, everything is up for grabs and we did well on most of our PKs. It’s tough to lose on that but I think we showed a lot of character in the 120 minutes to really give them nothing and create some good chances for ourselves. It’s a tough way to cap off the season but only one team is happy at the end of the season and we hope to be that team next year.

Oakland Roots SC vs Orange County SC
USL Championship | November 13, 2021
Venue: Championship Stadium, Irvine, California 
Kickoff: 7:00 PM
Weather: 72, clear

SCORELINE:    1    2     FT     PK’s
OC:                     0    0     0     6
OAK:                  0    0     0      5

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
OAK: Akeem Ward (Yellow 97’)

OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Matias Fissore (Max Ornstil), Jesus Enriquez (Jeremy Bokila), Joseph Nane, Akeem Ward, Jose Hernandez (Ariel Mbumba), Paul Blanchette, Emrah Klimenta, Memo Diaz (Travian Sousa) (Yohannes Harish), Quincy Amarikwa, Kai Greene, Johnny Rodriguez (Tarek Morad)

Unused subs: Taylor Bailey

Shots: 8 | Shots On Goal: 1 | Corner Kicks: 3 | Fouls: 18 | Offside: 3 | 

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP: Damus, Mines (Enevoldsen), Iloski (Kuningas), Calvillo (Caspile), Mccabe (Okoli), Powers, Smith (Jones), Richards, Orozco, Alston, Rakovsky

Unused subs: Romero, Apodaca

Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 3  | Corner Kicks: 3 | Fouls: 29 | Offside: 4 | 
 

 

Oakland Roots traveled down to Southern California for the Western Conference Semifinal and their fifth game against Orange County SC in the 2021 season. Roots had lost the four previous meetings but coming off their win against the top seed in the Mountain Division last week, anything is possible. Both sides played somewhat conservative in the first half for fear of conceding the opening goal. Chances were slim, but Memo Diaz had a great strike in the thirtieth minute that was just off target. Orange County led in possession going into the half, certainly something Head Coach Jordan Ferrell would look to change to start the second half.

The second half was a much different story as Roots came out looking to control the game and found themselves constantly in the attacking third and more than doubling their shots on goal. This forced Orange County to sit back and play more conservatively, midway through the half they looked to bring on some more offensive firepower but it wasn’t enough against the strong defensive front of Oakland. Even with four minutes of stoppage time, both teams were unable to find the game-changing goal, forcing the Western Conference Semifinal into extra time.

The first half of stoppage saw both teams doing their best to keep the pressure up and attack the ball. In the 97th minute the game saw its first yellow card of the game off a tackle from Akeem Ward. The intensity continued to grow and just a few minutes later tempers flared as both Roots and Orange County players got into a short shoving match after a foul from Orange County. Fatigue started to set in at the start of the second half of extra time as the teams exchanged fouls and free kicks without much cohesion from either side. After 120 minutes of play, the season was on the line with a penalty shootout.

This was to be the first penalty shootout in Oakland Roots history. Yohannes Harish was subbed on with just seconds left to play in extra time, surely he was to be one of the selected few to take a kick. Roots were first to shoot, with Tarek Morad easily finding the back of the net. On their next turn, Jeremy Bokila did the same. Throughout the shootout, goalkeeper Paul Blanchette would guess the correct side but was unable to come up with a stop. Veteran Joseph Nane, as well as Ariel Mbumba and Yohannes Harish all would score, bringing things to sudden death. Akeem Ward took the sixth shot and was blocked by OC goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky. OC striker Ronaldo Damus was up next, he pulled a classic stutter step but was blocked by Paul Blanchette. Unfortunately Blanchette was called for coming off his line too early. On the rekick, Damus would score, ending the Roots inaugural season in the USL Championship.

Head Coach Jordan Ferrell

Can you reflect on this team and their character throughout this season?

It’s been monstrous, I can’t say enough about the character of these individuals and how they come together as a team. We had some really low lows, but we also had some incredible highs. Inside the locker room, after the first 12 games of the season, there were questions but I don’t think there was doubt, and that’s what got us here. Once the wheels started turning, with some incredible fight from the team week in and week out, I can’t say enough about these guys. Not just the players but also the staff. It’s not just the players but everybody that was behind them. The fans weren’t able to be with us much for those first 12 games but once they were there, everybody started to see the work they were doing and the players were able to see the support that they had. Tonight the support was equally incredible to cap off the first year. It’s a great jumping off point for us and the second season can’t start soon enough.

The fans, they brought it tonight and showed up when it mattered most. Is it the best atmosphere from fans travelling that you’ve seen all year?

I think what we’ve tried to build as a team that has the character, the quality, the personality of Oakland, the fans see that. It’s one thing to come down for a playoff game, it’s another to come in full voice like they did. There were moments of the game where they were far louder than any OC fans and that shows how much the entire support off the field believes that the group on the field is fighting as much as they can. We’ve been lucky to build this not just this year in the USL but I think this year you see that on the stage is where we belong. The fans, they have a stronger connection to their team than teams that have been here for longer. To start that in year one and give them what we’ve given them down the stretch has built a strong foundation for what’s to come.

Difficult game, you shutdown a lot of what they had to offer and even had some of the better chances, but the game goes to PKs. Can you reflect on that for us a bit?

Penalties, I love penalties. I look at penalties and say that’s our game. I’ll continue to think that way even though things didn’t go our way tonight. We had a good game plan and created some good opportunities. I certainly think that we did enough tonight to be stepping into the Wester Conference Final but that’s knockout football. You play to PKs and it’s a guessing game, everything is up for grabs and we did well on most of our PKs. It’s tough to lose on that but I think we showed a lot of character in the 120 minutes to really give them nothing and create some good chances for ourselves. It’s a tough way to cap off the season but only one team is happy at the end of the season and we hope to be that team next year.

Oakland Roots SC vs Orange County SC
USL Championship | November 13, 2021
Venue: Championship Stadium, Irvine, California 
Kickoff: 7:00 PM
Weather: 72, clear

SCORELINE:    1    2     FT     PK’s
OC:                     0    0     0     6
OAK:                  0    0     0      5

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
OAK: Akeem Ward (Yellow 97’)

OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Matias Fissore (Max Ornstil), Jesus Enriquez (Jeremy Bokila), Joseph Nane, Akeem Ward, Jose Hernandez (Ariel Mbumba), Paul Blanchette, Emrah Klimenta, Memo Diaz (Travian Sousa) (Yohannes Harish), Quincy Amarikwa, Kai Greene, Johnny Rodriguez (Tarek Morad)

Unused subs: Taylor Bailey

Shots: 8 | Shots On Goal: 1 | Corner Kicks: 3 | Fouls: 18 | Offside: 3 | 

ORANGE COUNTY SC LINEUP: Damus, Mines (Enevoldsen), Iloski (Kuningas), Calvillo (Caspile), Mccabe (Okoli), Powers, Smith (Jones), Richards, Orozco, Alston, Rakovsky

Unused subs: Romero, Apodaca

Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 3  | Corner Kicks: 3 | Fouls: 29 | Offside: 4 | 
 

 

Oakland Roots will travel to Pacific Division rival Orange County SC with a spot in the Western Conference Final on the line. After earning the last USL Championship playoff spot on the final day of the season, Roots backed that up with an upset win over top Mountain Division seed El Paso Locomotive last Friday night.
 
Quick Look:  
Date: Saturday, November 13, 2021 
Time: 7:00 PM PST
Location: Championship Stadium, Irvine, California 

Listen live:
– SiriusXM FC

How to Watch: 
– KOFY TV (Local Broadcast)
– ESPN+ (Streaming)

Oakland Roots:

Roots and Orange County SC have faced off on four occasions this season with Orange County coming out on top in all four previous meetings between the two sides. The first match up took place on June 12th with Orange County coming away with a 1-0 victory in a very tight game. The second meeting happened on July 31st when Roots Max Ornstil saw a red card, forcing Oakland to play down a man at Las Positas College, which lead to a 3-0 victory for OC. The third meeting was on September 25th a 2-1 win at home for OC. OC scored off two stoppage time set pieces in each half while Roots scored their lone goal against Orange County via an early Ariel Mbumba strike. The final of the four meetings was played out in Oakland at Laney College on October 16th when Roots Jose Hernandez saw a red, which ead to a 1-0 Orange County win.  

Oakland Roots ended the season on 41 points,11 points behind Orange County in the division, but picked up 35 of those 41 points after August 11th, making Oakland one of the most in-form sides in the entire playoffs. Roots showed that form in the first round of the playoffs, knocking off an EL Paso Locomotive side that was unbeaten at home in 470 days heading into the first round match up. Paul Blanchette picked up the clean sheet as the back line held firm. Late supper sub Jeremy Bokia scored the game's lone goal just minutes after coming onto the field from a perfect flick pass from Chuy Enriquez. 

About Orange County:

Orange County played the following night, knocking off high-scoring Colorado Switchbacks by a score of 1-0. Following an early red card to OC’s Rob Kieran, Orange County was forced to play down a man for 60n minutes. Despite the man disadvantage OC took the lead through Ronaldo Damus in first half stoppage time and then held that lead through to the final whistle to advance. Orange County will be without Rob Kieran via the red card and Kobi Henry who will be with the US U-20 team. Orange County also officially made Richard Chaplow the Head Coach, pulling the interim tag off on Monday.  

Orange County Last Starting XI: Rakovsky, Richards, Alston, Orozco, Kiernan, McCabe, Calvillo, Powers, Kuningas, Iloski, Damus 

 

 

Oakland Roots will travel to Pacific Division rival Orange County SC with a spot in the Western Conference Final on the line. After earning the last USL Championship playoff spot on the final day of the season, Roots backed that up with an upset win over top Mountain Division seed El Paso Locomotive last Friday night.
 
Quick Look:  
Date: Saturday, November 13, 2021 
Time: 7:00 PM PST
Location: Championship Stadium, Irvine, California 

Listen live:
– SiriusXM FC

How to Watch: 
– KOFY TV (Local Broadcast)
– ESPN+ (Streaming)

Oakland Roots:

Roots and Orange County SC have faced off on four occasions this season with Orange County coming out on top in all four previous meetings between the two sides. The first match up took place on June 12th with Orange County coming away with a 1-0 victory in a very tight game. The second meeting happened on July 31st when Roots Max Ornstil saw a red card, forcing Oakland to play down a man at Las Positas College, which lead to a 3-0 victory for OC. The third meeting was on September 25th a 2-1 win at home for OC. OC scored off two stoppage time set pieces in each half while Roots scored their lone goal against Orange County via an early Ariel Mbumba strike. The final of the four meetings was played out in Oakland at Laney College on October 16th when Roots Jose Hernandez saw a red, which ead to a 1-0 Orange County win.  

Oakland Roots ended the season on 41 points,11 points behind Orange County in the division, but picked up 35 of those 41 points after August 11th, making Oakland one of the most in-form sides in the entire playoffs. Roots showed that form in the first round of the playoffs, knocking off an EL Paso Locomotive side that was unbeaten at home in 470 days heading into the first round match up. Paul Blanchette picked up the clean sheet as the back line held firm. Late supper sub Jeremy Bokia scored the game’s lone goal just minutes after coming onto the field from a perfect flick pass from Chuy Enriquez. 

About Orange County:

Orange County played the following night, knocking off high-scoring Colorado Switchbacks by a score of 1-0. Following an early red card to OC’s Rob Kieran, Orange County was forced to play down a man for 60n minutes. Despite the man disadvantage OC took the lead through Ronaldo Damus in first half stoppage time and then held that lead through to the final whistle to advance. Orange County will be without Rob Kieran via the red card and Kobi Henry who will be with the US U-20 team. Orange County also officially made Richard Chaplow the Head Coach, pulling the interim tag off on Monday.  

Orange County Last Starting XI: Rakovsky, Richards, Alston, Orozco, Kiernan, McCabe, Calvillo, Powers, Kuningas, Iloski, Damus 

 

 

This past Friday, Roots beat top seed El Paso Locomotive FC and advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals of the USL Championship playoffs to face Orange County SC. Tune-in to KOFY TV Channel 20 and support your Roots in this historic run. 

When: Saturday, November 13th 2021
Kick-off: 7:00 PM PST
Where: Championship Soccer Stadium, Irvine, CA
Tune-in: KOFY TV Channel 20 | ESPN+ | SIRIUS XM

If you plan to attend the match in SoCal, purchase tickets using the following link to sit with the fam that is traveling. Let’s paint Championship Stadium Mosaic. 
 

 

This past Friday, Roots beat top seed El Paso Locomotive FC and advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals of the USL Championship playoffs to face Orange County SC. Tune-in to KOFY TV Channel 20 and support your Roots in this historic run. 

When: Saturday, November 13th 2021
Kick-off: 7:00 PM PST
Where: Championship Soccer Stadium, Irvine, CA
Tune-in: KOFY TV Channel 20 | ESPN+ | SIRIUS XM

If you plan to attend the match in SoCal, purchase tickets using the following link to sit with the fam that is traveling. Let’s paint Championship Stadium Mosaic. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Friday’s Tribune Watch Party was a night to remember. Let’s celebrate again together, this time at Ale Industries in Fruitvale. RSVP using the link below and show up early to enjoy the good vibes. Let’s make history again, family.

 

 

Last Friday’s Tribune Watch Party was a night to remember. Let’s celebrate again together, this time at Ale Industries in Fruitvale. RSVP using the link below and show up early to enjoy the good vibes. Let’s make history again, family.

 

 

Oakland Roots traveled to El Paso for their first-ever playoff appearance in the USL Championship. Coming into the game, Roots had their work cut out for them as El Paso Locomotive had not lost a home match in 470 days. Throughout the first half Roots found themselves on the defensive, as El Paso were constantly in the attacking third, but the squad did have their offensive chances as Quincy Amarikwa drew a foul that led to a free kick midway through the first half but was shot wide by Emrah Klimenta. The defense stood strong and kept the clean sheet despite eight shots from El Paso, taking the level score into halftime.

Roots came out swinging in the second half. More often than not, they found themselves in the attacking third with shots on goal. A lot of the half was back and forth with both teams exchanging counter attacks. In the 74th minute, head coach Jordan Ferrell subbed on leading goal scorer Jeremy Bokila and within two minutes of stepping onto the pitch, he found the game-changing goal, putting the ball between the El Paso goalkeeper’s legs and into the back of the net. From then on, Roots looked to maintain possession and keep a strong defensive showing. Even with five minutes of stoppage time, it wasn’t enough for El Paso to find the equalizer as Roots SC charged onto victory, sending them to the conference semifinals of the 2021 USL Championship playoffs.

Roots will travel to face the winner of the Colorado Switchbacks FC and Orange County SC game.
 

 

Oakland Roots traveled to El Paso for their first-ever playoff appearance in the USL Championship. Coming into the game, Roots had their work cut out for them as El Paso Locomotive had not lost a home match in 470 days. Throughout the first half Roots found themselves on the defensive, as El Paso were constantly in the attacking third, but the squad did have their offensive chances as Quincy Amarikwa drew a foul that led to a free kick midway through the first half but was shot wide by Emrah Klimenta. The defense stood strong and kept the clean sheet despite eight shots from El Paso, taking the level score into halftime.

Roots came out swinging in the second half. More often than not, they found themselves in the attacking third with shots on goal. A lot of the half was back and forth with both teams exchanging counter attacks. In the 74th minute, head coach Jordan Ferrell subbed on leading goal scorer Jeremy Bokila and within two minutes of stepping onto the pitch, he found the game-changing goal, putting the ball between the El Paso goalkeeper’s legs and into the back of the net. From then on, Roots looked to maintain possession and keep a strong defensive showing. Even with five minutes of stoppage time, it wasn’t enough for El Paso to find the equalizer as Roots SC charged onto victory, sending them to the conference semifinals of the 2021 USL Championship playoffs.

Roots will travel to face the winner of the Colorado Switchbacks FC and Orange County SC game.
 

 

Head Coach Jordan Ferrell:

Start us off with your emotions after that win:

The biggest thing, and I’ve said this all along is that we take this one game at a time. That’s what’s gotten us here and that with that approach, we weren’t concerned about El Paso’s home streak, their ranking, our ranking, anything like that. It’s a match up of two teams and I think that it feels good to come here to a strong footballing side like El Paso, I think they’re one of the best teams in the country and to get a good result. It feels good but now we await the winner of tomorrow night.

This team has been overlooked all season, does that motivate you? Or do you just ignore it?

They can keep doing it, I don’t really care. What matters is within that locker room right now and the fans that have been supportive of us all of season. People can continue to overlook us and that’s great but we’re not concerned with how other people see us.

Jeremy Bokila, he’s scored most of his goals off the bench this year, what can you say about him?

It’s a tough thing to say because no player wants to come off the bench, every player wants to start and I recognize that as a coach. It’s a challenge for me selecting a group, but Bokila’s insertion in the second half made the world of difference. From closing their defensive line down, making difficult for them to play, to scoring the goal and creating a couple other chances too. He’s been massive, he’s a big member of this team. 

Something clicked mentally for the team midway through this season, what can you say about the character of this team to balance the incredible playing ability with the chances of scoring goals like tonight?

Haha, like I’ve been saying, we keep missing sitters (laughs). Matias (Fissore) and Kai (Greene) had the other one, even Johnny (Rodriguez) has that first chance of the game and went wide. I think for us as a group, not having been a team for a long time, the early part of the season where we didn’t find success, there were a lot of challenges. It’s very easy when you come together and start winning and everyone feels that momentum. You rely on some veterans, you rely on very optimistic youngsters, and I think that mix and as well people who bought in and looked around and said we had enough to be a playoff team. That loss in Tacoma, I think that was the moment where things clicked and they looked in each other’s eyes and said “we’re good enough”. It’s a special group of guys and once we got to the part of the season where we were playing games almost every three days we found a good rhythm both in training and on the pitch and got good results and just kept going from there and it’s gotten us here and we’ll keep rollin’ with it.

Oakland Roots SC vs El Paso Locomotive FC
USL Championship | November 5, 2021
Venue: Southwest University Park, El Paso, Texas
Kickoff: 6:30 PM
Weather: 75, sunny 

SCORELINE:    1    2    FT
ELP:                   0    0    0
OAK:                  0    1    1

 
SCORING SUMMARY: 
OAK: Jeremy Bolkila 76’

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
ELP: Andrew Fox (Yellow 21’)
OAK: Joseph Nane (Yellow 26’)
ELP: Diego Luna (Yellow 78’)
OAK: Tarek Morad (Yellow 90+ 3’)

OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Matias Fissore, Jesus Enriquez, Joseph Nane, Akeem Ward, Jose Hernandez (Tarek Morad), Paul Blanchette, Emrah Klimenta, Memo Diaz (Max Ornsti), Quincy Amarikwa, Kai Greene, Johnny Rodriguez (Jeremy Bokila)

Unused subs: Ariel Mbumba, Tarn Weir, Taylor Bailey, Yohannes Harish

Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 4 | Corner Kicks: 4 | Fouls: 12 | Offside: 1 | 

El Paso Locomotive  FC: Logan Ketterer, Mechack Jerome, Macaulay King, Andrew Fox, Eder Borelli (Matt Bahner), Dylan Mares (Sebastian Velazquez), Richie Ryan (Leandro Carrijo), Diego Luna, Nick Ross, Luis Solignac, Aaron Gomez

Unused subs: Louis Herrera, Ricardo Zacarias, Jose Aguinaga, Benjamin Beaury 

Shots: 20 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corner Kicks: 6 | Fouls: 9 | Offside: 6 | 
 

 

Head Coach Jordan Ferrell:

Start us off with your emotions after that win:

The biggest thing, and I’ve said this all along is that we take this one game at a time. That’s what’s gotten us here and that with that approach, we weren’t concerned about El Paso’s home streak, their ranking, our ranking, anything like that. It’s a match up of two teams and I think that it feels good to come here to a strong footballing side like El Paso, I think they’re one of the best teams in the country and to get a good result. It feels good but now we await the winner of tomorrow night.

This team has been overlooked all season, does that motivate you? Or do you just ignore it?

They can keep doing it, I don’t really care. What matters is within that locker room right now and the fans that have been supportive of us all of season. People can continue to overlook us and that’s great but we’re not concerned with how other people see us.

Jeremy Bokila, he’s scored most of his goals off the bench this year, what can you say about him?

It’s a tough thing to say because no player wants to come off the bench, every player wants to start and I recognize that as a coach. It’s a challenge for me selecting a group, but Bokila’s insertion in the second half made the world of difference. From closing their defensive line down, making difficult for them to play, to scoring the goal and creating a couple other chances too. He’s been massive, he’s a big member of this team. 

Something clicked mentally for the team midway through this season, what can you say about the character of this team to balance the incredible playing ability with the chances of scoring goals like tonight?

Haha, like I’ve been saying, we keep missing sitters (laughs). Matias (Fissore) and Kai (Greene) had the other one, even Johnny (Rodriguez) has that first chance of the game and went wide. I think for us as a group, not having been a team for a long time, the early part of the season where we didn’t find success, there were a lot of challenges. It’s very easy when you come together and start winning and everyone feels that momentum. You rely on some veterans, you rely on very optimistic youngsters, and I think that mix and as well people who bought in and looked around and said we had enough to be a playoff team. That loss in Tacoma, I think that was the moment where things clicked and they looked in each other’s eyes and said “we’re good enough”. It’s a special group of guys and once we got to the part of the season where we were playing games almost every three days we found a good rhythm both in training and on the pitch and got good results and just kept going from there and it’s gotten us here and we’ll keep rollin’ with it.

Oakland Roots SC vs El Paso Locomotive FC
USL Championship | November 5, 2021
Venue: Southwest University Park, El Paso, Texas
Kickoff: 6:30 PM
Weather: 75, sunny 

SCORELINE:    1    2    FT
ELP:                   0    0    0
OAK:                  0    1    1

 
SCORING SUMMARY: 
OAK: Jeremy Bolkila 76’

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
ELP: Andrew Fox (Yellow 21’)
OAK: Joseph Nane (Yellow 26’)
ELP: Diego Luna (Yellow 78’)
OAK: Tarek Morad (Yellow 90+ 3’)

OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Matias Fissore, Jesus Enriquez, Joseph Nane, Akeem Ward, Jose Hernandez (Tarek Morad), Paul Blanchette, Emrah Klimenta, Memo Diaz (Max Ornsti), Quincy Amarikwa, Kai Greene, Johnny Rodriguez (Jeremy Bokila)

Unused subs: Ariel Mbumba, Tarn Weir, Taylor Bailey, Yohannes Harish

Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 4 | Corner Kicks: 4 | Fouls: 12 | Offside: 1 | 

El Paso Locomotive  FC: Logan Ketterer, Mechack Jerome, Macaulay King, Andrew Fox, Eder Borelli (Matt Bahner), Dylan Mares (Sebastian Velazquez), Richie Ryan (Leandro Carrijo), Diego Luna, Nick Ross, Luis Solignac, Aaron Gomez

Unused subs: Louis Herrera, Ricardo Zacarias, Jose Aguinaga, Benjamin Beaury 

Shots: 20 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corner Kicks: 6 | Fouls: 9 | Offside: 6 | 
 

 

Oakland Roots have qualified for the Playoffs in their inaugural season as part of the USL Championship. Following a dramatic night at Laney, Oakland earned the fourth seed in the Pacific Division and the final spot of 16 in the Playoffs. Oakland Roots will face the number one seed in the Mountain Division as they take on El Paso Locomotive FC on Friday night with kick-off set for 6:30 PM PST. 

Roots will host a watch party at the historic Tribune building, in downtown Oakland. This event is free to attend for all fans. Show up early to enjoy music and local Food + Drink. 

Roots Members will receive two (2) complimentary drink tickets at the event. Secure your Membership now for 2022 to take advantage of this offer, as well as other benefits like discounts on merchandise and early entry on game days.
 

 

Oakland Roots have qualified for the Playoffs in their inaugural season as part of the USL Championship. Following a dramatic night at Laney, Oakland earned the fourth seed in the Pacific Division and the final spot of 16 in the Playoffs. Oakland Roots will face the number one seed in the Mountain Division as they take on El Paso Locomotive FC on Friday night with kick-off set for 6:30 PM PST. 

Roots will host a watch party at the historic Tribune building, in downtown Oakland. This event is free to attend for all fans. Show up early to enjoy music and local Food + Drink. 

Roots Members will receive two (2) complimentary drink tickets at the event. Secure your Membership now for 2022 to take advantage of this offer, as well as other benefits like discounts on merchandise and early entry on game days.
 

 

What: 
– Playoff Watch Party: Roots vs El Paso 
– Tuned by DJ Rawfeek 
– Food and alcohol available for purchase

When: 
– Watch Party opens at 5:30 PM
– Kick-off set for 6:30 PM

Where: 
– The Lot at the Oakland Tribune in Downtown Oakland. Click here for directions
– Take BART to 12th Street, Oakland 

This Friday is also First Friday in Oakland so make sure to arrive early to find parking. 

This event is outdoors so make sure to dress warmly. 

Let’s keep celebrating together, family. 
 

 

What: 
– Playoff Watch Party: Roots vs El Paso 
– Tuned by DJ Rawfeek 
– Food and alcohol available for purchase

When: 
– Watch Party opens at 5:30 PM
– Kick-off set for 6:30 PM

Where: 
– The Lot at the Oakland Tribune in Downtown Oakland. Click here for directions
– Take BART to 12th Street, Oakland 

This Friday is also First Friday in Oakland so make sure to arrive early to find parking. 

This event is outdoors so make sure to dress warmly. 

Let’s keep celebrating together, family. 
 

 

For the first time ever, young people in Oakland went out to watch a soccer match and came home with their own savings accounts, financial education, and even shares in one of the biggest companies in the United States.

It was all part of a new initiative launched by Roots aimed at creating financial freedom for kids and families in Oakland. Roots has partnered with Goalsetter, an Oakland-born app that teaches financial literacy to children of all ages, helping them learn economic concepts, lingo and the principles of financial health.

 

 

For the first time ever, young people in Oakland went out to watch a soccer match and came home with their own savings accounts, financial education, and even shares in one of the biggest companies in the United States.

It was all part of a new initiative launched by Roots aimed at creating financial freedom for kids and families in Oakland. Roots has partnered with Goalsetter, an Oakland-born app that teaches financial literacy to children of all ages, helping them learn economic concepts, lingo and the principles of financial health.

 

 

According to Goalsetter, kids who have savings accounts are six times more likely to go to college, and four times more likely to own stock. Yet in the United States 79% of kids aged 15-17 do not have savings accounts and 87% of teens don’t know how to manage their money. The problem is especially acute in communities of color – by 2053 African-Americans are projected to have a negative net worth, and LatinX communities are only 20 years behind.

Founded by East Oakland native Tanya van Court, Goalsetter specifically focuses on closing the wealth gap among Black children and kids of color through financial education.

On Saturday night, 100 kids and families from Marshawn Lynch’s Fam 1st Family Foundation came out to the support the Roots and watch their very first soccer match. They left with Goalsetter accounts pre-loaded with cash and a financial literacy curriculum – and even their own shares in rideshare giant Lyft as part of Goalsetter’s One Stock One Future initiative.

 

 

 

According to Goalsetter, kids who have savings accounts are six times more likely to go to college, and four times more likely to own stock. Yet in the United States 79% of kids aged 15-17 do not have savings accounts and 87% of teens don’t know how to manage their money. The problem is especially acute in communities of color – by 2053 African-Americans are projected to have a negative net worth, and LatinX communities are only 20 years behind.

Founded by East Oakland native Tanya van Court, Goalsetter specifically focuses on closing the wealth gap among Black children and kids of color through financial education.

On Saturday night, 100 kids and families from Marshawn Lynch’s Fam 1st Family Foundation came out to the support the Roots and watch their very first soccer match. They left with Goalsetter accounts pre-loaded with cash and a financial literacy curriculum – and even their own shares in rideshare giant Lyft as part of Goalsetter’s One Stock One Future initiative.

 

 

 

Roots also handed Goalsetter ‘Cashola’ cards – some pre-loaded with cash – out to all the fans attending the match – and even tossed Lyft shares into the crowd attached to candy as part of the Halloween celebrations!

Roots’ goal is now to find a partner to support the expansion of the project and turn every Oakland Roots gameday into a chance to build financial freedom for Oakland families.

 

 

Roots also handed Goalsetter ‘Cashola’ cards – some pre-loaded with cash – out to all the fans attending the match – and even tossed Lyft shares into the crowd attached to candy as part of the Halloween celebrations!

Roots’ goal is now to find a partner to support the expansion of the project and turn every Oakland Roots gameday into a chance to build financial freedom for Oakland families.

 

 

Oakland Roots have punched their ticket to the 2021 Championship Playoffs on the final day of the regular season after a win over Sporting Kansas City II.
 

 

Oakland Roots have punched their ticket to the 2021 Championship Playoffs on the final day of the regular season after a win over Sporting Kansas City II.
 

 

Oakland Roots returned home Saturday to host Sporting KC II in front of a sold out crowd for their final home game of the 2021 season. Roots needed a win as well as a loss or a tie from LA Galaxy II to secure their spot in the postseason. Less than three minutes in, Chuy Enriquez found the back of the net off a poor save attempt from KC goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh. Already on the board, Roots looked to maintain possession and keep a strong defensive front. They carried the lead into halftime as KC had yet to register a single shot on target.

To start the second half Roots followed a similar formula of controlling possession and not allowing KC to penetrate the attacking third. An early second half injury to Roots captain Wal Fall brought Ariel Mbumba into the game to keep a strong midfield presence. Late into the game, the match got a lot more physical with two Roots players earning yellow cards. Sporting KC tried their best to up the attack but it wasn’t enough as Roots cruised to victory.

With the Roots win and a loss from LA Galaxy II, Roots will travel to El Paso to face the Locomotive in the first round of the playoffs on Friday, November 5th.

Head Coach Jordan Ferrell:

Congratulations on the crazy season. The highest of highs and the lowest of lows. How do you feel right now?

I wanna start right now by thanking everybody that wears a Roots shirt, the staff, the people on game day, anyone that’s helped make this possible, that’s my first thank you. I wanna say thank you to our board because the four of them are people who are willing to have tough conversations and they’re willing to put the values of the club and the things that we all believe in first. Incredible. This group of players is unique. There’s been different players in, different players out, that’s the nature of this first year thing. What they’ve been able to do as a group, as human beings, as men, to come together in such a short period of time, a lot of challenges, my hat’s off to them. My staff is remarkable. They’ve all been incredible throughout the season and weathered some insane storms, they should enjoy tonight as much as any of the players. The person who doesn’t get a lot of credit, I wanted to save this one for last, is Eric Yamamoto. He manages to remain the godfather in the background. He’s always been there texting me after every game, win or lose. He’s the person that’s been in some tough conversations and in the trenches with me when others haven’t, that’s Eric. He’s a legend and I greatly appreciate him.

Beginning of the year, only one with how many ties and losses?

Thank god for those ties right? Those ties, the different moments when we were struggling, trying to get goals or trying to get anything and ending up with scoreless draws, those are what made the difference tonight. You guys know how many different lineups we put out this year, I think this is one of the first times we returned with pretty much identical lineup from the previous game. What a season.

Oakland Roots SC vs Sporting KC II
USL Championship | October 30, 2021
Venue: Laney College, Oakland, California 
Kickoff: 7:00 PM
Weather: 59, cloudy 

SCORELINE:    1    2    FT
OAK:                 1    0     1
SKC:                  0   0     0

 
SCORING SUMMARY: 
OAK: Chuy Enriquez 3’

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
OAK: Jeremy Bokila 82’ 
OAK: Ariel Mbumba 90 + 4’

OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP:

Wal Fall (Ariel Mbumba), Matias Fissore, Jesus Enriquez (Johnny Rodriguez), Joseph Nane, Akeem Ward, Jose Hernandez, Paul Blanchette, Emrah Klimenta, Memo Diaz, Quincy Amarikwa (Jeremy Bokila), Kai Greene

Unused subs: Soya Takahashi, Max Ornstil, Javier Mariona, Taylor Bailey

Shots: 6 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corner Kicks: 1 | Fouls: 16 | Offside: 1 | 

SPORTING KANSAS CITY II LINEUP:

Kendall Mcintosh, Kaylen Pierre, Graham Smith, Danny Barbir, Isaiah Leflore, Petar Cuic (Jayvin Van Deventer), Jahon Rad, Osvaldo Cisneros, Mataeo Bunbury (Zion Long), Enoch Mushagalusa, Jamil Roberts (Rojay Smith)

Unused subs: Remi Prieur, Matt Constant, Aljaz Dzankic, Coby Jones

Shots: 4 | Shots On Goal: 0 | Corner Kicks: 4 | Fouls: 7 | Offside: 1 | 
 

 

Oakland Roots returned home Saturday to host Sporting KC II in front of a sold out crowd for their final home game of the 2021 season. Roots needed a win as well as a loss or a tie from LA Galaxy II to secure their spot in the postseason. Less than three minutes in, Chuy Enriquez found the back of the net off a poor save attempt from KC goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh. Already on the board, Roots looked to maintain possession and keep a strong defensive front. They carried the lead into halftime as KC had yet to register a single shot on target.

To start the second half Roots followed a similar formula of controlling possession and not allowing KC to penetrate the attacking third. An early second half injury to Roots captain Wal Fall brought Ariel Mbumba into the game to keep a strong midfield presence. Late into the game, the match got a lot more physical with two Roots players earning yellow cards. Sporting KC tried their best to up the attack but it wasn’t enough as Roots cruised to victory.

With the Roots win and a loss from LA Galaxy II, Roots will travel to El Paso to face the Locomotive in the first round of the playoffs on Friday, November 5th.

Head Coach Jordan Ferrell:

Congratulations on the crazy season. The highest of highs and the lowest of lows. How do you feel right now?

I wanna start right now by thanking everybody that wears a Roots shirt, the staff, the people on game day, anyone that’s helped make this possible, that’s my first thank you. I wanna say thank you to our board because the four of them are people who are willing to have tough conversations and they’re willing to put the values of the club and the things that we all believe in first. Incredible. This group of players is unique. There’s been different players in, different players out, that’s the nature of this first year thing. What they’ve been able to do as a group, as human beings, as men, to come together in such a short period of time, a lot of challenges, my hat’s off to them. My staff is remarkable. They’ve all been incredible throughout the season and weathered some insane storms, they should enjoy tonight as much as any of the players. The person who doesn’t get a lot of credit, I wanted to save this one for last, is Eric Yamamoto. He manages to remain the godfather in the background. He’s always been there texting me after every game, win or lose. He’s the person that’s been in some tough conversations and in the trenches with me when others haven’t, that’s Eric. He’s a legend and I greatly appreciate him.

Beginning of the year, only one with how many ties and losses?

Thank god for those ties right? Those ties, the different moments when we were struggling, trying to get goals or trying to get anything and ending up with scoreless draws, those are what made the difference tonight. You guys know how many different lineups we put out this year, I think this is one of the first times we returned with pretty much identical lineup from the previous game. What a season.

Oakland Roots SC vs Sporting KC II
USL Championship | October 30, 2021
Venue: Laney College, Oakland, California 
Kickoff: 7:00 PM
Weather: 59, cloudy 

SCORELINE:    1    2    FT
OAK:                 1    0     1
SKC:                  0   0     0

 
SCORING SUMMARY: 
OAK: Chuy Enriquez 3’

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
OAK: Jeremy Bokila 82’ 
OAK: Ariel Mbumba 90 + 4’

OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP:

Wal Fall (Ariel Mbumba), Matias Fissore, Jesus Enriquez (Johnny Rodriguez), Joseph Nane, Akeem Ward, Jose Hernandez, Paul Blanchette, Emrah Klimenta, Memo Diaz, Quincy Amarikwa (Jeremy Bokila), Kai Greene

Unused subs: Soya Takahashi, Max Ornstil, Javier Mariona, Taylor Bailey

Shots: 6 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corner Kicks: 1 | Fouls: 16 | Offside: 1 | 

SPORTING KANSAS CITY II LINEUP:

Kendall Mcintosh, Kaylen Pierre, Graham Smith, Danny Barbir, Isaiah Leflore, Petar Cuic (Jayvin Van Deventer), Jahon Rad, Osvaldo Cisneros, Mataeo Bunbury (Zion Long), Enoch Mushagalusa, Jamil Roberts (Rojay Smith)

Unused subs: Remi Prieur, Matt Constant, Aljaz Dzankic, Coby Jones

Shots: 4 | Shots On Goal: 0 | Corner Kicks: 4 | Fouls: 7 | Offside: 1 |