USL Oakland Roots

Roots Drop Salvage Draw Against Rio Grande Valley

June 11, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Oakland Roots News Release


Oakland Roots lineup against Rio Grande Valley
Oakland Roots lineup against Rio Grande Valley
(Oakland Roots)

The Roots came back from a 2-0 deficit to settle for a point against Rio Grande Valley on Saturday night at Laney College. It was the second meeting of the season between the two sides; the USL Western Conference teams met on matchday one of the season and Rio Grande Valley came away with a 1-0 win.

The Roots started the first half on the front foot but it was the Toros who struck first when right defender Roberto Coronado pounced on a ball in the box and rifled the ball home. The Toros doubled their lead nine minutes later when Rio Grande defender Wahab Ackwei scored an acrobatic volley shortly after a Toros corner kick.

Oakland struggled to find momentum in the second half and the game was mostly played in the midfield as both teams battled for control of the ball. In the 78' minute, the Roots won a corner and after two bungled headers the ball found its way to Juan Azocar on the back post who nodded it home.

Ten minutes later with a rocking Laney College egging them onwards, winger Edgardo Rito beat two players on the right side before dishing the ball to Charlie Dennis who took a touch and lasered it home for the game tying goal, sending the Roots fans into a frenzy.

Oakland pressed on and had chances to win it in extra time but ran out of gas and settled for a draw.

Talking to Head Coach Juan Guerra

Another big comeback. What are your initial reactions from the match?

I'm not happy. Tonight was probably our worst game of the season. Games are 95 minutes, not 25 minutes. If we keep on thinking it's 25 minutes, it's going to be a long season until November. I know what my boys are capable of - we just have to start putting together 90 minute performances. First 65 minutes were not good. We stepped to the field not ready and we're going to have to reflect tonight - I'll start with myself.

We could've pressed a bit better in the first half. We got a point, and I'm not happy, but we have to start thinking about Wednesday night. When we play at home with the team we are and the culture we're trying to build, at home we win. And when we travel to away games we don't lose. That's what we want to do. We have to be better Wednesday night if we want to beat New Mexico.

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Oakland Roots lineup against Rio Grande Valley
Oakland Roots lineup against Rio Grande Valley
   



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