June 1, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Oakland Roots News Release
Oakland Roots came out 3-2 winners against USL champions Orange County SC at Laney College on Wednesday, June 1st. Both teams held a moment of silence before the match to celebrate the life of Alejandro Diaz, the father of Roots midfielder Memo Diaz who passed away this week.
In the 9th minute, Jesus “Chuy” Enriquez swung in a low, near-post corner, a scuffle ensued and Ottar Magnus Karlsson was there to lash the ball home for his league-leading 9th goal of the season.
Roots continued on but it was Orange County who won a penalty against the run of play in the 32′ minute. Erick Torres beat Benny Diaz from the spot and leveled the score.
In the 65th minute and again against the run of play, Orange County won a corner kick and center back Albi Skendi found himself wide open on the six yard box and dunked the ball home, putting the Roots in the hole.
In the fourth minute of extra time Lindo Mfeka danced around the box and dished the ball to left back Juan Azocar. Azocar dipped his shoulder, cut inside and lasered a shot into the far post to tie the game at two apiece, sending the Laney crowd into a frenzy.
On the ensuing kickoff the Roots quickly won a free kick 30 yards out. Ottar Magnus Karlsson stepped up and blasted his shot into the upper right corner, sealing victory and making him the top goalscorer in Roots history. It was the last kick of the game.
The Roots move on to play USL newcomers Monterey Bay FC in Monterey on Saturday June 4th. They return to Laney College to face off against Rio Valley Grande FC on June 11th.
Talking to Head Coach Juan Guerra
It was an emotional win and an emotional week. I talked to Ottar and he said those last two goals were guided in somehow. Talk about the week you’ve had and what this means for Memo and his family.
Juan Guerra: It means a lot. It’s been a hard week. We’re heartbroken. The emotions tonight…we’re happy we got three points but we…
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