June 15, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Oakland Roots News Release
Oakland Roots ended their seven match unbeaten run against New Mexico on Wednesday night when the visitors ran out 2-1 winners. Oakland’s last defeat was in April against league-leaders Colorado Switchbacks.
Against one of New Mexico’s few professional sports teams, Oakland opened the scoring midway through the first half on a solo effort from right wingback Edgardo Rito. Rito turned his mark and ran at the New Mexico defense before he coolly slotted his shot to the back post. Unfortunately, he left the match eight minutes later due to injury. Roots endured several spells of New Mexico United possession but escaped the first half with the advantage.
In the second half, Roots started on the front foot but gave up a goal just before the hour mark when New Mexico counter attacked with ruthless efficiency. New Mexico United went up 2-1 ten minutes later when 18 year-old substitute Christian Nava dribbled past Roots midfielder Juan Azocar and found midfielder Chris Wehan who headed it home.
Oakland looked to continue their pattern of scoring stoppage time equalizers and game winners but its luck ran out at Laney against New Mexico. Roots continue their search for three points as they head to San Antonio FC this Saturday, June 18th.
Hearing From Head Coach Juan Guerra
We score early but they’re able to come back. What changed after that early goal?
We had to make an early substitution. Then we slowed down. I liked the team we were until the 40th minute. We let them get too comfortable on the ball. We need to learn from this. We were on a streak and I prefer that, but we need to make sure we need to learn from that.
Now we need to go to San Antonio and get a result.
How can you get the team to the intensity that they play with in the last 15 minutes? How can you get that from the start?
It’s many things. We did start well today – we were going forward, finding pockets, we found a goal and created chances. We slowed down a bit and allowed them the opportunity to gain confidence on the ball. At the end of the day we played a good first half but we need to learn how to put together 90 minute performances.
There’s a lot to learn from tonight. We have to make sure we move forward and stay focused and strong. This doesn’t shift anything for us – our north is clear and our idea is clear.
Oakland Roots SC vs New Mexico United
USL Championship | June 15th, 2022
Venue: Laney College, Oakland,…