Oakland Moves On, to Round Two of the USL Championship Playoffs

October 23, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Oakland Roots News Release

For the second time in as many years, Oakland Roots played spoiler in the first round of the USL Championship playoffs, upsetting the second-seeded San Diego Loyal by a score of 3 to 0.

The home side threatened early, but Paul Blanchette was up for the challenge, smartly saving a dangerously whipped free kick just outside of the 18-yard box. Despite the pressure from Loyal, it was Oakland who struck first. Charlie Dennis opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a half-volleyed laser into the top corner, sending the Roots bench into raptures. Oakland went into the half one goal to the good, setting the stage for a memorable night in Southern California.

Roots would pick up where they left off in the 52nd minute. Lindo Mfeka capitalized on a loose Loyal back pass, squeezing the ball over goalkeeper Koke Vegas and tapping in to give Roots a two-goal advantage, just six minutes after the break. Loyal went down to 9 men in the 75th minute, as both Thomas Amang and Alejandro Guido were handed their marching orders after a confrontation. The double-sending off ended any fleeting hope for a Loyal comeback, and a calmly slotted Fissore finish in the 91st minute put the icing on the cake.

Oakland Roots now head to San Antonio Friday night to take on the number one overall seed San Antonio FC, on October 28th at 5:30 PM PT.

Speaking to Head Coach Noah Delgado

That was one of the biggest wins, if not the biggest win, in club history. Describe the energy coming out of the locker room.

We’re enjoying it. Tough game here, tough game on the road. San Diego is a very talented team, and the boys are excited. We had a lot of semi-finals before this, where we had to win, had to get results, and tonight was the real thing, so we’re just enjoying the moment right now.

To battle back with this team through all the adversity this season, what does that say about this team in there?

These guys come in to work every day. Trainings are super intense, we’re getting at each other, and we are all fighting for one goal: to win the next game.

Oakland Roots SC vs San Diego Loyal

USL Championship | October 23, 2022

Venue: Torero Stadium, San Diego, California

Kickoff: 7:00 PM PT

Weather: 64 degrees, clear

SCORELINE:

SD: 0

OAK: 3

SCORING SUMMARY:

OAK: 36′ Charlie Dennis

OAK: 52′ Lindo Mfeka

OAK: 90′ Matías Fissore

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

SD: 6′ Alejandro Guido (yellow card)

OAK: 18′ Joseph Nane (yellow card)

SD: 26’…