After piecing together a fifteen-man roster, the Oakland Roots didn’t have enough manpower to keep up with the LA Galaxy II over a full ninety minutes on Sunday afternoon in Carson, California.
Oakland stayed within striking distance for most of the game after falling behind by a goal from Los Angeles Galaxy II winger Josh Drack in the 33rd minute.
The visitors held “Los Dos” to the single goal until the 79th minute when the Galaxy’s Carlos Harvey headed a corner kick into the back of the net to give the Galaxy a cushion. LA’s Jorge Hernández also converted in the 85th minute for the final 3-0 scoreline.
The Roots traveled with only fifteen players due to USL Health and Safety protocols. Last week Oakland had to postpone two home games after a COVID outbreak on the team. Regular roster players Wal Fall, Tarek Morad, Matias Fissore, Jeremy Bokila, Lindo Mfeka, Chuy Enriquez, Emrah Klimenta, and Taylor Bailey did not travel and were not in the starting lineup or on the bench for the club.
Oakland did get some reinforcements for the match. Jose Hernandez, who was signed in January, made his debut for the Roots, as did forward Brandon Allen up top. Tyler Blackwood, who had been out for weeks due to a concussion, also subbed into the match in the second half. Joe Restani, promoted from the Roots development team, Project 51O, also played his first professional game entering in the 74th minute.
There were a few good chances for the Roots in the game to get onto the scoreboard. In the 36th minute, Allen earned a penalty just outside the box. The ensuing free-kick by Danny Flores was heading to the top corner before Galaxy keeper Justin vom Steeg punched it out of bounds.
The Roots’ best chance in the second half was during the 50th minute when Ariel Mbumba was able to spring Yohannes Harish out wide. He passed across the goal mouth to Allen, who could not get a proper touch on the ball. During an ensuing scramble, Tarin Weir had a shot on target that Galaxy defender Carlos Harvey blocked.
Oakland will look to bounce back next weekend and hope to have a full squad in place for their game on Saturday, July 31, against Orange County at Las Positas in Livermore.
