What a turnaround! Win vaults Oakland Roots into playoff position

Roots move from the basement into playoff position with 8 games left in season

September 22, 2021 Douglas Zimmerman Oakland Roots 0

Oakland Roots SC forward Johnny Rodriguez (61) reacts after scoring a goal during the first half against San Diego Loyal SC at Las Positas College. Robert Edwards-Robert Edwards Media)

Through their first twelve games of the season, the Oakland Roots collected only six points and were stuck in the basement of the USL Championship Pacific Division.

But after collecting twenty-four points in their next twelve games, the Oakland Roots moved into fourth place and a postseason playoff position with a gutsy 2-1 victory over San Diego Loyal on Wednesday night at Las Positas College in Livermore.

“We did our business tonight and got the three points we needed to get,” noted Roots head coach Jordan Ferrell after the game. “It feels good.”

The Roots received favorable results after losing to LA Galaxy II last Saturday. The Tacoma Defiance lost on Sunday and also was defeated by the Sacramento Republic on Wednesday night.

As long as Oakland could get the full three points against the Loyal, they would move into fourth place.

Oakland Roots SC midfielder Wal Fall (5) battles for control of the ball during the first half against San Diego Loyal SC at Las Positas College. (Robert Edwards-Robert Edwards Media)

In the sixth minute, Johnny Rodriguez got the home side on the board early with a spectacular bicycle kick. Roots forward Brian Brown tracked a ball that almost crossed the end line and fired a cross to the back post that Rodriguez rocketed past keeper Austin Guerrero.

San Diego evened the game with an excellent strike of their own just before halftime.

Loyal midfielder Collin Martin hit a dagger of a shot from a distance that Roots keeper Paul Blanchette had no chance to stop.

However, Martin ended up being the guilty party allowing Oakland to reclaim the lead in the 63rd minute after taking down the Roots Memo Diaz in the penalty area.

Johnny Rodriguez stepped up to the spot for the Roots. Guerrero was able to get a mitt on the penalty kick but could not save it from entering the goalmouth.

A penalty kick by Oakland Roots SC midfielder Jose Hernandez (18) sails past San Diego Loyal SC goalkeeper Austin Guerrero (1) for a goal during the second half at Las Positas College. (Robert Edwards-Robert Edwards Media)

So after an incredible six-week journey, the Roots find themselves for the first time this year in a playoff position. With eight games to go, the team is now firmly in control of its destiny.

Next up is Orange County on the road Saturday night. With another victory, they will pull within a point of the third-place Pacific Division side.