The Roots traveled to Washington desperate for a win and three points. However, they could not put a ball into the back of the net against the Tacoma Defiance, settling for a scoreless tie that left their playoff hopes on life support.
Oakland had several decent chances in the first half to score a goal.
In the 18th minute, Kai Green launched a long ball over the Tacoma defense to Roots forward Johnny Rodriguez. He attempted to first time his shot but instead hit it well wide.
Chuy Enriquez almost capitalized on a lazy square pass by a Tacoma defender in the box seven minutes later. Enriquez pounced on the ball, but Defiance goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland was able to save the shot out of bounds.
In the 36th minute, Roots winger Hakeem Ward was able to get free out wide. His shot curled just wide of the far post.
Oakland held 59.4% of the possession for the game, outshot Tacoma 12-8, and had four shots on target compared to only one for the home side.
The Roots earned one point and pulled back within four points of Los Angeles Galaxy II, who lost to Charleston 3-1. The Roots will have to win on Sunday against the San Diego Loyal and hope for the Galaxy to either lose or tie Tacoma on Sunday for their final home game at Laney to have any meaning.
