The Oakland Roots finally got their first victory of the season with a convincing 4-1 win over Loundon United. Here are three things we learned from the game:
Óttar Magnús Karlsson is the goalscored the Roots need
Last season the Oakland Roots never had a goalscorer that they could rely on to put the ball into the back of the net.
The answer this season looks to be Óttar Magnús Karlsson.
A native of Iceland, Karlsson came up from the Ajax youth academy. After playing for several teams in Europe, he was signed by Italian Serie A side Venezia, where Roots co-owner Barney Schauble also has an ownership stake, in 2020 and has made seven appearances for the Italian team.
The Venezia connection helped the Roots secure a loan for the forward for the 2022 season, and the striker has not disappointed.
Oakland’s first goal was off a set-piece in the 26th minute. Charlie Dennis crossed the ball in that Karlsson was able to flick on to Emrah Klimenta who scored from just in front of the goal.
Early in the second half, Karlsson put the game out of doubt, converting a penalty kick in the 53rd minute after José Hernandez drew a foul in the box.
For the season, Karlsson has scored four goals. Last season Roots forward Jeremy Bokila amassed five goals all season.
“Óttar, he wears out defenders, he wears out center backs. He’s so humble. He doesn’t mind making runs knowing he’s not going to get the ball,” explained Roots head coach Juan Guerra. “You give him an inch, he’ll create an opportunity.”
Oakland looks to finally found the goalscorer they need.
Why does Benny Diaz continue to get the start as keeper?
One of the most pressing questions Oakland Roots fans have been asking is what is the situation with the goalkeepers?
Taylor Bailey started the first two USL games for Oakland. Then Benny Díaz was brought in on a loan from Club Tijuana, the Liga MX club. In his several games in front of the net, Díaz’s uneven performances have begged the question: “What happened to Paul Blanchette?”
Last season Blanchette claimed the starting goalkeeper spot from Zeus de la Paz and solidified the Roots defense. Many fans have been asking why Blanchette hasn’t made it onto the pitch with his track record. He hasn’t even been on the bench the last three games.
A defensive miscue on Saturday night with Oakland ahead 4-0 allowed Loundon United’s Abdellatif Aboukoura to get behind the defense. Diaz was not decisive stepping up and got caught in a no-man’s land for Abdellatif’s shot, which he slightly deflected. However, Abdellatif continued his run onto the ball and finished it into the net.
After the game Guerra noted that Diaz’s performances in practice had given him the advantage to start games.
“We’re really happy with the three goalkeepers that we have,” said Guerra. “At the time Benny is the starting goalkeeper and Taylor and Paul pushing from behind making sure that Benny can stay sharp.”
Guerra noted that in practice, it is the job of Blanchette and Bailey to keep pushing Diaz, the current top choice, and try to get the start themselves.
“The goalkeepers are going to have to fight, just like every other player on the field,” added Guerra. “No one over here has a guaranteed spot and at the end of the day we are going to put on the field the players we feel are ready and fit to do what we want to do in any given game.”
Win is a huge weight off coach Juan Guerra’s back
It took nearly two months but Juan Guerra will finally be able to get a good night’s sleep.
After Wednesay’s comeback draw, Guerra noted that he hasn’t been able to sleep well during the Roots winless streak.
But with the 4-1 victory on Saturday night that streak was finally snapped.
“The goal is for every game for our performance to be better. For our identity to be more clear, and for us to start winning games obviously and get three points,” said Guerra. “A lot of good performances at the end of the day are going to give you results.”
“I hope to sleep more than six hours tonight,” he added. “But I guarantee that I am already thinking about El Paso.”
Oakland next heads onto the road to face the Locomotive next Saturday night in Texas before returning for a home game at Laney on April 30 against Colorado Springs.
