The Oakland Roots earned a valuable point on the road with an extra-time equalizer from striker Óttar Magnús Karlsson to tie Orange County SC 2-2 in Southern California on Saturday night.
The game started out poorly for the NorCal visitors falling behind by two goals. Orange County’s Milan Iloski placed in a cross to Sean Okoli in the 22nd minute to open up the scoring and Albi Skendi doubled their lead with a 35th-minute header.
Despite controlling the majority of possession the Roots did not get a shot on target until the final third of the game thanks to Edgardo Rito.
A long ball from the back found the feet of substitute Mikael Tørset Johnsen from Norway who played his first minutes for the Roots ever. He slotted the ball to the unmarked Rito who finished the ball with ease past OC keeper Patrick Rakovsky.
Karlsson ties the game
In the final minute of extra time, Orange County gave up a foul just on top of the penalty box allowing Karlsson to set up for the free-kick. His shot deflected off the OC defensive wall which fooled their keeper and the ball flew past him into the net to equalize the game.
With the point, the Roots earned their fifth draw of the season to claim eight points through ten games.
Oakland continues on the road next week with a game against Las Vegas Lights on Saturday night.
