A goal from substitute Johnny Rodriguez in the 82nd minute helped the Oakland Roots earn a draw against Rio Grande Valley FC for its first point of the 2023 USL Championship season.
Oakland was on the attack from the start of the game, looking to erase memories of their opening weekend loss to San Antonio FC.
FIRST HALF
Anuar Peláez, earning the start up top in the attack for the Roots, was found in the box by winger Edgardo Rito four minutes in. Peláez blasted a shot that was pushed away by Rio Grande keeper Tyler Deric.
Despite the opening salvo, Rio Grande struck first. Jose Torres hit a free kick from out wide that fell in the box to teammate Frank Nodarse. Jonathan Ricketts redirected his shot into the back of the net for an early lead for the home team.
Ricketts almost doubled the lead for Rio Grande in the 20th minute, but his shot grazed over the bar.
SECOND HALF
Early in the second half, Rio Grande’s Wilmer Cabrera stuck a shot for the lower left corner that was saved well by Roots keeper Paul Blanchette.
However, it was up to second-half substitute Johnny Rodriguez to save the day.
In the 82nd minute, Rito found himself out wide right with space again. He delivered a curling ball around the Rio Grande defenders to an onrushing Rodriguez, who controlled the ball and nutmegged Deric for the game-tying strike.
With the point, Oakland starts their opening two-game road trip with a valuable away point. Next is a return to the friendly confines of Laney Stadium for the Roots’ home opener against Memphis 901 FC on Saturday, March 25. Kickoff is at 7 pm.
