After two straight victories, the Oakland Roots made the short trip up I-80 on a high ready to face off against the USL Western Conference first-place side Sacramento Republic.
However, goals from the Republic’s Keko Gontán, Russell Cicerone, and Sebastian Herrera deflated the Roots. The only consolation Oakland could take from this edition of the NorCal derby was a late goal from Roots defender Danny Barbir.
Sacramento came out on the attack at the opening whistle, placing Oakand on the back foot. Their pressure paid off quickly in the 11th minute.
The Republic’s Keko Gontán found himself out wide after it appeared Sacramento had squandered a goal-scoring opportunity. However, Gontán found space and curled in a brilliant strike around outstretched Roots keeper Paul Blanchette and into the far net.
Early in the second half, Russell Cicerone scored Sacramento’s second on an Oakland turnover in the middle of the pitch. After picking up the ball, Cicerone pressed upfield, leaving the Roots defense scrambling. He lined up a rocket just outside the penalty box that he blasted into the net for a two-goal advantage.
Three minutes later, Sacramento scored their third goal with either a moment of beauty or dumpster defending, depending on your point of view.
Republic center-back Connor Donovan threaded a pass on the ground right through the spine of the Roots defense to forward Sebastian Herrera. The Sacramento Republic forward easily split Oakland’s backline and calmly converted his opportunity to put the game out of reach.
Defender Danny Barbir gave the Roots their bright moment of the game when he slotted a ball to the near post after a broken-up corner kick play in the 62nd minute for the final 3-1 scoreline.
Including their win over Oakland last month in the US Open Cup, the Republic has three wins, five draws, and only one loss to the Roots in their nine games.
The Roots will look to rebound in Hayward next Saturday, taking on division rivals San Diego Loyal.
