Goals on either side of half-time allowed the Oakland Roots to claim an essential victory on the road against New Mexico United on Wednesday evening.
It was an impressive three points on the road for the Roots against a New Mexico side looking for wins to get back into the USL Championship playoff race. The victory moved Oakland back into third place in the Western Conference.
New Mexico came out strong with decent chances within the first twenty-five minutes, including shots from Jacobo Reyes, Will Seymore, and Amando Moreno.
After withstanding the home side’s initial flurry, Oakland settled into the game and was rewarded with a goal just before the break.
Daniel Barbir got free out wide and delivered a delicious cross to Anuar Peláez that the forward finished for the opening goal.
Seven minutes into the second half, Oakland doubled their lead. The goal was again set up by Barbir, who found Trayvone Reid. The winger calmly put the ball into the back of the net.
After the goal, New Mexico maintained most of the possession but could not generate any quality chances until extra time, when United’s Sergio Rivas scored in the 92nd minute.
New Mexico pushed forward, attempting to tie the match, but the Roots effectively killed off the clock and claimed the victory.
Next up for Oakland is another road game against Louisville City FC on Saturday.
