The Oakland Roots continued to establish themselves as Western Conference contenders with a 2-0 win over Orange County SC on Saturday night.
Sorto (17) in Oakland’s 2-0 win on Saturday night. (CREDIT: Oakland Roots SC)
It was also Oakland’s first win in six matches in Orange County, dating back to 2021.
The Roots grabbed the lead early on a goal by Camden Riley on a corner kick in the 15th minute. Miche-Naider Chéry’s header was on target but Riley made sure, tapping the ball into the net with his right foot at the far post.
Oakland’s striking partnership of Johnny Rodriguez and Lindo Mfeka also caused trouble for Orange County’s defense until the pair were substituted out in the 83rd minute.
In the 33rd minute, Mfeka sent in a long pass from just over midfield that split a pair of Orange County defenders as Rodriguez made his run down the right side of the penalty area. But goalkeeper Colin Shutler was able to redirect Rodriguez’s subsequent blast over the endline for a corner kick.
Mfeka and Rodriguez also teamed up on the goal that put the match away in the 87th minute. After sustained possession by several Roots players, Mfeka made a run into the box, attracting several Orange County defenders, and shuttled the ball off to Rodriguez, who tucked the ball inside the far post.
A Rough Night for Orange County
In their first match under interim Head Coach Paul Hardyman, Orange County struggled to keep up with the Roots’ frenetic pace and were able to create few scoring chances in the match.
Cameron Dunbar did get a shot off from long range in the 25th minute, but it was an easy save for Oakland goalkeeper Paul Blanchette.
The host side had a free kick from distance in the 4th minute of first half stoppage time. Christian Sorto’s shot had heavy backspin that enabled it to get by the Oakland wall, but it didn’t have enough velocity to bother Blanchette.
Orange County’s best chance may have come in the 55th minute, when Ryan Flood crossed the ball to Sorto, who trapped the ball, lifted it in the air, then turned and delivered a side volley that sailed over the crossbar.
Next Match
Oakland returns home to take on the USL Championship’s current points leader, Louisville SC, next Saturday night at 7 PM.
