Palacio. (Photo: Miami FC)
Before the start of this season, Johnny Rodriguez noted that he wanted to take on more of a leadership role with the Oakland Roots. On Saturday night, Rodriguez shouldered that responsibility, contributing a goal and an assist to help the Roots defeat Miami FC 2-1 in South Florida and end a two-game losing streak.
Oakland sorely needed a victory to bring back the winning vibes to a squad that had stormed up the standings until losing their last two games by a combined 10-2 score. Although the Roots had to go on the road to secure a win, they were playing against a Miami FC that was a pale imitation of their powerhouse team, which ran roughshod over the NASL seven years ago. This year, Miami had only secured two wins and two draws in their first twenty games and was firmly in the basement of the USL Championship standings.
Rodriguez staked Oakland to the lead in the first half when he played a beautiful give-and-go with Memo Diaz. Diaz curled his shot around Miami goalkeeper Daniel Gagliardi and just inside the far post for the lead.
Just before the half, Rodriguez had a chance to put Oakland up by two goals but Gagliardi saved his free kick attempt.
The insurance goal came in the 68th minute. The Roots’ Justin Rasmussen crossed a tantalizing ball right into the path of Rodriguez, who one-timed it into the back of the net.
Miami attempted to rally back after falling behind by two goals when Frank Lopez scored for the home side, dancing around the Root’s defense in the 75th minute. Despite some intense pressure, Oakland’s defense was able to withstand the Miami FC attack. The Roots players joyfully celebrated an important victory when the final whistle sounded.
With the win, Oakland stayed firmly in third place in the Western Conference standings.
Next up for the Roots is a well-timed two-week break in the schedule before their next game on Saturday, August 10th, at home against Loudoun United FC.
