Stoppage time was not kind to the Oakland Roots Saturday evening versus Orange County SC.
The Roots gave up a goal each in extra time of the first and second half off of set pieces to suffer a difficult loss, 2-1, in Southern California.
Mbumba wonder goal
Oakland came out strong, taking the lead off an Ariel Mbumba strike nineteen minutes into the game.
During an attack forward Brian Brown found Mbumba out wide. The winger performed several stepovers forcing back-peddling OC defender Brent Richards to lose his balance. Mbumba then struck a fine shot through Richards’s legs and just inside the far post of the goal for an early advantage.
Johnny Rodriguez should’ve put the Roots into a commanding two-goal advantage nine minutes later when he was sprung behind the OC defensive line and was one-on-one with the keeper Patrick Rakovsky.
Unfortunately, Rodriguez wasn’t confident or quick with his advantage, and the Orange County defensive line recovered to stamp out the attack.
Orange County strikes back
The home side started their comeback on a free kick in the first minute of stoppage time in the first half. OC’s Brian Iloski lofted a cross off a free-kick to an unmarked Michael Orozco, who headed the ball into the net to tie the game at the break.
After battling throughout the second half, it looked like Oakland would leave the game with a valuable away point until the second half extra time began.
In the ninety-first minute, Orange County earned a corner kick. The ball was sent into the box and eventually found its way to Mikko Kuninga, who knocked the ball into the net for the full three points.
Roots stay in fourth place, for now
Tacoma lost a 2-1 result to Phoenix Rising to remain tied on points. Despite the loss, the Roots held onto their fourth-place position for now. Sacramento Republic will face off against LA Galaxy II on Sunday. If the Republic can earn a victory against Los Angeles, they will jump the Roots into fourth place.
Oakland will look to get back on track next Saturday night at Laney Stadium against Las Vegas Lights.
