Oakland Roots made quick history Saturday night in the East Bay, but were unable to secure all three points, as Roots drew visiting Detroit City FC by a final score of 1-1.
Roots opened the match in historic fashion, when Oakland’s leading scorer Johnny Rodriguez scored in the very first minute of play, giving his squad a 1-0 lead. The goal was the fastest in club history, and came on a perfect shot from distance into the top corner past the outstretched hands of Detroit netminder Nate Steinwascher. The early goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
The joy was not to last long though, as just moments later Detroit’s Steve Carroll found an equalizer, heading the ball past Roots keeper Paul Blanchette when he was left alone in front of the goal on a corner kick.
Both teams fought hard through the remainder of the half to break the deadlock. Each side created a fair number of scoring chances, trading bouts of possession in the other’s defensive half.
Detroit threatened to take the lead with just moments remaining in the added time of the first half with a rocket of a shot, but Paul “The Wall” Blanchette continued to earn his nickname, making an incredible diving save to keep the game level heading into the half.
Detroit started the second half looking like the more comfortable team, continuing the attacking fervor they ended the first frame with.
Despite the pressure, Paul Blanchette remained steadfast, making highlight save after highlight save, taking control of the game and keeping Oakland in it. His stellar play led to sustained chants from the crowd as they remained hopeful for another Roots goal.
Oakland had a few chances of their own throughout the second half, but reached the referees whistle after the full 90 minutes satisfied to leave with the draw and a point.
Roots will now head on the road to face Charleston Battery on August 4th at 4:30 PM PT, and will return to the East Bay on August 19th when they host the Colorado Springs Switchbacks back at Pioneer Stadium at 7:00 PM PT.
Speaking with Head Coach Noah Delgado
Okay, you got a point. Your overall thoughts of the game?
Yeah, it was a game, you know. Just a physical battle for us, these games. Obviously Lindo going out in warm ups was tough, having a big change on the fly. One less player, and had a couple of guys that we had to rest today. But I’m very happy with the boys’ desire, you know. They started the game unbelievably. Disappointing set piece goal, but I thought the boys put their heart on the line tonight. You know, it looked like a tie early on. And Paul had some amazing saves at the end.
It looked like the teams were very similar in outlook and approach. Was it kind of a stalemate in that sense, or what do you think?
I think a little bit for our side was physical. I mean, you could see at the end of the game players falling down. We had a three day turnaround which is tough. You know, I thought we were okay. But the effort was outstanding.
Oakland Roots SC vs Detroit City FC
USL Championship | July 29, 2023
Venue: Cal State University East Bay, Hayward, California
Kickoff: 7:00 PM PT
Weather: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
SCORELINE:
OAK: 1
DET: 1
SCORING SUMMARY:
OAK: 1’ Johnny Rodriguez
DET: 5’ Steve Carroll
OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Paul Blanchette, Danny Barbir, Neveal Hackshaw, Tarek Morad, Wolfgang Prentice, Joseph Nane (Etsgar Cruz), Daniel Gomez, Memo Diaz, Trayvone Reid (Ryan Her), Johnny Rodriguez (Anuar Peláez), Jeciel Cedeño
Unused subs: Lindo Mfeka, Emrah Klimenta, Damario McIntosh, Taylor Bailey.
Shots: 16 | Shots On Goal: 5 | Corner Kicks: 3 | Fouls: 9 | Offside: 0 |
DETROIT CITY FC LINEUP: Nate Steinwascher, Steve Carroll, Matt Lewis, Michael Bryant, Brett Levis, Abdoulaye Diop, Maxi Rodriguez, Rhys Williams, Rich Ballard (Adrian Billmorot), Dario Suarez (Oniel Fisher), Ben Morris
Unused subs: Ryan Shellow, Devon Amoo-Menjah, Dom Gasso, Barnabus Tanyi
Shots: 11 | Shots On Goal: 9 | Corner Kicks: 3 | Fouls: 10 | Offside: 1 |
