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San Diego Loyal dominated possession early, but could not find the goal as Zeus de la Paz came up with a couple of important first half saves to send the teams into the half level. The second half began in a similar fashion until substitute Miguel Ibarra scored in the 72nd minute to break the deadlock. This was the first of four meetings between the two sides as Oakland next heads to Sacramento ahead of a three game home stand. 

 

 

San Diego Loyal dominated possession early, but could not find the goal as Zeus de la Paz came up with a couple of important first half saves to send the teams into the half level. The second half began in a similar fashion until substitute Miguel Ibarra scored in the 72nd minute to break the deadlock. This was the first of four meetings between the two sides as Oakland next heads to Sacramento ahead of a three game home stand. 

 

 

Head Coach Jordan Ferrell on the biggest takeaway to work on ahead of Sacramento:

Teams are going to come and press us and tonight we looked a little bit nervous, under pressure. When the game finally settled in the second half we were able to move the ball better and get into their 18 and create some chances. We have been a team who is capable of circulating the ball, but I think at the start we just looked jittery. We need to improve our cohesion. 

On how to get back to the 3 goal game confidence: 

The First three games we conceded eight goals. So we wanted to tighten that up and we have done that in the last two matches. That was the emphasis of training. On Saturday we got the nil-nil but today we conceded one and not a good one. But defensively we are better and more cohesive. We are more confident defensively and that's a big plus that will carry us through the season. We know we can create goals. But the emphasis in training has been to get to a place where we are not conceding really bad ones. So now that we have that we will use that as a platform going forward to create more chances. 

The importance of the upcoming stretch of 4 games in 2 weeks:

It's going to be really important and we have been able to rotate some players and see some different players get up to speed, that's going to be really crucial. To be able to pick up points in this stretch having the home stand that we will have after Sacramento I think is really important to settle as a group. 

Oakland Roots SC vs San Diego Loyal
USL Championship | June 29, 2021
Venue: Torero Stadium, San Diego, CA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. PT
Weather: 68 degrees

SCORELINE:     1        2        FT
SD                       0        1         1    
OAK                    0        0         0     

SCORING SUMMARY:    
SD: Miguel Ibarra 72’
            
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
OAK: Memo Diaz (Yellow 32’)
SD: Elijah Martin (Yellow 60’)
OAK: Max Ornstil (Yellow 90’)
SD: Austin Guerrero (Yellow 90’)

OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Zeus De La Paz, Ariel Mbumba (Lindo Mfeka 45’), Jeremy Bokila, Kai Greene, Tarek Morad (Max Ornstil 74’), Matias Fissore (Tarn Weir 82’), Jesus Enriquez, Akeem O’Connor-Ward, Memo Diaz (Soya Takahashi 45’), Saalih Muhammed (Emrah Klimenta 60’), Danny Flores

Unused Substitutes: Wal Fall, Taylor Bailey

Shots: 5  | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corner Kicks: 5 | Fouls: 17 | Offside: 1  | 

SAN DIEGO LOYAL LINEUP: Austin Guerrero, Jack Metcalf, Josh Yaro, Callum Montgomery, Elijah Martin, Charlie Adams, Collin Martin, Jack Blake (Miguel Ibarra 67’), Tumi Moshobane (Grant Stoneman 89’), Corey Hertzog (Alejandro Guido 55’), Ben Spencer (Miguel Berry 55’)

Unused Substitutes: Morgan Hackworth, Sal Zizzo, Trey Muse 

Shots: 12  | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corner Kicks: 7  | Fouls: 16  | Offside: 1  | 

OFFICIALS:
Referee: Elvis Osmanovic
Assistant Referee 1: Baboucarr Jallow
Assistant Referee 2: Jose Vega
4th Official: Samantha Martinez

 

 

Head Coach Jordan Ferrell on the biggest takeaway to work on ahead of Sacramento:

Teams are going to come and press us and tonight we looked a little bit nervous, under pressure. When the game finally settled in the second half we were able to move the ball better and get into their 18 and create some chances. We have been a team who is capable of circulating the ball, but I think at the start we just looked jittery. We need to improve our cohesion. 

On how to get back to the 3 goal game confidence: 

The First three games we conceded eight goals. So we wanted to tighten that up and we have done that in the last two matches. That was the emphasis of training. On Saturday we got the nil-nil but today we conceded one and not a good one. But defensively we are better and more cohesive. We are more confident defensively and that’s a big plus that will carry us through the season. We know we can create goals. But the emphasis in training has been to get to a place where we are not conceding really bad ones. So now that we have that we will use that as a platform going forward to create more chances. 

The importance of the upcoming stretch of 4 games in 2 weeks:

It’s going to be really important and we have been able to rotate some players and see some different players get up to speed, that’s going to be really crucial. To be able to pick up points in this stretch having the home stand that we will have after Sacramento I think is really important to settle as a group. 

Oakland Roots SC vs San Diego Loyal
USL Championship | June 29, 2021
Venue: Torero Stadium, San Diego, CA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. PT
Weather: 68 degrees

SCORELINE:     1        2        FT
SD                       0        1         1    
OAK                    0        0         0     

SCORING SUMMARY:    
SD: Miguel Ibarra 72’
            
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
OAK: Memo Diaz (Yellow 32’)
SD: Elijah Martin (Yellow 60’)
OAK: Max Ornstil (Yellow 90’)
SD: Austin Guerrero (Yellow 90’)

OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Zeus De La Paz, Ariel Mbumba (Lindo Mfeka 45’), Jeremy Bokila, Kai Greene, Tarek Morad (Max Ornstil 74’), Matias Fissore (Tarn Weir 82’), Jesus Enriquez, Akeem O’Connor-Ward, Memo Diaz (Soya Takahashi 45’), Saalih Muhammed (Emrah Klimenta 60’), Danny Flores

Unused Substitutes: Wal Fall, Taylor Bailey

Shots: 5  | Shots On Goal: 2 | Corner Kicks: 5 | Fouls: 17 | Offside: 1  | 

SAN DIEGO LOYAL LINEUP: Austin Guerrero, Jack Metcalf, Josh Yaro, Callum Montgomery, Elijah Martin, Charlie Adams, Collin Martin, Jack Blake (Miguel Ibarra 67’), Tumi Moshobane (Grant Stoneman 89’), Corey Hertzog (Alejandro Guido 55’), Ben Spencer (Miguel Berry 55’)

Unused Substitutes: Morgan Hackworth, Sal Zizzo, Trey Muse 

Shots: 12  | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corner Kicks: 7  | Fouls: 16  | Offside: 1  | 

OFFICIALS:
Referee: Elvis Osmanovic
Assistant Referee 1: Baboucarr Jallow
Assistant Referee 2: Jose Vega
4th Official: Samantha Martinez

 

 

Oakland Roots get their first clean sheet of the season as goalkeeper Zeus de la Paz made his return to the team after being on international duty with Curacao. While Austin outshot Roots sixteen to three, Roots defense held strong. Roots look to stout defensively, as they travel down to Southern California this Tuesday to face San Diego Loyal who are coming off a win against Las Vegas. Despite neither team finding the back of the net, the match was a tough battle with six players receiving yellow cards.

 

 

Oakland Roots get their first clean sheet of the season as goalkeeper Zeus de la Paz made his return to the team after being on international duty with Curacao. While Austin outshot Roots sixteen to three, Roots defense held strong. Roots look to stout defensively, as they travel down to Southern California this Tuesday to face San Diego Loyal who are coming off a win against Las Vegas. Despite neither team finding the back of the net, the match was a tough battle with six players receiving yellow cards.

 

 

Head Coach Jordan Ferrell on the team's first clean sheet of the season:

Yeah it's important. We've been leaking goals. Even in the last game against OC we gave up a bad one. I think tonight even though they had shots, I don't think they were dangerous, which is a big positive for us. Look at the way we started and to get here tonight.

On why the team struggled to create as many chances as games past: 

After two weeks off, it’s hard to say you are in a rhythm. I think there were a couple of moments when it all settled, and that's just going to come from games. We have a run of quite a few games coming, and I think we will be able to find a rhythm. I think we created some pretty good ones late on that could have been, but I also knew they were really dangerous on the counter attack. We wanted to balance being expansive and opening the game up with what could punish us.

Any message for the Oakland fans who could not be here tonight. 

We are all disappointed we could not kick off at home with them. I think we missed their energy tonight for sure, but we plan to be back on July 10th in front of them and put on a good performance.

Goalkeeper Zeus de la Paz on the first clean sheet: 

Nothing better than a clean sheet. That's what you want as a goalkeeper; you just don't want to concede goals. We wanted to win games too, but we didn't score unfortunately. 

On the need for getting a run of games:

That's the main thing that we miss. We need to get games, get games in our legs, and need to play together because you can only do so much in training. Game after game, if we get that feeling, it will be better for us. 

Oakland Roots SC vs Austin Bold FC
USL Championship | June 26, 2021
Venue: Las Positas College, Livermore, California 
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. PT
Weather: 78 degrees

SCORELINE:          1        2        FT
OAK                         0        0         0
ATX                          0        0         0            
                
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
ATX: Ycaza (Yellow 8’)
OAK : Klimenta (Yellow 25’)
OAK: O’Connor-Ward (Yellow 29’)
OAK: Mbumba (Yellow 41’)
OAK: Enríquez (Yellow 63’)
ATX: Okoli (Yellow 64’)

OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Zeus De La Paz, Ariel Mbumba (Jeremy Bokila 60’), Soya Takahashi (Tarn Weir 90+1’), Max Ornstil (Kai Greene 61’), Tarek Morad, Matias Fissore, Lindo Mfeka, Jesus Enriquez, Akeem O’Connor-Ward (Memo Diaz 84’), Emrah Klimenta, Danny Flores

Unused Substitutes: Wal Fall, Saalih Muhammed, Taylor Bailey

Shots: 3 | Shots On Goal: 1 | Corner Kicks: 0 | Fouls: 17 | Offside: 4 | 

AUSTIN BOLD LINEUP: Elliot Panicco, Nick Hinds, Fabien Garcia, Gustavo Rissi, Amobi Okugo, Xavi Baez, Emilio Ycaza (Collin Fernandez 57’), Owayne Gordon, Ates Diouf (JJ Johnson 79’), Stefano Pinho (Juan Pablo Torres 72’), Ugo Okoli

Unused Substitutes: Hugo Fauroux, Casey Walls, Josue Soto, Gilbert Fuentes

Shots: 16 | Shots On Goal: 6 | Corner Kicks: 5 | Fouls: 9 | Offside: 3 | 

OFFICIALS:
Referee: Joseph Salinas, 
Assistant Referee 1: Stephen McGonagle
Assistant Referee 2: Justin Fillmore
4th Official: Devlin Creighton
 

 

Head Coach Jordan Ferrell on the team’s first clean sheet of the season:

Yeah it’s important. We’ve been leaking goals. Even in the last game against OC we gave up a bad one. I think tonight even though they had shots, I don’t think they were dangerous, which is a big positive for us. Look at the way we started and to get here tonight.

On why the team struggled to create as many chances as games past: 

After two weeks off, it’s hard to say you are in a rhythm. I think there were a couple of moments when it all settled, and that’s just going to come from games. We have a run of quite a few games coming, and I think we will be able to find a rhythm. I think we created some pretty good ones late on that could have been, but I also knew they were really dangerous on the counter attack. We wanted to balance being expansive and opening the game up with what could punish us.

Any message for the Oakland fans who could not be here tonight. 

We are all disappointed we could not kick off at home with them. I think we missed their energy tonight for sure, but we plan to be back on July 10th in front of them and put on a good performance.

Goalkeeper Zeus de la Paz on the first clean sheet: 

Nothing better than a clean sheet. That’s what you want as a goalkeeper; you just don’t want to concede goals. We wanted to win games too, but we didn’t score unfortunately. 

On the need for getting a run of games:

That’s the main thing that we miss. We need to get games, get games in our legs, and need to play together because you can only do so much in training. Game after game, if we get that feeling, it will be better for us. 

Oakland Roots SC vs Austin Bold FC
USL Championship | June 26, 2021
Venue: Las Positas College, Livermore, California 
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. PT
Weather: 78 degrees

SCORELINE:          1        2        FT
OAK                         0        0         0
ATX                          0        0         0            
                
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:
ATX: Ycaza (Yellow 8’)
OAK : Klimenta (Yellow 25’)
OAK: O’Connor-Ward (Yellow 29’)
OAK: Mbumba (Yellow 41’)
OAK: Enríquez (Yellow 63’)
ATX: Okoli (Yellow 64’)

OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Zeus De La Paz, Ariel Mbumba (Jeremy Bokila 60’), Soya Takahashi (Tarn Weir 90+1’), Max Ornstil (Kai Greene 61’), Tarek Morad, Matias Fissore, Lindo Mfeka, Jesus Enriquez, Akeem O’Connor-Ward (Memo Diaz 84’), Emrah Klimenta, Danny Flores

Unused Substitutes: Wal Fall, Saalih Muhammed, Taylor Bailey

Shots: 3 | Shots On Goal: 1 | Corner Kicks: 0 | Fouls: 17 | Offside: 4 | 

AUSTIN BOLD LINEUP: Elliot Panicco, Nick Hinds, Fabien Garcia, Gustavo Rissi, Amobi Okugo, Xavi Baez, Emilio Ycaza (Collin Fernandez 57’), Owayne Gordon, Ates Diouf (JJ Johnson 79’), Stefano Pinho (Juan Pablo Torres 72’), Ugo Okoli

Unused Substitutes: Hugo Fauroux, Casey Walls, Josue Soto, Gilbert Fuentes

Shots: 16 | Shots On Goal: 6 | Corner Kicks: 5 | Fouls: 9 | Offside: 3 | 

OFFICIALS:
Referee: Joseph Salinas, 
Assistant Referee 1: Stephen McGonagle
Assistant Referee 2: Justin Fillmore
4th Official: Devlin Creighton
 

Roots Family,

The past few days have been difficult for all of us at Roots. Ahead of our debut USL Championship season and as part of our ongoing investment in Laney, we ordered a brand new, state-of-the-art turf system. Due to significant shipping delays caused by COVID-19 and weather along the way, this turf was not delivered on time. In the meantime, we proceeded with the field system we have used for every game in the past. This involved us installing 2900 panels of turf, with as little disruption as possible for Laney Football, before every match. As you all know, the USL and the referees for Saturday’s game deemed the field unsuitable for play during pre-match inspections. 

This Saturday, June 26th, we are scheduled to play a home game against Austin Bold FC. Our priority in the last few days has been to ensure that what happened last Saturday will not happen again. We have made the decision that the only way we can be certain of this is not to use the turf system from last year, and to find an alternative venue for the match.

Together with USL, we have been working around the clock to find the best alternative local venue which meets the following requirements;

• Soccer specific field, without football field lines

• Field dimensions no less than 110 yards long by 70 yards wide

• Facility must meet USL requirements and standards

• Facility is able to meet USL Broadcast Television Standards 

Our decision is that we will play Saturday’s match at Roots’ training facility at Las Positas College in Livermore. Las Positas College has served as Roots’ training facility throughout the global pandemic and has been used by multiple National Teams as a training facility in the past. Given all the factors described above, as well as availability, we believe Las Positas College is the best alternative option, especially in terms of minimizing the disruption for our players as they compete for The Town. USL have already confirmed the facility meets their requirements for this match.

Unfortunately, this means that Roots fans will not be able to attend this Saturday’s match. It’s with huge disappointment that we have arrived at this decision, given how much work we put into our fan experience, but we believe it’s the best decision we can make to play the match this weekend.

For a full refund and/or questions please email tickets@rootssc.com. If you purchased a ticket to the 6/26 match, you will receive a credit for the equivalent value to a future match of your choice. This credit will be automatically added to your online ticket account. This, along with the credit from the 6/19 game will take into effect in the coming day(s). We apologize for the inconvenience and hope that you will exercise the option to join us at Laney again on the new surface later in the season. 

The Game will still be streamed on ESPN+ and broadcast on KOFY now at 7:30 PM for fans to enjoy and support the players. 

It's been a journey, and we are committed to growth in our community. One of the Core Values we instill in our players and staff is ‘Do, Learn, Grow’ and the importance of learning from mistakes. We are all deeply sorry for the mistakes we made at the start of our USL Championship season and we truly appreciate each and every one of you who believe that the future of Oakland Roots holds something truly special.

Roots Family,

The past few days have been difficult for all of us at Roots. Ahead of our debut USL Championship season and as part of our ongoing investment in Laney, we ordered a brand new, state-of-the-art turf system. Due to significant shipping delays caused by COVID-19 and weather along the way, this turf was not delivered on time. In the meantime, we proceeded with the field system we have used for every game in the past. This involved us installing 2900 panels of turf, with as little disruption as possible for Laney Football, before every match. As you all know, the USL and the referees for Saturday’s game deemed the field unsuitable for play during pre-match inspections. 

This Saturday, June 26th, we are scheduled to play a home game against Austin Bold FC. Our priority in the last few days has been to ensure that what happened last Saturday will not happen again. We have made the decision that the only way we can be certain of this is not to use the turf system from last year, and to find an alternative venue for the match.

Together with USL, we have been working around the clock to find the best alternative local venue which meets the following requirements;

• Soccer specific field, without football field lines

• Field dimensions no less than 110 yards long by 70 yards wide

• Facility must meet USL requirements and standards

• Facility is able to meet USL Broadcast Television Standards 

Our decision is that we will play Saturday’s match at Roots’ training facility at Las Positas College in Livermore. Las Positas College has served as Roots’ training facility throughout the global pandemic and has been used by multiple National Teams as a training facility in the past. Given all the factors described above, as well as availability, we believe Las Positas College is the best alternative option, especially in terms of minimizing the disruption for our players as they compete for The Town. USL have already confirmed the facility meets their requirements for this match.

Unfortunately, this means that Roots fans will not be able to attend this Saturday’s match. It’s with huge disappointment that we have arrived at this decision, given how much work we put into our fan experience, but we believe it’s the best decision we can make to play the match this weekend.

For a full refund and/or questions please email tickets@rootssc.com. If you purchased a ticket to the 6/26 match, you will receive a credit for the equivalent value to a future match of your choice. This credit will be automatically added to your online ticket account. This, along with the credit from the 6/19 game will take into effect in the coming day(s). We apologize for the inconvenience and hope that you will exercise the option to join us at Laney again on the new surface later in the season. 

The Game will still be streamed on ESPN+ and broadcast on KOFY now at 7:30 PM for fans to enjoy and support the players. 

It’s been a journey, and we are committed to growth in our community. One of the Core Values we instill in our players and staff is ‘Do, Learn, Grow’ and the importance of learning from mistakes. We are all deeply sorry for the mistakes we made at the start of our USL Championship season and we truly appreciate each and every one of you who believe that the future of Oakland Roots holds something truly special.

Roots Family, 

Last night, our long-awaited inaugural home game in the USL Championship was postponed for a later date, as officials from the league and Professional Referee Association deemed our field surface unplayable.

We are deeply disappointed by our failure to deliver a best-in-class soccer experience for the fans and players alike. We are working diligently to make amends and have a plan to upgrade our field at Laney College Stadium. 

A new, state of the art playing surface was ordered and was supposed to be ready for our home season. Due to a mixture of COVID-19 and weather-related incidents, significant shipping delays occurred. That delay required us to reuse our existing field. Our new field surface will be installed for our July 10th match. 

First and foremost, we apologize to the Oakland community and our Roots fans. We know how important this game was to you, and we let you down. We will do our absolute best to make up for this and appreciate all of your patience and support you showed last night.

Next, to the players, coaches, and sporting departments of Roots SC and Sacramento Republic FC. We have listened to your feedback regarding the playing surface – we want you to feel comfortable playing the game you love and bringing joy to our loyal fans. 

Lastly, to our extended family, from the workers at Laney College, to community organizations, our sponsors, and media partners, we know how hard you worked to make yesterday an historic night in Oakland. We did not hold up our end, and for that, we are sorry.

We truly appreciate the understanding and support you have all shown us. Our fans and our Town have always inspired us to be better. We apologize for letting you down, and we look forward to working even harder to bring you the world class experience and home opener you deserve.

We’d like to thank Big Von, Goapele, and Marshawn Lynch for showing up for the Town like they always do, and all the fans who brought energy and love to our impromptu party.

For a full refund and/or questions please email tickets@rootssc.com. If you purchased a ticket to yesterday’s match, you will automatically be credited with the equivalent value to a future match of your choice. This will take into effect in the coming day(s).

Will last night’s game be rescheduled?

After holding discussions with the league and Sacramento Republic, we are looking to schedule a match on a field acceptable to both clubs at a future date. 

What about next Saturday’s game (6.26.2021) against Austin Bold? 

We are working on solutions to be able to play next Saturday’s match and will communicate decisions once they are made. 
 

Roots Family, 

Last night, our long-awaited inaugural home game in the USL Championship was postponed for a later date, as officials from the league and Professional Referee Association deemed our field surface unplayable.

We are deeply disappointed by our failure to deliver a best-in-class soccer experience for the fans and players alike. We are working diligently to make amends and have a plan to upgrade our field at Laney College Stadium. 

A new, state of the art playing surface was ordered and was supposed to be ready for our home season. Due to a mixture of COVID-19 and weather-related incidents, significant shipping delays occurred. That delay required us to reuse our existing field. Our new field surface will be installed for our July 10th match. 

First and foremost, we apologize to the Oakland community and our Roots fans. We know how important this game was to you, and we let you down. We will do our absolute best to make up for this and appreciate all of your patience and support you showed last night.

Next, to the players, coaches, and sporting departments of Roots SC and Sacramento Republic FC. We have listened to your feedback regarding the playing surface – we want you to feel comfortable playing the game you love and bringing joy to our loyal fans. 

Lastly, to our extended family, from the workers at Laney College, to community organizations, our sponsors, and media partners, we know how hard you worked to make yesterday an historic night in Oakland. We did not hold up our end, and for that, we are sorry.

We truly appreciate the understanding and support you have all shown us. Our fans and our Town have always inspired us to be better. We apologize for letting you down, and we look forward to working even harder to bring you the world class experience and home opener you deserve.

We’d like to thank Big Von, Goapele, and Marshawn Lynch for showing up for the Town like they always do, and all the fans who brought energy and love to our impromptu party.

For a full refund and/or questions please email tickets@rootssc.com. If you purchased a ticket to yesterday’s match, you will automatically be credited with the equivalent value to a future match of your choice. This will take into effect in the coming day(s).

Will last night’s game be rescheduled?

After holding discussions with the league and Sacramento Republic, we are looking to schedule a match on a field acceptable to both clubs at a future date. 

What about next Saturday’s game (6.26.2021) against Austin Bold? 

We are working on solutions to be able to play next Saturday’s match and will communicate decisions once they are made. 
 

 

Oakland Roots will play their first-ever match in the USL Championship against the Sacramento Republic on Saturday June 19th. As the first, Purpose-driven professional sports team in the United States, Roots will mark this historic occasion with a festival of celebration, education and inspiration centering Black artists, activists, students and athletes to commemorate ‘Juneteenth’.

Since the 2021 USL Championship schedule was announced, Roots has been working closely with the league to try to align this historic moment in the history of the club with Freedom Day. 

The gameday experience will include:

• A pre-game celebration at Laney College hosted by the Oakland chapter of the NAACP
• Prior to the players setting foot on the field, a Land Acknowledgement will be performed by a representative of the Confederated Villages of the Lisjan Ohlone
• A block party on East 10th Street featuring Black-owned businesses and caterers and a pop-up mobile library from Oakland Public Library celebrating Black authors and readers
• A live musical performance by award-winning Black artist and recognized social activist Goapele
• A half-time address by Ahmed Muhammad, Oakland Tech’s first Black valedictorian
• Special guest appearance by NFL legend and Oakland Roots owner and recipient of the 2021 NAACP Black Male Achievement Award, Marshawn Lynch
• 1% of all ticket sales will support the Oakland Roots Justice Fund, which supports causes at the intersection of race and gender justiceFree COVID testing and vaccinations provided by Roots’ sponsor Anthem Blue Cross and local health partners
   

 

Oakland Roots will play their first-ever match in the USL Championship against the Sacramento Republic on Saturday June 19th. As the first, Purpose-driven professional sports team in the United States, Roots will mark this historic occasion with a festival of celebration, education and inspiration centering Black artists, activists, students and athletes to commemorate ‘Juneteenth’.

Since the 2021 USL Championship schedule was announced, Roots has been working closely with the league to try to align this historic moment in the history of the club with Freedom Day. 

The gameday experience will include:

• A pre-game celebration at Laney College hosted by the Oakland chapter of the NAACP
• Prior to the players setting foot on the field, a Land Acknowledgement will be performed by a representative of the Confederated Villages of the Lisjan Ohlone
• A block party on East 10th Street featuring Black-owned businesses and caterers and a pop-up mobile library from Oakland Public Library celebrating Black authors and readers
• A live musical performance by award-winning Black artist and recognized social activist Goapele
• A half-time address by Ahmed Muhammad, Oakland Tech’s first Black valedictorian
• Special guest appearance by NFL legend and Oakland Roots owner and recipient of the 2021 NAACP Black Male Achievement Award, Marshawn Lynch
• 1% of all ticket sales will support the Oakland Roots Justice Fund, which supports causes at the intersection of race and gender justiceFree COVID testing and vaccinations provided by Roots’ sponsor Anthem Blue Cross and local health partners