Oakland controlled the day and held visiting Academica SC shotless through the entirety of the contest as Soul cruised to three points in a 4-0 win at Merritt College on Sunday afternoon.
Soul dominated during the first 45, maintaining possession and playing a significant portion of the opening frame in the attacking third of the field.
Oakland did not shy away from attacking Academica SC’s keeper Natakia Ochoa, putting nine shots on goal in the first half. Soul were rewarded twice for this relentless pursuit of paydirt.
At the 20’ mark, Miranda Nild sent a cross to midfielder Jaida Nyby who rifled it into the twine putting Oakland ahead 1-0.
Moments later, Nild got her own chance to score when she drilled a shot from outside of the penalty area that ultimately rang off the corner post. She would not be denied again on her next opportunity, which came at the 30’ mark as Sam Tran delivered a pass to her across the face of the goal. Nild shook off a nearby defender before depositing the ball into the back of the net to double Soul’s lead at 2-0.
In the second half, Soul displayed more of the same, using precision passing and a solid game plan to frustrate Academica SC, stifling their offense, and picking apart their defense.
In the 52nd minute, Jordan Geis took control herself, scoring to increase Soul’s lead to 3-0.
For good measure and to seal the game. Oakland treated the sold out crowd to some Soul magic at the 82’ mark when Teresa Noyola headed home the squads fourth goal of the afternoon off a precision dish from Sarah Mirr.
Oakland Soul plays again at home this Thursday, June 1st against Stockton Cargo at Merritt College with kickoff at 6:00 PM PT.
Oakland Roots SC vs Academica SC
USL W League | May 28, 2023
Venue: Merritt College, Oakland, California
Kickoff: 2:00 PM PT
Weather: 58 degrees, cloudy
SCORELINE:
OAK: 4
ASC: 0
SCORING SUMMARY:
OAK: 20’ Jaida Nyby
OAK: 30’ Miranda Nild
OAK: 52’ Jordan Geis
OAK: 82’ Teresa Noyola
OAKLAND SOUL LINEUP: Layla Armas, Aliyah Schinaman, Marissa Garcia, Mia Parkhurst, Malia Yamamoto (Zoe Franks), Henar Urteaga (Sarah Mirr), Kaytlin Brinkman (Nayeli Diaz), Manaka Hayashi, Jaida Nyby (Grace Thao), Miranda Nild (Jordan Geis), Sam Tran (Teresa Noyola)
Unused subs: Maleni Morales