Saturday evening at the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum everything was going just fine for the Oakland Roots as the second half wound down. Despite dominating the possession (61%) they conceded a 22nd minute goal to Philip Goodrum of Lexington SC. But that was swiftly leveled in the 52nd minute when Peter Wilson powered in a free header from a picture-perfect cross from Tommy McCabe. The Roots supporters, already buoyed by an uplifting halftime performance from percussion legend Sheila E, exploded into full voice.
This goal also placed Peter Wilson in a tie with Johnny Rodriguez for most goals scored for Oakland (31). it was also his 12th of the season, putting him two behind Rubio RubÃn of El Paso Locomotive in the Golden Boot race.
And the Roots responded by keeping the kettle at a boil, mustering another four efforts and generally controlling the tempo. If not for a fantastic reaction save from Lexington keeper Oliver Semmle to parry a deflected shot, and another three deflections from defenders, Oakland would have been sitting in the catbird seat with fifteen minutes remaining.
Lexington’s Late Dagger(s)
But soccer can be a cruel sport, and it punishes profligacy in the most brutal ways. In the 78th minute, a Lexington attack managed to penetrate Oakland’s defense. Lexington’s Blaine Ferri, while falling to the ground, lashed out at the ball and sent it straight to Goodrum. The striker’s controlling touch was sublime; his ensuing shot on target. Lexington had regained the lead. Two minutes later, Oakland set up for their ninth corner kick of the game. Lexington, as they had the whole match, handled it and swiftly transitioned into a counter-attack. Once again, Ferri provided the assist, this time delivering a long, arcing pass into space where Marcus Epps sprinted onto the ball. His first touch placed it perfectly, and then showing great strength to hold off Neveal Hackshaw, he rocketed the shot under Kendall McIntosh for the third. Goodrum would get his hat-trick four minutes later, and the Roots would fall 4-1.
It Got Worse… Post-Match Drone Show Cancelled
In between the Lexington goals, the Roots faithful was given more bad news: that evening’s drone show has cancelled “due to circumstances beyond the Oakland Roots’ control.” Some enterprising soul took it upon themselves to create this tongue-in-cheek image and post it on Discord.
Huge Swing… In the Wrong Direction
Heading into this match, Oakland was in 11th place on 27 points. Lexington sat in 8th, on the final playoff berth, but only had 31 points. It was, in classic English parlance, a perfect six-pointer. An Oakland win would narrow their gap to one point against Lexington, and if other results went their way, they’d be in a solid position to fight for a playoff spot with only six matches left in the season.
Alas.
The loss left both teams in the exact same positions they had coming in: Oakland 11th; Lexington 8th. But the gap between them grew to seven points. Even more damaging, wins by Sacramento Republic, Phoenix Rising and Las Vegas Lights meant the other three teams fighting for those playoff spots now had additional three point cushions.
It really was the worst possible scenario.
What’s Next for Oakland Roots
The good news is with six games remaining, there are 18 possible points to be had. If the Roots could win out those matches, the playoff spot would be a virtual lock. Of course, this isn’t likely to happen… Oakland has only won a single game since July 4th. But the Roots are long overdue a late season surge, and the next game will be critical for that. Next Sunday they travel to face Indy Eleven, and gathering three points is mandatory.
Their final five matches are against Western Division opponents, with every fixture a six pointer with a potential to shake up the standings.
