3 Things To Watch: Oakland Roots v. LA Galaxy II

 By Jonathan Comeaux

Two weeks and a COVID-19 postponement since the Oakland Roots last game on July 10, we’re hopeful the lapse of time helps turn the page on a month and a half of frustration for the first-year USL Championship side. 

The Roots were without near its entire roster on July 10, meaning players like Jeremy Bokila, Brandon Allen, Danny Flores, Yohannes Harish, Chuy Enriquez, Wal Fall, and Tyler Blackwood should be available. 

Harish and Blackwood have missed considerable time since sustaining injuries and could be members of the starting lineup. The Roots’ video of Blackwood earlier this week intimates he’ll be available, while Harish was on the field practicing after July 10 and created an assist in his last appearance on May 23—the Roots’ only win, 3-2 over LA Galaxy II. 

At 1-3-4, the Roots are aching to put the Laney College disruption, subsequent scheduling, and COVID-19 woes behind them against Los Dos. 

Here are a few things to look for in today’s match:

1. Who starts, how does it impact playing style?

Spirits were high for Roots after its 3-2 win over LA Galaxy II on May 23; it was the last time manager Jordan Ferrell had a full lineup with Bokila being a huge second-half sub toward the win. Oakland showed its best attacking presence back in May. 

Now two months later, the Roots are still looking for another win but have since gone through a myriad of issues—making predicting a starting lineup very difficult. 

Should Allen or Bokila be available, we should expect to see them up top. Same goes for Enriquez starting on the left-wing.

If Harish is available, does he step back into a starting role, come off the bench, or is he still on the sideline? It’s hard to imagine Matias Fissore out of the starting midfield if he’s available as well. 

2. Can Roots capitalize on struggling Los Dos?

Sunday’s match is the perfect situation for both clubs to pull out of poor two-month stretches. 

Los Dos hasn’t won since May 29’s 4-3 victory over OCSC, while the LA side has scored one goal in the last four matches: they recently lost 5-0 to Phoenix Rising on July 17, tied 1-1 with Tacoma on July 11, and fell 3-0 to Rising on July 3, and lost 2-0 to Tacoma on June 27. 

The Roots reeled off 18 shots with five on target against LA Galaxy II back in May with 54 percent possession time—showing some clear possessive style. With attackers returning to the roster, can Oakland provide more offensive opportunities? 

3. Who starts in goal?

With Curacao ending its Gold Cup duties, does Zeus de la Paz start in net? Although he’s appeared accident-prone during some appearances, he was the unquestioned starter when departing for his national team and showed serious link-up play when bombing long balls into the attacking third. 

Taylor Bailey came off a 0-0 clean sheet against Sac Republic on July 7, showing the acrobatics he exhibited back in 2019. Paul Blanchette, meanwhile, showed capable skills in the Roots’ 2-1 loss to Las Vegas Lights on July 10. 

The Roots also signed 17-year old keeper Marco Brougher to an academy contract on Saturday; needless to say he's doubtful to start.

The depth at the keeper position is a testament to Roots goalkeeper coach Jeremy Clark, who drew high praise from both Ferrell, and assistant coach Chris Malenab in our last conversation on July 10.