Roots Promote Project 51O's Restani, academy deals for 2 De Anza Force prospects

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 By Jonathan Comeaux


The Oakland Roots announced that they have signed three players over the last two days, promoting forward Joseph Restani from Project 51O on July 23 while signing forward Javier Mariona and goal keeper Marco Brougher to USL Academy contracts.

Signing players to academy deals assure they maintain college eligibility. Mariona and Brougher join Danny Flores as the third academy contract on the roster.


The additions of Restani and Mariona add considerable depth to the Roots’ front line after being without Jeremy Bokila, Tyler Blackwood, Johnny Rodriguez, and fellow recent acquisition Brandon Allen.


Brougher, meanwhile, becomes the club’s fourth keeper alongside Zeus de la Paz, Taylor Bailey, and Paul Blanchette.


Restani, 23, is a graduate of St. Mary’s College in Moraga and appeared in 63 matches from 2016-2019, scoring 29 goals for the Gaels. He earned second-team All-WCC honors as a senior.


“We are very excited to add Restani to the squad,” said Yamamoto in the club’s statement. “Joe is a local Northern California product that has come through the college ranks, worked through our Project 51O Reserve Team and has earned a spot in our first team.”


Both Mariona (16-years old) and Brougher (17-years old) are products of De Anza Force Academy, where Roots VP of Soccer Development Eric Yamamoto is the Boys’ Force 03/02 U19 head coach.


Additionally, former Oakland Roots manager Paul Bravo is the Force Boys Elite Program Director—clearly making them sought-after prospects in the Roots’ personnel department.


“Marco is a great example of high potential youth players that we are looking to bring into our First Team. As we identify top young talent, we hope that this direct path to first team football will accelerate their development,” mentioned Yamamoto in Saturday’s statement.


“Mariona is a talented young attacker. We are very excited about his potential,” he added.


Going into Sunday’s meeting with Los Angeles Galaxy II, it will be interesting to see where the forwards fit in after Blackwood made a return to practice this week.


The Roots are currently 1-3-4 and aching for offensive productivity to turn attention away from the stadium issues thus far.

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