3 Things To Watch: Oakland Roots v. Rising

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First things first, it’s the Oakland Roots' first home game at Laney College and it feels like New Year’s Eve with kickoff being the stroke of midnight. We’re watching for the home fans to be going completely stupid. 

And does that new field look slick. Personally, I love it. 

Some Phoenix fans have aired gripes on Twitter, but I’m certainly not taking stylistic advice from anyone living in Arizona, where camouflage is considered fashionable. 

Manager and technical director Jordan Ferrell pointed out that he’s hopeful Wednesday’s game provides the “spark” toward Oakland’s final two months.  

“For a lot of the guys, they don’t even know what the energy of Laney is like. I think that’s going to be something very unique. Phoenix is a tough opponent, for sure, but I think the group will be ready. They’re hungry. I think the energy at Laney will provide them with the perspective on the club and community that they haven’t had yet. I think we’re looking at that to be the spark for us,” said Ferrell. 

With that, here’s looking to the match:

1. How the Roots respond to the atmosphere.

Obvious one here, as already mentioned above. This team has yet to play in front of a full home crowd, and the energy will be required against the No. 1 team in the USL Pacific Division, Phoenix (10-2-2, 32 points).

As an attendee to all but the very first Oakland Roots match at Laney, there’s a confidence that the Town’s atmosphere can rival the top clubs in the USL despite its first-season complications. 

Only two players on the current roster were on 2019’s NISA squad that played at Laney, Taylor Bailey and Yohannes Harish, while Ariel Mbumba made one appearance in the spring of 2020 against Chattanooga prior to the global pandemic. 

2. Who is available?

This lineup has to be coming back to full health, right? Ferrell has a difficult hand in managing player health in regards to COVID-19 recovery and handling their availability for the busy schedule ahead. We hate to sound like a broken record, but the situation has to be mentioned. 

Danny Flores, Tarn Weir, Emrah Klimenta, and Soya Takahashi played full 90s against OCSC. Max Ornstil received a red card for violent conduct, which deems a 4-game suspension; no news on whether the Roots have appealed. 

Routine starters like Akeem Ward and Ariel Mbumba did not play against OC; Ward seems destined to start at wingback, Mbumba could fill Flores’ role, Chuy Enriquez could play atop the attack, Tyler Blackwood could have fresh legs after being out against OC. A lot of maybes until we build rep with the physio sources. 

Supporters are eager to see Jeremy Bokila prove his dominance of the USL, while Brandon Allen is another physical striker who outsizes defenders. 

Even at goalkeeper, the Roots can turn to three-straight starter Paul Blanchette, bring back Zeus de la Paz’s mighty boot for his first match back from Curacao duties, or Taylor Bailey can look to go 2/2 on clean sheets. 

With that, we’re hoping today’s lineup provides a better look at Ferrell’s favorite starting 11.  

3. What’s the plan for Phoenix?

It’s needless to say that the Roots don’t want to concede another multi-goal loss, let alone go another game without a goal. 

For Rising, they haven’t lost a game since June 19’s 2-1 loss to San Diego. They are coming off three consecutive strong wins; 5-0 over Los Dos, 1-0 against Loyal, and a 3-1 win on RGV Toros—it’s going to be a difficult home opener. 

We mentioned Risings’ Solomon Asante, Santi Moar, Rufat Dadashov, and James Musa as players to key on. Overall, we’re hopeful for a competitive match against Rising and for Oakland’s talent to shine through.

Today’s match certainly does feel like the page-turning towards a successful future in Oakland, and a competitive performance will help springboard the lineup. 


 

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