Postgame presser: Jordan Ferrell after Roots' 2-1 win over LA Galaxy II

Roots' HC/Technical Director Jordan Ferrell provides his postmatch thoughts. Photo by Jonathan Comeaux

The Oakland Roots got back in the win column yesterday in its 2-1 victory over LA Galaxy II, improving its record to 2-8-4 by claiming their second victory over the Southern California side. Roots' last win came against the Galaxy, a 3-2 win back on May 23. 

Oakland Roots' head coach and technical director Jordan Ferrell has been promising after each match that he'd get us a win. They delivered on Saturday afternoon, leaving Ferrell beaming a smile knowing the first question was coming. 

Here is a full transcription of Ferrell's post-match thoughts.

Initial thoughts? 

"Good overall performance from the team. We had to dig deep on our bench; a fortunate red card changed the game, I don't know if it was or not, but whatever. I think the one thing that concerns me is the opportunities we didn’t take. We had plenty of three versus twos, simple positions that we needed to finish in. We didn't make the game 3-1, so we made the game harder for ourselves. 

"It’s good to get on the win column, but hopefully LA Galaxy II isn’t the only team we are beating this year."

Galaxy scores early, how did the game plan progress?

"A little tweak with Quincy Amarikwa coming in, we're going to see different bits and pieces in the lineup in the way we feel is our best 11 and we saw a little bit more of that today. A couple of changes; we rested Matias Fissore after pushing 90 minutes last game, but it was really important for him to come in and give us security in the second half. I think we did a really good job of pressing them early and forcing them to kick or play out of our press, and that led to the red card.

"I think that gave us some good momentum and we capitalized on it; that's the big thing. Getting that second goal before the half makes a big difference in that situation. 

"LA tried to make some tweaks in the second half and I think we did well with our adjustments. We went from 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, and dropped Lindo Mfeka in the #10 role to give us an extra midfielder. We didn't do as well at securing possession but when we did, you could tell that extra midfielder made a difference. Then we brought in Chuy Enriquez because we thought he'd be important on his side running at people. 

"The goal came from Quincy beating somebody, but Chuy and Quincy are two very different players. We made that adjustment at halftime because we thought it would make a difference for us."

Regarding goal scorers Max Ornstil and Yohannes Harish. 

"Max's hit from the corner was incredible. Just a couple of weeks ago, he was talking about how he needs to do more shooting to be comfortable and I'm happy we got him more shots. You saw when Max scored and the emotion in his celebration. They feel the club differently than others. 

"Yohannes is somebody who's been with us for quite some time. He's spent a lot of time here training and playing at Merritt. To get him on the score sheet today, at home, in what's only our second game in Oakland this season is really special. 

"Max certainly showed that energy and fight, we had to take him off but it wasn't because he hadn't given everything he had. He certainly left it all on the field." 

Regarding Quincy Amarikwa's impact on the team.

"His presence is huge for us. We got a great group, I think the addition of his personality can really be a catalyst for us for the rest of the season. That's what we expect from him, that's why we signed him. It was good to see him create some big moments." 

On Wal Fall's impact in recent weeks.

"You're starting to see more of our experienced guys play for us game-in and game-out; these guys know what it takes to win at this level and you see Wal's influence and just the organization of the team on the field, it's really important and why we brought him here to be our captain and leader. 

"He gave everything today; but more than that, his brain on the field makes a difference. You see him and Jose [Hernandez] work together and balance the team out." 

How was the energy at Merritt College? 

"It was great, the energy from the fans was big for us. Like I said, we have to do our part to seal the game at 3-1. But I think the guys were excited to play with a lead after shooting ourselves in the foot early in our last couple of games. Huge result today."