Recap: Oakland Roots fall 1-0 Phoenix Rising in Laney College return

The Oakland Roots fought to a 1-0 loss against Phoenix Rising in its home opener at Laney College, unveiling its new striped turf field.

Despite the loss, the sentiments from countless fans in the stands were similar to manager Jordan Ferrell’s; it was so nice to be home.

"It's a beautiful night at Laney. We've been telling everybody this is what it feels like. I thought it was an amazing opportunity to show the whole world what the magic of Laney is like. Unfortunately, the result didn't go our way," said Ferrell.

Fueled by $1 beers, the crowd provided its rowdy atmosphere Ferrell has come accustomed to seeing. For Phoenix, however, their $1 beer-magic continues. They went 13-0-0 on $1 beer night promotions in 2019, home or away. 

Oakland Roots held their own despite going another game without a goal, finishing with five shots with four chances created and 49 percent possession, per FotMob.

The Roots had their most complete lineup in the last month, bringing back winger Chuy Enriquez, midfielder Matias Fissore, featuring Jesus Hernandez in his natural #10 role, and having a true striker partnership in Brandon Allen and Jeremy Bokila playing atop.

Regardless of the scoring drought continuing, the Roots had their chances.

"I think the first 20 minutes we were creating some pretty good chances. Utilizing Chuy back in the midfield where he wants the ball, utilizing Memo as well getting forward down that side. We got to see Bokila really stretch his legs and run, which is a huge positive for us. Just the group coming back from COVID, I think you're starting to see more of what we've seen in training. We still have more pieces to get back, though," said Ferrell.

In the 8th minute, Memo Diaz nearly found Tarn Weir for a header at the far post after Hernandez found Diaz in space down the wing. On the ensuing corner, the ball fell to the feet of Emrah Klimenta, but his shot skied over the net.

In the second half, Akeem Ward had a near chance after making a Rising defender fall just a few yards in front of the net, but his look for a cross was pushed out for a corner.

Bokila had the Roots’ best chance to tie the game 1-1 in the 80th minute on a longball from Zeus de la Paz, angling the ball into his direction off the volley—but his shot arched wide to the right.

De la Paz had a pair of monumental saves on the night; one being a leaping save at 45 minutes after Aodhan Quinn uncorked a longshot. He then recorded a big one-on-one save in the 69th minute.

The Roots left Wednesday night with a pair of injuries; Weir was carted off with a lower leg injury, while Tarek Morad took a blow to the head in the 56th. Just eight minutes later, Quinn scored after Solomon Asante rolled a pass to David Egbo, who found the shooter.

 "Obviously, you have your captain center back go down with an injury, that unsettles a team somewhat. He was a monster for us in the first half and basically up until that point [of his injury]... It changes the game," said Ferrell regarding Morad’s injury.

"Those are two forced changes, as opposed to changes we needed to make tactically or otherwise. Those are unfortunate but hopefully those guys are back quickly," he added. 

The Roots watch their record dip to 1-3-7 with a -12 goal differential. They look ahead to Sunday, August 8 on the road in Washington at Tacoma Defiance, where the Roots’ former keeper Christian Herrera is starting.