Now quickly moving into the offseason with the first batch of official re-signings completed for the Oakland Roots on Thursday, we take some time to reflect on a tremendous first season in the USL Championship that culminated in a playoff berth and first-round 1-0 defeat of El Paso.
Supporters from the Oakland 68s, La Brigada Del Pueblo, and Homegrown Hooligans have come together to create their own award (official name TBD) to honor a player whom they feel accomplished the on-and-off of the field duties to successfully represent the Oakland Roots SC badge.
Provided are seven players in alphabetical order nominated by the supporters' groups for your consideration. Scroll down to the bottom to place your vote.
Paul Blanchette
Paul Blanchette, a local of Palo Alto, emerged in the lineup as a late addition on July 6 after former keeper Ben Beaury elected to part ways with the club. He was officially among the players picked up for an extension in 2022 after unseating Zeus de la Paz for the starting role; a tremendous resurgence after making just 10 appearances for Rio Grande Valley in 2020.
In 2021, Blanchette started 21 times and finished with six clean sheets, and was the No. 9 keeper in the USL in Goals Allowed Rate. He finished with a 6.79 FotMob rating and recorded six clean sheets with 3.2 saves per match.
Blanchette was instrumental in the Roots' 1-0 playoff win over El Paso where he logged four saves and Man of the Match with an 8.6 rating.
Memo Diaz
Memo Diaz was another player who overcame adversity after being cast aside earlier in his career with the El Paso Locomotive. Becoming a routine starting wingback opposite of Akeem Ward, Diaz finished second on the team in minutes with 2,157, scored once, and drew three penalty kicks.
Diaz led the club with an average rating of 7.06 by FotMob while finishing with a 7.76 rating in the playoffs.
Moreover, the relationship between Diaz, his family, and the Oakland Roots' supporters clubs is an important reflection of his value to the organization. His family brought the noise out in El Paso, bringing along flags and banners from La Brigada Del Pueblo and the Oakland 68s out into the Texas stadium.
Diaz will be back in 2022.
Chuy Enriquez
Chuy Enriquez, another Bay Area native, emerged as a fan-favorite in the lineup due to his skills on the pitch and connection to the fanbase. During a short stint out of the lineup, Enriquez made his way to the stands to bang La Brigada Del Pueblo's drum. From that point, Chuy produced over the final stretch of the season.
Enriquez finished the season with 22 appearances and 19 starts to record four goals and three assists over 1,652 minutes. He finished 2021 with a 6.73 overall rating and twice earned Man of the Match; at Los Angeles (May 23) and at Las Vegas (Aug. 21).
Enriquez is unconfirmed for the 2022 roster.
Matias Fissore
Matias Fissore emerged as a leader of the club after signing out of Argentina's San Martín Tucumán. He averaged 32.5 accurate passes and 1.2 successful tackles per match this season. He totaled 2,176 minutes in 29 appearances, started 24 times, recorded two assists, and earned an overall FotMob rating of 7.03.
He'll be back with the club in 2022.
Aside from his obvious contributions to the lineup, Fissore became a devout member of the Oakland community despite not speaking any English. He was among the active volunteers with the Alameda County Community Food Bank.
The Fissore family was spotted all over the Bay Area during his brief time at the club, including spending time with the Oakland Fire Department.
Kai Greene
Kai Greene was another late signee after joining the organization on June 1. Another leader, he finished with 28 appearances and 24 starts, concluding as second on the team in minutes with 2,178.
Along with one goal scored, Greene had a tackle success rate of 71.4 percent and 1.2 tackles per match. His 39.9 accurate passes per match ranked second behind Emrah Klimenta, while his 7.04 official rating ranked third on the team.
Greene has been re-signed for the 2022 season, meaning Ted Lasso fans will get to chant his song for the foreseeable future.
Emrah Klimenta
Emrah Klimenta finished the year with the Captain's armband after joining the
organization four games into the season on June 5. He was the Roots’ most active player, leading the
club with 2,359 minutes played and 26 starts. He had 181 more
minutes than their second-most active, Greene.
In 2021, the Roots’ defender finished with a 6.98 overall
rating including a 7.78 average in two playoff appearances. He was credited for 1,370 total passes, averaged 40.5
accurate passes per match at an 80.3 completion percentage, to go along with
three key passes, 92 clearances, 10 successful dribbles, 41 interceptions, and
21 successful tackles out of 32 attempts.
His header goal on October 6 against Sacramento was against his former club and first score since 2017 with the Republic.
Klimenta is currently unconfirmed for 2022.
Akeem O'Connor-Ward
Akeem O'Connor-Ward landed the Oakland Roots on Sportscenter's Top-10 with his magnificent Worldy against the San Diego Loyal. He has been confirmed for the 2022 roster.
He was also among the members of the Roots' players at the Alameda County Community Food Bank in October.
O'Connor-Ward closed the season with 28 appearances, 23 starts, and 2,077 minutes played. His 7.04 rating was second behind Diaz, recording one goal, 26.2 accurate passes per match, five big chances created, 0.4 key passes per match, and 0.6 successful dribbles per match.
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