On August 11th the Oakland Roots faced off against their archrivals, the Sacramento Republic, in the thirteenth game of the season. Through the first twelve games of the season, the team had earned only six points off of one win and three ties and had lost five games in a row.
Little did anyone in attendance at the game at Las Positas College that evening know that scoreless draw was the turning point of their season. Oakland earned thirty-five points (ten wins, five draws, five losses) in their final twenty games, just enough points to edge out Los Angeles Galaxy II and Tacoma Defiance for the final USL Western Conference Pacific Division playoff spot.
“Those ties, the different moments when we were struggling, trying to get goals or trying to get anything and ending up with scoreless draws, those are what made the difference tonight,” noted a jubilant Roots head coach Jordan Ferrell after their 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City II.
Oakland gets off to dream start against KC
Oakland’s Chuy Enriquez scored off a rebound in the third minute, and a committed team effort stymied Kansas City’s offense, only allowing four shots, with none on target.
After the win, the Roots players and staff gathered at midfield to watch the end of the LA Galaxy II vs. Orange County SC game. If Orange County could either tie or defeat Los Angeles, the Roots would advance to the USL playoffs.
In extra time OC’s Thomas Enevoldsen netted the only goal of their game. When his ball hit the back of the net, the Roots players exploded in celebration, knowing that their remarkable journey from the bottom of the USL standings in early August ended with claiming the league’s final playoff spot.
What making the playoffs means to the Oakland Roots players and staff
After the game, Ferrell reflected on the fantastic journey the Roots took this season.
“This group of players is unique. There’s been different players in, different players out, that’s the nature of this first-year thing,” he explained. “What they’ve been able to do as a group, as human beings, as men, to come together in such a short period of time, a lot of challenges, my hat’s off to them.”
Next up for Oakland will be a game in El Paso, Texas, against the Western Conference Central Division winning Locomotive FC. The game will kick off at 6:30 pm PDT on Friday, November 5th.
But the next game will be something for the Roots to start planning tomorrow. Saturday night was all about Oakland celebrating their stunning achievement.
“My staff is remarkable,” said Ferrell. “They’ve all been incredible throughout the season and weathered some insane storms, they should enjoy tonight as much as any of the players.”
“It’s been a long 32 games. I think the boys deserve tonight to enjoy it a little bit, but our focus has to be on El Paso,” noted Ferrell.
“Bring on the postseason,” he added with a smile.
