The Oakland Roots made their first roster announcements for the offseason, retaining 15 players but cutting ties with several starting defenders and a player who has been part of the club since the 2020 NISA campaign.
Longtime backup goalkeeper Taylor Bailey was one of two players whose contract options were declined by the Roots. Bailey joined the squad as a keeper for the 2020 NISA season and continued with the club when they entered the USL Championship in 2021.
Overall he made seven appearances for the team. His last league start with the club was in July 2022 when Paul Blanchette was suspended for a game. Bailey also played for the Roots in 2023, starting their US Open Cup game against El Farolito in April.
Bailey was loaned out to San Diego Loyal in September, and it looks like the backup keeper role will now be manned by Project 510 keeper Tim Syrel.
Defenders Emrah Klimenta, Tarek Morad, and Danny Barbir are also out of contract with the team. All three played significant time anchoring the defense as center-backs. Most likely, they are looking to continue their careers with another team. Morad and Klimenta have been with the team since they joined the USL Championship.
Defender Danny Barbir was also a mainstay of the Oakland defense and was given more chances to join the attack this year. In 35 games with the club, he contributed two goals and six assists.
Veteran Joseph Nane, 36, had a productive year with the Roots, plugging in holes in the team’s midfield or defense until an injury ended his season. Over three seasons, Nane made 50 appearances for Oakland.
Left-back Kevin Wright, who never seemed to find a role with the Roots and only made nine appearances, is also out of contract with the club.
Colombian forward Anuar Peláez’s contract option was also not picked up by Oakland. After a slow start, Peláez was more productive in the second half of the season, netting eight goals for the club. However, it appears the Roots will be looking for a new forward to start alongside returnee Johnny Rodriguez.
Players returning to the Oakland Roots include Jeciel Cedeño, Paul Blanchette, Daniel Gomez, Ryan Her, Napo Matsoso, Lindo Mfeka, Trayvone Reid, Johnny Rodriguez, Tim Syrel, Memo Diaz, Irakoze Donasiyano, Neveal Hackshaw, Baboucarr Njie, Wolfgang Prentice, and Bryan Tamacas.
The club has also hinted on X (Twitter) that new signings will be announced starting tomorrow.
