It’s a new era for the Roots with a new technical staff and an experienced head coach overhauling Oakland’s squad after a dismal 2025 season.
Head coach Ryan Martin has brought in a trio of players he trusted at Loundon United while assembling a squad with 9 new players and 5 Project 51O Academy players promoted to the first team.
Here is a little bit of background on each of them.
Forwards
Bertin Jacquesson – Jacquesson began his career in his native France in several pro academies before coming to the States for college. He had a successful run at the University of Pittsburgh, scoring 19 goals and 23 assists in 61 appearances while being named ACC Freshman of the Year.
He was drafted by Real Salt Lake and bounced between the first team and reserve Real Monarchs before playing for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, recording four goals in 31 appearances.
“Bertin is an exciting and versatile attacking player who can hurt opponents in a variety of ways with his directness and threat toward goal,” noted Roots Head Coach Ryan Martin. “He has the ability to stretch teams with runs in behind and the quality to beat defenders individually in 1v1 situations.”
Jackson Kiil – A product of Stanford University, where he regularly played during his college career, Kiil scored 15 goals and added 6 assists in 54 appearances. He also got a taste of soccer abroad, training with Fulham, Chelsea, and AFC Wimbledon.
“Technically gifted and dangerous around the goal, Jackson combines quality with relentless movement,” said Martin. “His ability to press, stretch defenses with runs in behind, and compete at a high level makes him a valuable addition for the 2026 season.”
Bradley Roberson – A Project 51O academy player, Roberson will train with the first team and also play for Santa Clara in college.
Midfielders
Florian Valot – A product of Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco’s youth academies, he played in college for Rider University. He then joined the Red Bull Academy and played for Red Bulls II before appearing in MLS for the Red Bulls and FC Cincinnati. He has also played for USL sides Miami FC and, most recently, Loudoun United under Martin.
“Flo is a true difference-maker,” noted Martin. “His intelligence, vision, and ability to connect the game bring a level of calm and control that lifts everyone around him.”
Tommy McCabe – Another player brought over from Loudoun United by Roots coach Ryan Martin, McCabe was drafted by the MLS’s FC Cincinnati after playing collegiately for Notre Dame. He has bounced around the USL Championship, having more than 170 pro appearances under his belt.
“Tommy is the type of player every coach wants,” said Martin. “He’s intelligent, disciplined, and his vision and decision-making will be instrumental in helping our group find solutions to win games. His presence in the midfield will be a central part of our identity this season, and we’re excited to have him in Oakland.”
Emilio Martinez – A Project 51O academy player, he was named the player of the year in the Academy in 2025.
Luca Rosic – A Project 51O academy player, Rosic played for Colorado Rapids 2 in MLS Next Pro and has played for Serbia at the youth international level.
Defenders
Keegan Tingey – Following Roots coach Ryan Martin from Loundon United, Tingey played for Stanford in college after growing up in the East Bay. He joined the San Jose Earthquakes academy after graduating and played for their MLS Next Pro team in 2023, before playing for Loundon United in 2024 and 2025.
“He’s two-footed, can beat players off the dribble, and has the quality to push teammates in behind,” said Martin. “He’s one of the top outside backs in the league, and we’re excited to welcome him home for the 2026 season.”
David Garcia – Making the jump from Division III to Division II, Garcia was an All-League defender for Spokane Velocity FC in 2025 in the USL League One. A native of Spain, Garcia is a big physical presence on the back line.
“He’s hard in the tackle, strong in the air, and has the passing range to help us build from the back,” said Martin. “He’s continued to improve year after year, and we believe he’ll be a tremendous asset to the club.”
Jesus De Vicente – A college player at the University of Virginia, De Vicente played primarily left back at a number of universities before starting 19 games for Virginia in 2025, finishing second in assists on the team.
“He’s a left back who, in my opinion, is one of the best in the NCAA,” explained Martin. “His composure on the ball and the quality of his final action are elite.”
Michael Edwards – Last year, Edwards played for the Charleston Battery. He came up through the MLS development system for D.C. United and then tried to make it in Europe, joining the VfL Wolfsburg academy. He returned to the States, signed with MLS’s Colorado Rapids, and was loaned to USL and MLS Next Pro teams.
“Michael Edwards is someone I’ve known and worked with since his youth career, so it’s especially exciting to be reunited here in Oakland,” said Roots Head Coach Ryan Martin. “He’s grown tremendously as both a player and a person, and we’re excited to welcome him into our environment and continue that journey together. He’s an extremely athletic center back who brings toughness, competitiveness, and presence to the way we defend.”
Mark Fisher – Fisher played his college soccer at Stanford University, where he was a Pac-12 Freshman of the Year. The Canadian-American then went pro with MLS Next Pro’s Toronto FC II, featuring 39 times.
“He’s hard in the tackle, strong in the air, and has the passing range to help us build from the back,” said Martin. “He’s continued to improve year after year, and we believe he’ll be a tremendous asset to the club.”
Jonathan Polio – A Project 51O academy player, Polio attended Fremont High School in Oakland. He has also earned a call-up to the El Salvador U-20 National Team.
Goalkeeper
Alejandro Caracheo Luna – A product of the Project 51O academy, Luna joined 51O last year and will feature as the third goalkeeper for the Roots.
