The Oakland Roots battled to a 1-1 draw against Orange County SC, gaining a valuable point as they fight to make the USL playoffs.
Fresh off a victory over San Antonio, Oakland came out flying at the Coliseum and were rewarded in the 20th minute when, on an extended possession of soccer, the ball finally ended up out wide to Roots midfielder Florian Valot. His floated cross was misjudged by OC goalkeeper Alexander Rando and found the back of the net for an early lead in the 20th minute.
Three minutes later, the Roots almost doubled their lead on a free kick from Jesus De Vicente.
The teams went back and forth for the rest of the first half, but neither could find the back of the net.
Oakland held their lead until the 60th minute, when, on a corner kick, OC’s Lyam Mackinnon got a shot on goal that Roots goalkeeper Kendall Macintosh saved. Unfortunately, his save ended up on the head of Orange County’s Yaniv Bazini, who directed the rebound into the goal to tie up the match 1-1.
Neither side could put another ball in the goal, and when the final whistle blew, Oakland had another valuable point. The team has now picked up six points in their last five games and remains in striking distance of the eighth and final playoff spot.
Next up for the Roots is an extended break before playing their next game at home on Saturday September 12th at 7 PM PT against Lexington SC.
