Both Oakland Roots and New Mexico United came into the weekend with hopes of closing in on the playoffs. United had a chance to inch ever closer to cliching home field in the West, but they were unable to overcome a short bench. The Roots capitalized on the play of a veteran forward, and walked away with all three points after a 1-0 win.
If there’s anything to be said about the first half of the match between these two clubs, it could be summed up by the word dull. Both clubs spent a lot of time trying to figure out their opponents, with few signs that a goal was coming for either.
Oakland’s best chance came in the 27th minute off of a set piece opportunity. After they won a corner, Diaz would deliver the ball from the near corner to the far post. Baboucarr Njie was the Roots player to get vertical and put a head to the ball. The attempt would go to the bottom left corner, and off the post before being cleared.
The best for United would be in response when Greg Hurst tried to cut to his right across the top of the area. Clearing the defenders in the 35th minute, Hurst fired with his right foot but was off target. Beyond those two chances, neither side would find a better one or even a goal as the match went to the break goalless.
Both clubs would come out of the break a bit more aggressive, but the defenses were still the stars of the match. Each time United was able to get forward, the Roots would drop eight men into the goal area, stifling what the Black & Yellow were trying to do. Without dynamic play from the outside, United was still trying to play into the middle, which allowed Oakland to stay compact.
The lone goal of the match would come in the 76th minute from substitute Dom Dwyer. After winning a corner for the Roots, Guillermo Diaz looked for the near post with his ball. There he found Dwyer, who leapt over everyone and flicked the ball through the arms of Alex Tambakis to take the lead, 1-0.
Short handed due to not having multiple players, United lacked the dynamic play to open up space or provide the late spark, dropping all three points on the road.
Player of the Match
Nanan Houssou – Without him, there may not have been as many chances as United had on the afternoon. His defensive play really shone through. One clearance, two interceptions, nine recoveries, and seven duels won. Houssou was the bright spot of the day for United.
Up Next
United returns home for a fixture against Miami FC. The Florida club will make the cross country trek for a Friday night matchup against United. Coverage of Friday’s match will begin at 6 p.m. with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman on the pregame show. Kickoff will follow at 7 p.m. from The Lab on Friday, September 6. Catch every minute of every play all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM website, and The TEAM apps.
