The club's inaugural season in the National Independent Soccer Association
Oakland Roots SC 2019–20 NISA soccer season
The 2019–20 Oakland Roots SC season was the club's first ever and its first in the newly created National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), a newly established third division soccer league in the United States .
Oakland Roots announced on June 27, 2019 that the team would apply to join NISA after previously announcing it would take part in the NPSL Members Cup . a tournament put on by the National Premier Soccer League as a precursor to a proposed professional league in 2020.[ 1] [ 2] Detroit City FC and Chattanooga FC .[ 3] Fall season and took part as members of the West Coast Conference.
On December 11, NISA announced the Oakland, Detroit, Chattanooga, and Michigan Stars FC had all been approved by the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors.[ 4] [ 5]
Paul Bravo was announced as the Roots' first head coach on May 9, 2019.[ 6] [ 7] [ 8] [ 9] Michigan Stars FC .[ 10]
The team played two friendly matches against Mexican professional teams early in the season, falling to Liga MX side FC Juárez in early September and beating second division side Club Atlético Zacatepec with both games selling out.[ 11] [ 12]
On April 27, 2020, following a stoppage of play and subsequent extension due to the COVID-19 pandemic , NISA announced the cancellation of the 2020 Spring season.[ 13] [ 14]
As of April 24, 2020[ 15]
#
Pos.
Player
Signed from
Details
Date
Source
20
MF
Angel Heredia FC Tucson
Free transfer
August 21, 2018 [ note 1] [ 16] [ 17]
14
FW
Jesus Maldonado CD Aguiluchos USA
Free transfer
September 11, 2018 [ note 1] [ 18] [ 17]
90
GK
Kevin Gonzales CD Aguiluchos USA
Free transfer
September 11, 2018 [ note 1]
24
MF
Nikolai Littleton San Francisco City FC
Free transfer
September 12, 2018 [ note 1] [ 19] [ 17]
6
MF
Niall Irwin Unattached
Free transfer
September 14, 2018 [ note 1] [ 20] [ 17]
33
DF
Robert Hines II San Francisco City FC
Free transfer
September 14, 2018 [ note 1]
67
DF
Devante Dubose Phoenix Rising FC
Free transfer
February 19, 2019 [ note 2] [ 21] [ 22] [ 23]
91
FW
Yohannes Harish San Francisco Glens SC
Free transfer
March 18, 2019
[ 24] [ 25] [ 17]
27
FW
Julio Cervantes Unattached
Free transfer
March 18, 2019
[ 26] [ 17]
10
FW
Benji Joya Irapuato F.C.
Free transfer
April 25, 2019
[ 27] [ 28] [ 29] [ 17]
5
DF
Víctor Bernárdez Unattached
Free transfer
June 14, 2019
[ 30]
23
DF
Satoshi Chaffin Seattle Sounders FC U-23
Free transfer
July 3, 2019
[ 31] [ 17]
7
FW
Dembakwi Yomba Reno 1868 FC
Free transfer
July 5, 2019
[ 32]
17
MF
Octavio Guzmán CD Aguiluchos USA
Free transfer
July 5, 2019
[ 33]
1
GK
Larry Jackson Fresno FC
Free transfer
July 15, 2019
[ 34]
19
DF
Ricardo Guerra Unattached
Free transfer
July 19, 2019
[ 35] [ 17]
21
MF
Ryan Masch Unattached
Free transfer
July 19, 2019
28
DF
Eric Gonzalez Las Vegas Lights FC
Free transfer
July 19, 2019
9
FW
Jack McInerney Indy Eleven
Free transfer
July 24, 2019
[ 36] [ 37] [ 17]
13
DF
Chris Christian San Antonio FC
Free transfer
August 16, 2019
[ 38]
4
DF
Nadeer Ghantous Cal Poly Pomona Broncos
Free transfer
August 17, 2019
[ 39]
2
DF
David Chavez Unattached
Free transfer
—
7
FW
Salifu Jatta Corpus Christi FC
Free transfer
—
[ 17]
11
FW
Dylan Autran Asker Fotball
Free transfer
—
15
MF
Khadim Seye ASC San Diego
Free transfer
—
[ 17]
44
MF
Ariel Mbumba Unattached
Free transfer
—
[ 17]
11
FW
Tristan Bowen Unattached
Free transfer
January 8, 2020
[ 40]
06
FW
Matthew Fondy The Olympic Club
Free transfer
January 10, 2020
[ 41]
12
MF
Peter Pearson Tormenta FC
Free transfer
January 28, 2020
[ 42]
22
MF
Alex Garuba Des Moines Menace
Free transfer
January 28, 2020
17
MF
David Ochoa Miami United FC
Free transfer
January 30, 2020
[ 43]
32
MF
Manny González Tulsa Roughnecks
Free transfer
January 30, 2020
98
MF
Jonathan Orozco San Francisco State Gators
Free transfer
February 3, 2020
[ 44]
5
DF
Nana Attakora Ottawa Fury FC
Free transfer
February 5, 2020
[ 45]
1
GK
Christian Herrera Orlando City B
Free transfer
February 7, 2020
[ 46]
2
DF
Daniel Navarro El Paso Locomotive FC
Free transfer
February 7, 2020
3
DF
Wilfred Williams Orlando City B
Free transfer
February 7, 2020
19
FW
Josiah Romero Holy Names Hawks
Free transfer
February 11, 2020
[ 47]
4
DF
Doueugui Mala Phoenix Rising FC
Free transfer
February 13, 2020
[ 48]
13
DF
Francesco Tiozzo Portland Pilots
Free transfer
February 13, 2020
50
DF
David Abidor Hapoel Bnei Lod F.C.
Free transfer
February 13, 2020
47
GK
Taylor Bailey CCSF Rams
Free transfer
February 14, 2020
[ 49]
7
FW
Darwin Espinal New York Cosmos
Loan for NISA Spring Season
February 18, 2020
[ 50] [ 51]
49
DF
Tarn Weir Panthiraikos F.C.
Free transfer
April 24, 2020
[ 52]
#
Pos.
Player
Signed to
Details
Date
Source
67
DF
Devante Dubose Richmond Kickers
Free transfer
December 12, 2019
[ 53]
1
GK
Larry Jackson Unattached
Not retained
December 17, 2019
[ 17]
2
DF
David Chavez Unattached
Not retained
December 17, 2019
4
DF
Nadeer Ghantous Unattached
Not retained
December 17, 2019
5
DF
Víctor Bernárdez Unattached
Not retained
December 17, 2019
7
FW
Dembakwi Yomba Unattached
Not retained
December 17, 2019
8
MF
Andres Jimenez Unattached
Not retained
December 17, 2019
11
FW
Dylan Autran Unattached
Not retained
December 17, 2019
13
DF
Chris Christian Unattached
Not retained
December 17, 2019
17
MF
Octavio Guzmán Unattached
Not retained
December 17, 2019
21
MF
Ryan Masch Unattached
Not retained
December 17, 2019
25
GK
Jairo Zermeno Unattached
Not retained
December 17, 2019
28
DF
Eric Gonzalez Unattached
Not retained
December 17, 2019
7
FW
Salifu Jatta Unattached
Released
—
14
FW
Jesus Maldonado Unattached
Released
—
19
DF
Ricardo Guerra Unattached
Released
—
23
DF
Satoshi Chaffin Unattached
Released
—
7
FW
Darwin Espinal New York Cosmos
Loan Terminated
March 5, 2020
[ 54]
10
MF
Benji Joya Unattached
Released
April 16, 2020
[ 55]
[ edit ]
Overall
Home
Away
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts W D L GF GA GD W D L GF GA GD
6
0
3
3
10
13
−3
3
0
2
0
4
4
0
0
1
3
6
9
−3
Details for the 2020 NISA Spring season were announced January 27, 2020.[ 56]
Updated to match(es) played on March 8, 2020. Source:
NISAofficial.com (Q) Qualified for the phase indicated
Overall
Home
Away
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts W D L GF GA GD W D L GF GA GD
2
1
1
0
3
2
+1
4
1
1
0
3
2
+1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Oakland will enter the 2020 U.S. Open Cup with the rest of the National Independent Soccer Association teams in the Second Round.[ 59] [ 60] [ 61] USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC .[ 62] [ 63]
As of Match played 7 March 2020 Appearances and goals [ edit ] Disciplinary record [ edit ]
^ a b c d e f Signed initially to non-professional contracts; later made professional for 2020 season.
^ First professional signing.
^ "Oakland Roots Statement: League and Membership" . oaklandrootssc.com . Oakland Roots SC. Archived from the original on June 27, 2019. Retrieved December 30, 2019 .^ Kennedy, Paul. "Oakland Roots pull out of NPSL Founders Cup, headed to NISA" . socceramerica.com/ . Soccer America. Retrieved December 30, 2019 . ^ "NISA ANNOUNCES CHATTANOOGA FC, DETROIT CITY FC & OAKLAND ROOTS SC" . nisaofficial.com . National Independent Soccer Association. Retrieved December 30, 2019 .^ "CHATTANOOGA FC, DETROIT CITY FC, MICHIGAN STARS FC & OAKLAND ROOTS SC APPROVED TO PLAY IN NISA SPRING 2020 COMPETITION" . nisaofficial.com . National Independent Soccer Association. Retrieved December 30, 2019 .^ White, Max (December 11, 2019). "Detroit City FC officially becomes a professional soccer team with U.S. Soccer approval" . WXYZ-TV. Retrieved December 30, 2019 . ^ "Oakland Roots Sign Bay Area Soccer Legend Paul Bravo as First Head Coach" . Oakland Roots SC. Archived from the original on May 30, 2019. Retrieved December 30, 2019 .^ "Oakland Roots and Paul Bravo Mutually Agree to Part Ways" . Oakland Roots SC. Archived from the original on October 31, 2019. Retrieved December 30, 2019 .^ "Jordan Ferrell Named Head Coach for Oakland Roots S.C." oaklandrootssc.com/ . Oakland Roots SC. Archived from the original on December 3, 2019. Retrieved December 30, 2019 .^ Zimmerman, Douglas. "Oakland Roots promote Jordan Ferrell to head coach" . SFGate . SFGate. Retrieved December 30, 2019 . ^ Zimmerman, Douglas (March 8, 2020). "Oakland Roots win first NISA league match" . SF Gate . Retrieved March 8, 2020 . ^ De Benedetti, Chris. "Oakland Roots Draw Big Crowds, Show Town Pride" . eastbayexpress.com . East Bay Express. Retrieved December 30, 2019 . ^ "DE GIRA A LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS" . cazacatepec.com . Archived from the original on December 30, 2019. Retrieved December 30, 2019 .^ a b c d e f "NISA OFFICIAL UPDATE" . nisaofficial.com . National Independent Soccer Association. Retrieved April 28, 2020 .^ Zimmerman, Douglas (April 27, 2020). "Bay Area Soccer: Oakland Roots, SF City and SF Glens seasons canceled" . SFGate . ^ "Oakland Roots SC Roster" . Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2019 .^ "Oakland Roots sign Santa Clara University standout Carlos Delgadillo along with former US U17-Residency member Angel Heredia" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on December 31, 2019. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Oakland Roots 2020 Roster Update" . Oakland Root SC . Archived from the original on February 21, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Oakland Roots add several NPSL veterans to their squad" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on December 31, 2019. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Oakland Roots lays down deep roots through the signing of several talented Oakland born and raised players" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on December 31, 2019. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Oakland Roots close out US Open Cup roster with three top pro prospects" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on December 31, 2019. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Oakland Roots Sign First-Ever Player: Oakland Native Devante Dubose" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on September 12, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ Zimmerman, Douglas (February 19, 2019). "Oakland sticks to its Roots with first signing, Devante Dubose" . SF Gate . Retrieved February 21, 2020 . ^ Campbell, Simon. "Goodbye Warriors, hello Roots: can this team spark a soccer revolution in Oakland?" . The Guardian . Retrieved February 21, 2020 . ^ "Oakland Roots Sign Eritrean-Born, Oakland-Raised Midfielder, Yohannes Harish" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on December 31, 2019. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Former Hawk Yohannes Harish Inks Deal With Local Pro Team" . Holy Names University Athletics . Archived from the original on December 31, 2019. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Oakland Roots Sign Mexican-Born, Oakland-Raised Attacker, Julio Cervantes" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on December 31, 2019. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "La vida no es dada, es prestada" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on February 21, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ Zimmerman, Douglas (April 25, 2019). " . SF Gate . Retrieved February 21, 2020 . ^ Woitalla, Mike. "Benji Joya finds ideal career move with Oakland Roots" . www.socceramerica.com . Retrieved February 21, 2020 . ^ "Oakland Roots Sign World Cup Veteran Víctor Bernárdez" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on June 27, 2019. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Oakland Roots Sign Winger Satoshi "Yoshi" Chaffin" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on September 12, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Oakland Roots Sign Winger Dembakwi Yomba" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on September 12, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Oakland Roots Sign Midfielder Octavio Guzman" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on September 11, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Oakland Roots Introduce Assistant Coaches Larry Jackson and Jordan Ferrell" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on December 6, 2019. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Oakland Roots Sign Trio: Ryan Masch, Ricardo Guerra, Eric Gonzalez" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on September 25, 2019. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Oakland Roots Sign Former U.S. Youth International Forward Jack McInerney" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on July 24, 2019. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ Zimmerman, Douglas (July 24, 2019). "Ex-MLS star Jack McInerney joins Oakland Roots" . SF Gate . Retrieved February 21, 2020 . ^ "Oakland Roots Sign Defender Chris Christian" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on December 31, 2019. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ Ghantous, Nadeer. "Nadeer Ghantous on Instagram: "New beginnings⚽️💥@oaklandroots_sc" . Instagram . Archived from the original . Retrieved February 21, 2020 . ^ "Oakland Roots Sign MLS Veteran Forward Tristan Bowen" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on March 7, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Oakland Roots Sign Former USL MVP and Golden Boot Winner Matt Fondy" . Oakland Roots SC . Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Roots Sign Midfielders Alex Garuba and Peter Pearson" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on January 29, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Roots Sign Colombian Born, South Florida Raised Duo" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on March 3, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Roots Sign Oakland Born and Raised Jonathan Orozco" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on February 3, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Roots Sign Veteran Canadian Defender Nana Attakora" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on February 21, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Roots Sign Trio with Prior US Soccer Pro Experience" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Roots Sign Open Tryout Participant Josiah Romero to the First Team" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Oakland Roots Strengthen Backline with the Addition of Three Center-Backs" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Roots Sign Local Bay Area College Goalkeeper to the 2020 Spring Roster" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on February 15, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Roots Acquire Honduran International Darwin Espinal on Loan from the New York Cosmos" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on February 18, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Darwin Espinal Signs with the Cosmos" . New York Cosmos . Retrieved February 21, 2020 .^ "Roots Sign Oakland Born and Raised Defender Tarn Weir" . Oakland Roots SC . Archived from the original on September 11, 2020. Retrieved September 1, 2020 .^ Wood, Patrick (December 6, 2019). "Kickers Sign Devante Dubose" . Richmond Kickers . Retrieved February 21, 2020 . ^ Roots, Oakland (March 5, 2020). "Oakland Roots and winger Darwin Espinal have mutually agreed to terminate the loan from NY Cosmos. We wish Darwin all the best in his next opportunity" . @oaklandrootssc . Retrieved March 5, 2020 . ^ Roots, Oakland (April 16, 2020). "OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Today, the Oakland Roots were disappointed to learn that midfielder Benji Joya was arrested in San Jose on Wednesday. Therefore, the Club has decided to release him. The Roots will have no further comment on this issue given the ongoing investigation" . @oaklandrootssc . Retrieved April 16, 2020 . ^ "Schedule" . National Independent Soccer Association . Retrieved January 30, 2020 .^ a b c "NISA ANNOUNCES SUSPENSION OF SEASON FOR 30 DAYS" . nisaofficial.com . National Independent Soccer Association. Retrieved March 12, 2020 .^ a b c d "NISA EXTENDS SUSPENSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH CDC GUIDELINES" . nisaofficial.com . National Independent Soccer Association. Retrieved March 20, 2020 .^ "LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP COMPETITION FORMAT ANNOUNCED" . Nisasoccer . December 13, 2019. Retrieved December 22, 2019 .^ Open Cup. "RESTRUCTURED COMPETITION FORMAT FOR 2020 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY FOR MORE "DAVID VS. GOLIATH" MATCHUPS IN 107TH EDITION OF U.S. SOCCER'S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP" . ussoccer.com . U.S. Soccer. Retrieved December 30, 2019 . ^ "RECORD-SETTING 100 TEAMS CONFIRMED FOR 2020 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP, 107TH EDITION OF U.S. SOCCER'S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP" . ussoccer.com . U.S. Soccer. Retrieved January 8, 2020 .^ "2020 U.S. OPEN CUP SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS AND HOST SCENARIOS" . Retrieved January 31, 2020 .^ Rodriguez, Alicia (January 30, 2020). "Sacramento Republic to host Oakland Roots in 2020 U.S. Open Cup" . Indomitable City Soccer . Retrieved January 31, 2020 . ^ "U.S. Soccer Temporarily Suspends 2020 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Due to Covid-19 Outbreak" . www.ussoccer.com . Retrieved March 21, 2020 .
Departments Stadium Culture & Rivalries Key personnel
Seasons
NISA USL Championship
Honors
NISA
Western Conference Champions (2020 )
Current teams On hiatus Future teams Former teams Seasons Affiliated leagues
Full season Fall 2019 only Spring 2020 only
International
Club competitions National teams
International
Club competitions
United States
Liberia
Ivory Coast
Canada
Italy
Senegal
Republic of Ireland
Colombia
Mexico
DR Congo
Eritrea
Jordan Ferrell – Head coach
Dario Pot – Assistant coach
Yuta Tanaka – Strength and conditioning coach
Víctor Bernárdez
Satoshi Chaffin
Dembakwi Yomba
Nadeer Ghantous
Salifu Jatta
Asker Fotball
Panthiraikos F.C.
