Memphis 901 FC share a point with Oakland Roots SC in mid-week contest

It took over 10 minutes of stoppage time, but Memphis were able to stop their two-game skid with a 1-1 draw against Oakland Roots SC to start their Northern California road trip.

Although the club conceded first once again, Laurent Kissiedou found a response after the break to even the score.

The match was filled with intensity which spiraled into controversy at the beginning of the second half with an incident involving Bill Hamid and Dariusz Formella. The two exchanged words and physical contact after the ball went out of bounds. A racial slur was reportedly used by a player on the field but there was no confirmation on which, according to the ESPN+ broadcast.

This led to a conversation involving multiple referees, the two managers and several players lasting over five minutes before play resumed – no cards were given.

Oakland were the more positive side to start the match despite scoring only one goal in their last four matches. The offside flag prevented a goal and a solid chance for the Roots inside ten minutes.

Although they were the more lively side, there were no hints of dominance. The game was very much in the balance with Memphis finding their footing afterwards. Surviving the opening spell of play gave the visiting team some much needed confidence in their high press and chances started to come together. Kissiedou tested the goalkeeper after solid build up play and Nighte Pickering long shot. Luiz Fernando, in his 150th USL appearance, was targeted often on the right wing.

All of that progress was undone when Jeciel Cedeno beat Hamid near-post at a very tight angle. Once again, 901 could not enter the break without conceding – leaving an attack that hasn’t scored in July with an uphill battle to climb.

Memphis were on the back foot almost immediately to start the second, much like the opening kickoff. Cedeno continued to cause problems for the back line, calling for a penalty after dribbling past Ward but it was not given. Memphis needed someone to step up and provide a response. Kissiedou answered the call in the 61’ minute with a clinical goal, assisted by Graham Smith.

The first goal in seemingly forever caused problems for Oakland. They began to give away possession in dangerous areas, losing momentum each minute that passed. Memphis sent bodies forward on the counter but the Roots were able to stabilize and keep the game level.

With the game in limbo and both teams desperate for a result, decisions would need to be made. Would a team push for all three points or settle for a much needed draw? Memphis went the attacking route with their substitutions – Rodrigo da Costa and Rashawn Dally replaced Bruno Lapa and Luiz Fernando, Dylan Borczak was subbed for Nighte Pickering later on.

Formella found himself in the midst of more controversy late in the match, receiving a yellow card for a deliberate handball.

Chaos defined the lengthy extra time. There was a Kissiedou chance that remarkably didn’t find its way on target, a Dylan Borczak goal that was called back for off-sides, and a red card given to Oakland’s Neveal Hackshaw for more after-the-play shoving.

The final whistle provided both teams with a result to potentially build on. Memphis will play Sacramento Republic on Saturday, July 15 at 10pm CT before returning home the following Saturday.