Oakland Roots came away with a draw in their first game ever at Laney Stadium. Despite giving away three points, it was a magical night for the team in front of a full stadium. Here are four things we learned from the game:

(Thanks to correspondents Mike Alonso and Michael Koenig for contributing to this analysis)

1) Oakland welcomes the Roots



It was an impressive start for the Roots who warmly welcomed their fans with a block part right outside the stadium. The team even took to the stage and were announced by Mayor Libby Schaaf. Inside Laney stadium, fans packed the stands and stayed and cheered for the team the whole 90 minutes. It was an impressive start for a club who’s grassroots efforts paid off. In fact, according to the primary owner Steven Aldrich, the team did not spend a dollar on any marketing. The future looks bright indeed for the Roots.

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2) The Mac Attack Delivers



In a match where Oakland’s players looked like they were still getting used to playing together and getting in game shape, Jack McInerney’s MLS experience and ability to find holes in the Cal United defense were the main reason the club got out to a 3-0 lead.

All three of McInerney’s goals were quality. After calmly slotted the ball far post for the first goal in Roots history, the former Philly Union striker was able to make space on a free kick for a clean header for his second goal. For his third, McInerney found himself open above the box and had time to pick a corner and shoot past the Cal United keeper for the hat trick.

GAME REPORT: Oakland Roots tie first ever game 3-3

The Roots will need McInerney’s goalscoring and experience if they are going to continue to produce positive results.

Oakland Roots SC keeper Larry Jackson punches a ball away against Cal United Strikers FC at Laney Field. (Photo: Robert Edwards-KLC fotos)

3) Conditioning and defense need work



After a strong first half, a combination of lack of conditioning and some poor defending allowed Cal Utd. to claw their way back into the game. Benji Joya was physically marked throughout the second half which caused the Roots flow to fall apart. When Victor Bernardez exited in the 63rd minute, the Roots defense also looked incredibly shaky. Players also started to cramp and slumped their shoulders late from exhaustion. Goalkeeper Larry Jackson had to preserve the point with a punch away and a sure save on a point-blank header seconds before the final whistle.

Fitness should improve but the defensive questions will need to be solved. Apparently not comfortable with the defense in the preseason the team brought in Christopher Christian to partnered with Bernardez. Surprisingly, Devante Dubose, who was the team’s first signing, did not even make the gameday roster for the team and was seen in the stands instead of the bench.

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Douglas Zimmerman curates the Beautiful Blog which covers the ‘beautiful game’ of soccer in the Bay Area and around the world. He recently released a photo book documenting the fans of the World Cup that he started in 2002.

Follow on Twitter: @zimpix