After a successful start off the field, but not on it, the Oakland Roots and head coach Paul Bravo decided to go different ways.

He will be replaced in the interim by assistant coach Jordan Ferrell during the search for a new head coach for the spring 2020 NISA season.

The Roots took the field for the first time in August under Bravo, who starred as a player for the San Jose Clash during their first two seasons in the MLS and had a successful career in the front office for the Colorado Rapids. He kept his current positions directing the De Anza Force and the California Thorns development academies while taking the helm for the Roots.

“It was a pleasure working with Oakland Roots during their first season,” Bravo said. “Having been part of the Bay Area soccer scene since I was a kid, it was truly a special experience to be part of this club. While we all wanted the results from this season to be better, I look forward to watching this club continue to grow and make a lasting impact on the Oakland community.”

In their first game, Oakland stormed out of the gates backed by a capacity crowd and grabbed a quick 3-0 lead against Cal United Strikers FC. However, they allowed their SoCal visitors to tie the match. It was the first of several disappointing results.

Despite continuing to draw enthusiastic sell-out crowds, the team sputtered on the pitch. They remained winless in the NISA, the only club in the showcase to do so. Their sole victory in their fall campaign was a friendly against second division Mexico side CD Zacatepec.

“The entire front office is thankful for the work Paul put in to help build this team in its first season,” Oakland Roots President Benno Nagel said. “He was a true professional throughout the year, and is a pioneer for the Oakland Roots, joining the club based on our vision. We wish Paul the best as he continues to serve the Bay Area soccer community with the De Anza Force and the California Thorns. He will always be a welcomed member of this family.”

The exact dates of the NISA 2020 Spring season have not yet been determined. Several prominent lower level teams will join the league next year, including Detroit City and Chattanooga. The New York Cosmos are also reportedly joining the league, but they will not start until Fall 2020.

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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