TUCSON, Ariz. – Charlie Dennis scored the only goal as the USL Championship’s Oakland Roots SC took a 1-0 victory against USL League One side FC Tucson in a preseason exhibition on Saturday afternoon at the Kino Sports Complex. Dennis’ goal came against his former club, for which he earned 2021 League One All-League honors a season ago prior to his offseason move to Oakland.

Dennis struck inside the opening 10 minutes as he picked up possession near the top of the penalty area after the ball had been poked loose from a teammate. The English midfielder controlled in the left channel and fired into the top-left corner of the net from 20 yards.

Roots SC had a chance to double their lead in the second of the three 30-minute periods when forward Johnny Rodriguez headed a cross toward goal, but the effort was easily claimed by FC Tucson goalkeeper Carlos Merancio. Another opportunity arrived for the visitors in the third period when a quick through-ball led to a close-range shot. FC Tucson goalkeeper Sean Murray made a great stop with his left hand to keep the deficit at one, but Oakland would retain its advantage until the final whistle.