SEASIDE, Calif. – Johnny Rodriguez scored the only goal of the game as Oakland Roots SC took a 1-0 victory against hosts Monterey Bay F.C. in a preseason contest on Saturday afternoon at Cardinale Stadium.

Monterey Bay created the early chances, and in the 10th minute Sam Gleadle got in behind the Oakland back line but lifted his chipped finish over the crossbar as Roots SC goalkeeper Timothy Syrel closed down the angle. Nine minutes later, Gleadle set up an opportunity for Alex Dixon off a turnover, but the veteran forward missed the target with his finish.

Roots SC took the lead on the half-hour mark, however, as Rodriguez cleaned up from close range after an initial effort spilled loose in the six-yard area. The visitors almost doubled their lead nine minutes before the halftime break, but MBFC goalkeeper Antony Siaha made a big save on a shot to the top-right corner.

The hosts went close to an equalizer 11 minutes into the second half when El Salvador international Walmer Martinez’s cross was flicked on by Gleadle but went wide of the far post. Jason Johnson also had a chance for Monterey Bay in the 69th minute only to send his shot wide of the left post before Oakland missed a late chance to double its advantage on a close-range chance that went over the crossbar.

Johnson had the final chance for Monterey Bay to claim a draw as he stole possession in the attacking third and had space to shoot, but the effort was punched away allowing Roots SC to see out the result.