Oakland Roots Appoint Benny Feilhaber as Head Coach
The Oakland Roots have appointed former U.S. national team player Benny Feilhaber as their new head coach, following the dismissal of Gavin Glinton earlier today. This decision comes on the heels of a disappointing start to the season for the Roots, who currently hold a record of three wins, seven losses, and one draw in the United Soccer League’s Championship. Moreover, the team recently faced an early exit from the U.S. Open Cup, losing their first match to Tacoma in the third round.
Benny Feilhaber’s Experience
At 40 years old, Feilhaber brings a wealth of experience both as a player and coach. He represented the United States in 44 caps from 2007 to 2017, contributing two goals and playing a role in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where he appeared as a substitute in three games. One of his most memorable moments on the national team came during the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Mexico, where he netted a stunning 22-yard volley that secured the championship for the U.S. with a 2-1 victory.
Career Highlights
Feilhaber’s roots trace back to Brazil, but he honed his skills at UCLA and had a prosperous club career spanning from 2006 to 2019. His tenure included stints at notable clubs such as Hamburg, Derby County, Aarhus, New England Revolution, Sporting Kansas City, and Los Angeles FC. After hanging up his cleats, he transitioned into coaching, initially as an assistant at UCLA, later serving as the under-17 coach for Sporting Kansas City, and most recently as the head coach of Sporting KC II in the MLS Next Pro league.
Recent Playing Experiences
Earlier this year, Feilhaber briefly returned to the pitch, playing for the Omaha Menace in the fourth tier, where he participated in an Open Cup match that ended in a loss against Sporting KC II. His involvement in the game included converting a penalty kick during a subsequent match against Union Omaha.
Looking Ahead
Now, as he steps into the role at Oakland Roots, expectations will be high for the veteran coach to invigorate a struggling squad.
