OAKLAND, Calif. — Oakland Roots SC opened their offseason on Monday with a sweeping update to the roster, setting the stage for what Head Coach Ryan Martin calls the club’s “strongest foundation yet” heading into the 2026 USL Championship season. The release outlines a mix of returning players, exercised options, departures, retirements, and contract changes, giving the first full picture of what the next era of Roots football will look like.
Martin, entering his first full year in charge, made it clear that the returning group reflects the identity he wants the Roots to embody — tough, honest, competitive, and aligned with Oakland’s culture. “I’m extremely excited to announce — and more importantly, to work with — this core group that gives us a strong foundation heading into 2026,” he said. “These are players who embody the resilience, honesty, and competitive spirit that Oakland stands for. They fit the way I see the game, and I couldn’t be more excited to help them take the next step individually and collectively.”
He highlighted that the roster’s balance stands out, noting that it includes a Golden Boot winner, former champions, internationals who represent their countries at the highest level, players with experience in top European leagues, and young talents breaking into the professional ranks. “It’s a great mix of experience and potential,” Martin added. “But more importantly, they share the mentality and ambition we need as we build this club into one of the top teams in the USL.”
Martin also took a moment to acknowledge those departing after the 2025 campaign. “We want to sincerely thank the players who are not returning for everything they gave to the club,” he said. “We appreciate their contributions and wish them every success on their journey ahead. They will always be part of the Roots family.”
The retained core includes Ilya Alekseev, Julian Bravo, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Ali Elmasnaouy, Tyler Gibson, Neveal Hackshaw, Kendall McIntosh, Wolfgang Prentice, Danny Trejo, and Peter Wilson, all of whom were already under contract for 2026. The club also exercised contract options for Faysal Bettache, Danny Gomez, and goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel. Meanwhile, longtime midfielder Camden Riley announced his retirement, closing out his professional career at the conclusion of the 2025 season. Kai Greene is officially out of contract, while the club declined options for Jürgen Damm, Gagi Margvelashvili, Abdi Mohamed, and Timothy Syrel. Mutual terminations were reached with Panos Armenakas and Morey Doner, and EJ Johnson had his contract terminated by the club.
As it stands on November 25, 2025, the 2026 roster features two goalkeepers, three defenders, five midfielders, and three forwards. The goalkeeper group is led by Kendall McIntosh and Raphael Spiegel, giving the Roots an established and experienced duo. The defensive unit includes Ilya Alekseev, Julian Bravo, and Neveal Hackshaw — three players who have logged significant minutes and bring both versatility and stability. In midfield, the club returns a strong mix of creators and ball-winners with Faysal Bettache, Danny Gomez, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Ali Elmasnaouy, and veteran Tyler Gibson. Up top, the attacking trio of Wolfgang Prentice, Danny Trejo, and Peter Wilson returns intact, forming the core of the club’s offensive identity.
With the roster foundation set, Oakland now turns its attention to winter additions and preseason building. Martin’s imprint is already visible — a disciplined, mentally tough roster with technical quality and a blend of seasoned leaders and rising talent. The Roots will look to add depth across the field, but the message is clear: the club is building toward a higher standard, and 2026 marks the beginning of that push.
From structure to style to mentality, Oakland Roots enter the new year with clarity. And with a defined core already in place, the path toward becoming one of the USL’s top clubs is officially underway.
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