Opponent: New Mexico United
Match Date: August 24
Location: Weidner Field
Doors Open: 6pm MT on Cyan Night! The first fans through the gates will receive limited edition clear tote bags, courtesy of Weidner Apartment Homes!! Limited tickets remain available HERE!
How to Listen: XTRA Sports 1300am with the Voices of the Switchbacks, Ryan Kaufman and Roland Vargish – coverage starts at 6:30pm MT.
Chambo’s Comments: “It was a good point [in Pittsburgh],” said Head Coach James Chambers. “I think it was the least we deserved in the game. I thought we were solid for the majority of the game [and] gave up a couple of sloppy goals from set pieces, but from open play I don’t feel like we were overly threatened. [We] had some good moments late in the game that could have turned it in our favor a little earlier. [The team has] shown [their character] numerous times this year. To get a point on the road, in a really difficult place [to play], and ultimately [to score] two goals against Pittsburgh, that’s no joke. “[New Mexico] are flying. They’re having a really good season and they’re finding ways to win. It doesn’t matter what the game gives [New Mexico], they’re finding ways to win, so kudos to them. But also, we’re at home – we [have to] look after ourselves and make sure that we can bridge that gap a little bit to the [teams] ahead of us. “[New Mexico] have a number of options in the attacking third [of the field], and the reality is that we just have to make sure that we put our best foot forward. The guys are locked in from a defensive standpoint and, then ultimately, on the other end our Achillies heel has been scoring multiple goals. So hopefully we can change that in the last 11 games. “We’re buzzing to be back [at Weidner Field]. We want everyone back [here at the stadium before they] head back to school. [We] just can’t wait to see everybody and make sure that they make enough noise – it’s a derby game – so we want to make it uncomfortable on the field and off the field for New Mexico!”
Vargish’s View: Nine goals in their last three games illustrate New Mexico United’s prodigious scoring power. But it’s also notable that United have not held an opponent scoreless since July 3 rd – and have conceded five goals in their last two matches. NM stand atop the USL Championship’s Western Conference but do so with a goal difference that trails the two clubs who are nearest to them in the table – a clear sign that while New Mexico undoubtably have the quality and experience to win games, they often do so by a narrow margin. Goals can be had against Saturday’s visitors to Weidner Field, but the Switchbacks are going to have to contend with one of the most dynamic attacks in the USL. There are changes aplenty
for the Switchbacks roster as the season begins the final kick toward the Playoffs. There will be no changes to how Saturday’s hosts play, as they will look to attack New Mexico with pace and add another chapter to the always-intriguing Four Corners rivalry.
