Colorado Springs, CO (May 17th, 2024) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks locked in another win for the 2024 USL Championship season as they battled Rhode Island, ending with a final score of 3-1.
After a two-game road trip, the Switchbacks were glad to be back with the electric atmosphere at Weidner Field. The game had a quick start with Rhode Island player #15 Frank Nodarse making the first goal of the night. In the 13′, #8 Jack Panayotou, took a corner kick passing the ball over to Nodarse who headed it in. With the early goal, the Switchbacks took their attacking style to a new level.
The Switchbacks quickly responded to Rhode Island with #9 Ronaldo Damus scoring in the 27′. After Rhode Island headed the ball into the air, Damus swiftly took possession of the ball and brought it into the box, calmly striking the ball into the back of the net.
A notable moment in the match, was when #8 Jonas Fjeldberg subbed in during the second half and had instantly changed the dynamic of the game. After coming on, Fjeldberg received the ball on the right wing from #5 Koa Santos off a throw-in and took on Rhode Island left back #16 Gabriel Alves. Fjeldberg beat Alves to the ball, allowing it to skip past a second Rhode Island player, and tried crossing it to Damus. The ball took a deflection off Rhode Island’s defender and goalie before it hit the heel of #24 Karifa Yao, and rolled into the back of the net.
The good guys secured the three points against Rhode Island with one final penalty kick goal. In the attacking box, Damus was shoved down by #3 Stephen Turnbull, resulting in a penalty kick. Damus took a deep breath, ran up to the ball, and lasered it down the middle, while the goalkeeper #1 Ruiz Ojeda dove left.
Mark your calendars for June 1st as the Switchbacks play at Weidner Field to celebrate Soccer for all Night as they take on the Oakland Roots! For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE.
