Game Recap

Colorado Springs, CO (March 22nd, 2025) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks traveled to the West Coast to go against Sacramento Republic FC ending in a draw of 2-2. 

The last meeting between the Colorado Springs Switchbacks and Sacramento Republic FC took place in October 2024 at Heart Health Park. In a hard-fought match, the Switchbacks emerged victorious with a score of 0-1. Throughout the first half, the Switchbacks dominated possession with 56.2%, won five out of six tackles, and made four key interceptions. 

In the 25th minute Sacramento player #11, Russell Cicerone, delivered a cross from just outside the top of the 18-yard box. The ball sailed into the path of #2, Jack Gurr, who headed the ball into the net giving Sacramento a 1-0 lead.

As the second half began, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks took even more control of the match, increasing their possession to 65.8%. They were sharp in their passing, completing 165 accurate passes. The team also had three shots on target and demonstrated their defensive prowess, winning eight out of nine tackles, which helped them maintain pressure on Sacramento throughout the half.

Sacramento struck again in the 74th minute. Cicerone crept into the box and tapped the ball over the goal line. However, the Switchbacks weren’t deterred.

In the 85th minute, #7 Jonas Fjeldberg made a rapid charge into the box, looking to bring the Switchbacks back into the game. As he approached the goal, Sacramento’s #22, Michelle Benitez Valenzuela, fouled Fjeldberg inside the 18-yard box, resulting in a penalty kick for the Switchbacks. #77 Justin Dhillon calmly stepped up to take the penalty and placed the ball perfectly into the top of the net, bringing the Switchbacks within one goal with a 2-1 score.

With time winding down and the Switchbacks trailing by one, the match reached stoppage time. In the 96th minute, #11 Quenzi Huerman made a powerful run into the box, determined to find the equalizer. As he closed in on goal, Sacramento’s #10, Cristian Parano Rasguido, fouled Huerman inside the box, awarding the Switchbacks another penalty kick. Once again, Dhillon took the spot kick and, with confidence, slotted the ball into the net, leveling the score at 2-2 and securing the Switchbacks’ hard-fought draw.

Switchbacks stay on the road for the next match against Indy Eleven on March 29th. Don’t miss out on the next Switchbacks home match on April 5th as they take on New Mexico United! To stay up to date on the Switchbacks schedule, head HERE. 

Colorado Springs, CO (March 8th, 2025) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks started the 2025 season on the road against El Paso Locomotive, ending with a final score of 2-2. 

The Switchbacks were given an early chance to put themselves on the scoreboard when #22 Marco Micaletto was fouled inside the attacking box. Just two minutes into the match, Micaletto stepped up to take the penalty kick. With precision and composure, he sent the ball low and to the bottom left corner of the net, giving the Switchbacks an early 1-0 lead.

However, El Paso responded just before halftime, leveling the score in the 43rd minute. #8 Frank Daroma ran into the box, but the Switchbacks’ defense quickly closed in on him, applying pressure. This forced Daroma to pass the ball to #10 Amando Moreno, who was positioned just outside the top of the box. Moreno sent the ball into the back of the net, leveling the score at 1-1 just before the break.

The second half saw several key substitutions for the Switchbacks, with #34 Charlie Adams, #11 Quenzi Huerman, and #7 Jonas Fjeldberg entering the match in the 69th minute, bringing fresh energy to the team. Only five minutes later, Adams delivered a well-placed pass from the center line to Fjeldberg, who began to drive the ball just outside the 18-yard box. Fjeldberg, finding the perfect opportunity, took a shot towards the net. However, the ball deflected off the back of El Paso defender #5 Tony Alfaro, redirecting it over the head of the El Paso goalkeeper and into the top left corner of the net. The fortunate deflection gave the Switchbacks a 2-1 lead.

As the clock was getting closer and closer to the end of extra time, the atmosphere was at an all-time high. In the 92′, El Paso tied the scoreboard again with a goal from #13 Andy Cabrera. #20 Daniel Carter spun around in the box, passed the ball to Cabrera and sent it into the net, finishing the game in a tie. 

Don’t miss out on the Switchbacks Championship Celebration at Weidner Field for the Switchbacks Home Opener against Detroit City FC with kickoff set for 4:00 pm! To stay up to date on the Switchbacks schedule, head HERE. 

Match Statistics:

Saves: COS: Christian Herrera: (2) ELP:  Jahmali Waite: (0)

Goals: COS: Micaletto (PK) (2′), Fjeldberg (A:Adams) (74′) ELP: Moreno (A:Daroma) (43′), Cabrera (A: Carter) (92′)

Disciplines:  COS: YC:  Hanya (29′), Ward (31′), Mahoney (36′), Real (39′),  ELP:YC: Quezada (14′), Ruiz (49′), Moreno (84′)

Colorado Springs, CO (October 12th, 2024) – Switchbacks played a tough battle against San Antonio FC, ending with a final score of 1-2. 

With this being the last game at home for the Switchbacks during the regular season, the atmosphere was electric. In the first half, the boys in black and blue dominated with 10 shots, had 192 accurate passes, won all three tackles, and carried 72.2% possession. 

The Switchbacks were the first to score thanks to #18 Aidan Rocha in the 68′. Outside the box #29 Cole Mrowka passed the ball to Rocha, who drove it into the box sending it into the bottom right corner of the net. 

In the 77′, San Antonio equalized the scoreboard. #19 Luis Solignac headed straight towards #1 Christian Herrera but crossed the ball over to #18 Hugo Mbongue, who then sent it past the goal line. 

The boys kept fighting through the second half by having six shots on target, winning eight corners, and holding 65.8% possession. 

With an added stoppage time of only five minutes, the plays continued into the 90+9′. Mbongue passed the ball to fellow teammate Solignac tipped it in, ending the game with a final score of 1-2. 

The Switchbacks head on the road for the last two matches of the regular season. On Saturday, October 19th the boys battle Monterey Bay FC Union, and then on Saturday, October 26th they go head-to-head against Sacramento Republic. To stay up to date on the Switchbacks playoff run, head HERE. 

Post Match Quotes:

James Chambers: 

Overall thoughts on tonight’s game: 

“Yeah obviously losing like that is really disappointing. We were in the ascendancy and had the momentum, and a decision changed everything. So that happens, but we didn’t respond right. Bitterly disappointing but the boys gave it everything they had.”

On what was working in the first half:  

 “We had something like 70% of possession it seemed, but we didn’t test the goalkeeper enough in the final third and we over complicated at times. And ultimately we didn’t put up enough shots in the second half, we left them alone too long and they obviously got the goal from that decision. And then that ridiculous play at the end leads to what happened. But to concede so late in the game is disappointing, but it happened and we have to bounce back.”

Koa Santos: 

On play in the first half versus second: 

 “I think we had a lot of the ball, but I think we would have wanted to create a little bit more. I thought we could have been a little bit more dangerous going in at halftime, and at the end of the day we didn’t do enough to get it done, so it’s disappointing.” 

On what they’re looking for from the last two regular season matches: 

“Six points at the least. It’s gotta be I think, two wins and to get on the right track going into the playoffs. This one hurts and we’re gonna let this pain push us in the last two games of the season and I honestly hope we meet those guys (San Antonio) in the playoffs.” 

Aidan Rocha: 

On the fans’ support in this final home match, and all season long: 

“From the bottom of our hearts, it means everything. I can speak for the whole team, when we’re playing out there and we feel the amount of people that are out there it’s insane, it’s absolutely amazing. I’ve never felt home-field advantage like I have here, and it’s a true thing, it’s a real thing, and we’re so appreciative of them. This season wouldn’t be the same without this, without the fans. So knowing that we have this going into the playoffs is massive. We just wish we could have given them three points in this last home game of the season, so we owe them something when we come back here for playoffs.”

Match Statistics:

Saves: COS: Christian Herrera: (1) SA:  Pablo Sisniega: (6)

Goals: COS: Rocha (A: Mrowka) (68′) SA: Mbongue (A: Solignac) (77′), Solignac (90+9′)

Disciplines:  COS: YC: Hanya (22′), Huerman (24′), Mahoney (78′), Chambers (HC) (79′) SA:YC: Manley (44′), Sisniega (90+7′), Buckmaster (90+7′), Marcina (90+8)

Colorado Springs, CO (October 9th, 2024) – Switchbacks traveled to the west coast and went head to head against Orange County SC, ending with a final score of 2-0. 

Throughout the first half, the boys in cyan had a total of 142 accurate passes, won two corners, won five tackles, had two interceptions, and held a passing accuracy of 80.2%.

In the 32′, Orange County players headed quickly into the box crossing over the ball. With multiple Switchbacks players trying to clear the ball away from the goal, it ricocheted off #80 Speedy Williams foot and went to the back of the net. 

Only a few minutes away from halftime, #20 Justin Dhillon was given his second yellow card of the night due to a reckless offense foul, resulting in a red card, leaving the Switchbacks down a man. 

With a new strategy in mind, the Switchbacks made three interceptions, won four tackles, had 83 passes in the final third, and held a passing accuracy of 85.8% in the second half of the match. 

In the last final minute of the match, Orange County player #9 Ethan Zubak went full steam towards the net, but #1 Christian Herrera came out to challenge him. Zubak went around Herrera’s tackle sending the ball past the goal line, solidifying the final score 2-0. Even with the Switchbacks not earning the win on the road, from other USL Championship team results, the Switchbacks were able to clinch a playoff spot. 

Mark your calendar for October 12th as the team returns home to battle San Antonio FC for our Fan Appreciation Night. For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE. 

Colorado Springs, CO (September 7th, 2024) – Switchbacks FC went head to head against Tampa Bay Rowdies and gained a win at home with a final score of 4-2. 

The Switchbacks brought high energy into Weidner Field tonight. Just in the first half the team had five shots on target, had 194 accurate passes, won seven out of eight tackles, and held 54.5% possession of the ball. 

In the 28′, #8 Jonas Fjeldberg crossed the ball over into the box and a Tampa Bay defender headed it right to #20 Yosuke Hanya. Hanya curved the ball towards the left and another Tampa Bay Defender headed it in. 

As halftime approached quickly the boys were eager for another goal. In the 42′, #77 Justin Dhillon tipped it towards #7 Tyreek Magee. Magee brought the ball right outside the box and rocketed in straight past Tampa Bay’s Goalkeeper #1 Jordan Farr, sending the Switchbacks into halftime with a two-goal lead. 

During halftime, Tampa Bay Rowdies Head Coach Robbie Neilson received a red card due to foul and abusive language. 

Quickly into the start of the second half, Hanya crossed the ball over from the corner of the box right to Dhillon. In the 47′, the Switchbacks secured their third goal of the night thanks to Dhillon who headed the ball in. 

In the 53′, a Tampa defender passed the ball to Fjeldberg, who quickly scanned the box and found Hanya open. With the high cross from Fjeldberg, Hanya headed the ball straight into the net. 

Tampa Bay Rowdies made their first mark on the scoreboard in the 74′.  #23 Edwin Munjoma sent the ball right inside the box, and #10 Leonardo Fernandes headed the ball in. 

In the 79′, Fernandes passes the ball to his teammate #8 Damian Rivera. Rivera takes the ball across the top of the 18 until he hits the center, scoring Tampa’s second goal of the night. 

The boys in black and blue played an incredible game in the second half as well with four shots on target, won possession in the final third six times, won nine out of ten tackles, and had seven interceptions. 

The Switchbacks are at Weidner Field next Saturday for Noche Latina as they take on Charleston Battery! For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE. 

Post Match Quotes:

James Chambers: 

Overall thoughts:
“I think we did absolutely fantastic in the first half, thought we were really good at the start of the second half. We lost control of the game (in the second half) and we gave away a couple of sloppy goals. So that leaves a sour taste in our mouth. We looked at last week, and it was a really tough week, I know it was a Sunday game and we played Saturday but it was short rest considering the week, and the effort the boys put in last week so we got to take that with a pinch of salt. You know overall, really really pleased with the three points, really pleased with the four goals again we need to stay humble there are a lot of areas that we can improve on but on top, attacking we look dangerous.”

On goals with only having three more home games at Weidner Field:
“We got to keep entertaining the people, they paid their hard-earned money to watch us that’s the reality of it. We owe them from New Mexico, we kind of made up for it against Memphis 901, tonight we gave them the value of their money. Three left obviously, and another big team coming in next week, Charleston. We’re pleased with tonight, and the result, and performance of about 75-80% I thought was exceptional but there are areas we can grow, we’re still evolving as a team, and we turned over a top team.”

On Yosuke Hanya’s two goals and assist against the Rowdies:
“Really good, he has shown a lot of quality throughout the year, he has been unlucky in moments, and he showed tonight he has real quality in front of the goal and ultimately attacking players have to show up with goals tonight, they did were really pleased for them but there is more in everybody, every single one of us, there’s more in us, we need to stay hungry, stay humble to keep giving more to get more out of each other.”

Tyreek Magee 

On what is fueling their consistent performance these last couple of games:

“We’re starting to build a winning mentality and we want to keep it going. We’ve been working really hard and it’s only right for us to come here on the weekends and get the reward.”

Justin Dhillon

On his first goal as a Switchbacks player:

“First and foremost we’ve been almost having it in a couple of games where there have been great crosses into me, and when Yos (Yosuke) picked his head up and delivered such a good ball, I was really just fortunate to have someone like him. I mean the whole team, Jonas (Fjeldberg), Matt (Real), they’ve been giving great crosses in, and one finally fell, so I’m super happy about it.”

Yosuke Hanya

On his mentality coming into the game tonight:

“I’m extremely happy, and grateful for this performance as a team, and personally it has been very long since I scored my last goal, so this is definitely an energy boost moment for me, and I’m really excited to score more goals as we head to the last couple games. “

On what shift happened in mentality to see the team play more together and increase in team chemistry in the last three games:

“You know a couple of weeks ago we played against New Mexico United – one of the top teams in the league and we played a pretty good game at home but the result wasn’t good enough, so that game was another motivation to bounce back and keep going. So I think right now we have a good mentality, and a good momentum going forward, so we want to keep that momentum going forward until the last game of the playoffs.”

Match Statistics:

Saves: COS: Christian Herrera: (2) TBR:  Jordan Farr (5)

Goals: COS: Hanya (28′), Magee (A:Dhillon) (42′), Dhillon (A: Hanya) (47′), Hanya (A: Fjeldberg) (53′) TBR: Fernandes (A: Munjoma) (74′), Rivera (A: Fernandes) (78′) 

Disciplines:  COS: YC: Pierre (20′) TBR:YC: Spaulding (10′), Bodily (76′), Guillen (86′) RC: Head Coach Robbie Neilson

Colorado Springs, CO (September 1st, 2024) – Switchbacks battled against FC Tulsa on the road and dominated the match with a final score of 1-4. 

The game started off quickly thanks to a goal from #17 Jairo Henriquez in the 2′. #10 Zach Zandi was battling off two Tulsa defenders in the top left side of the Switchbacks’ attacking zone. Zandi crossed the ball to Henriquez who was in the middle of the box, sending it straight past Tulsa’s goalkeeper. Colorado Springs has scored 9 goals in the first 15 minutes of the first half, no other team has done this in the USL Championship this season.

In the 37′, Zandi quickly moved towards the attacking half, but before he could run past the center line, he passed the ball to #9 Ronaldo Damus. As Damus went head to head against Tulsa’s goalkeeper who came outside of the box, Damus swiftly moved to the right and struck the ball into the bottom left side of the net. 

With the Switchbacks holding 52.5% possession, it was only a matter of time until another Switchbacks goal. Only a minute into the first half stoppage time, Switchbacks defender #14 Duke Lacroix outrun two FC Tulsa defenders and carried the ball all the way into the box, striking it in past the goal line. 

Into the second half, the Switchbacks kept the intensity high with three shots on target, five interceptions, and 135 accurate passes. In the 69′, #18 Aidan Rocha calmy took the position for a corner kick, and crossed the ball into the group of players inside the box. #6 Matt Real jumped up and headed the ball into the net, securing the win for the Switchbacks. 

With only a minute remaining in the extra stoppage time, FC Tulsa did score their first goal of the night. #7 Andrew Booth sent the ball outside the box into the goal, ending the final score at 1-4. 

The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field on Saturday for Marvel Superhero night as they take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies! For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE. 

Match Statistics:

Saves: COS: Christian Herrera: (1) TUL:  Johan Penaranda (3)

Goals: COS: Henriquez (2′), Damus (A:Zandi) (37′), Lacroix (A: Williams) (45+1′), Real (Rocha) (69′) TUL: Booth (90+3′), 

Disciplines:  COS: YC: Real (21′), Pierre (51′), Fjeldberg (83′) TUL:YC: Booth (62′)

Colorado Springs, CO (August 28th, 2024) – With a quick four-day turnaround, the Switchbacks FC earned three points at home against Memphis 901 FC, ending with a final score of 3-1

Switchbacks had an early lead with two goals thanks to #8 Jonas Fjeldberg. Just in the 4′, a Memphis defender went to head the ball, landing it right in front of Fjeldberg, who sent it bouncing past the goalkeeper.

Only a few minutes after that goal in the 6′, Fjeldberg struck again. #7 Tyreek Magee had an incredible pass to Fjeldberg who fought off both the goalkeeper and defender, lasering it into the back of the net. 

In the 32′, Memphis took a free kick sending the ball into the group of players inside the box. #5 Matt Mahoney went to head the ball outside the box, but hit it sideways, resulting in an own goal. 

Just after the goal in the 37′, Memphis player #5 Samuel Careaga was given a yellow card due to a reckless offense when he collided with Switchbacks player #7 Tyreek Magee. Only a minute after the first yellow Careaga was given another yellow due to simulation, resulting in a red card and Memphis being down a player on the pitch.

After an action-packed first half, the atmosphere at Weidner Field was electric. Colorado Springs have been unbeaten in their last 23 USL Championship matches when leading at half-time (W19, D4) dating back to 5th July 2022 against San Diego Loyal (L2-3).

With the tensions high between both teams, a penalty kick was awarded to the Switchbacks due to a handball from Memphis player #2 Abdel Yacoubou. In the 75′, 

#9 Ronaldo Damus calmly waited until he heard the whistle, then he swiftly struck the ball to the bottom left side of the net, securing the win for the Switchbacks. 

Memphis was given another red card due to foul and abusive language in the 76′ to #11 Marlon Santos who was on the bench. 

Switchbacks head on the road to battle against FC Tulsa on Sunday night. Then they are back at Weidner Field on Saturday for Marvel Superhero night as they take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies! For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE. 

Post Match Quotes

James Chambers:

Overall thoughts:

“I thought for 30 minutes we were exceptional, thought we were really good, very aggressive. In and out of possession which is what we wanted and then we were a little bit sloppy obviously with the goal we conceded and a little bit of a brain fart and we really didn’t respond well before halftime.”

On his thoughts on whether Jonas Fjieldberg should’ve taken the penalty kick rather than Ronaldo Damus:

“No, there wasn’t. Ronaldo was the penalty taker when he was on the field, that is the reality of it. I thought Jonas was very bright on Saturday (against New Mexico United) and didn’t get any end product, let’s call it. Tonight he did, so I’m really happy with him and very happy for him, I should say. I think he should be happy with his performance today.”

On the culture of the team mentality in the locker room and on the field:

“We were really disappointed with Saturday, every one of us staff, players, and backroom team. I think we were locked in from as soon as I walked into the building, I felt a different mentality which I was really proud of and happy with the boys. Look you can have the right mentality but you got to go and win the game and they did that. Look these things happen that’s how you respond and the boys responded tonight with that being said it’s done, it’s over with and we have FC Tulsa on Sunday.”

Matt Real:

On what today’s win means after the loss on Saturday:

“Coming into this week we just thought it was really important to fix the little mistakes that we made last game because we know once we are at home, teams are coming to us. It’s very hard to beat us when we’re at the top of our game.”

Jonas Fjeldberg:

On his mindset between this game versus last Saturday’s game:

“I put a lot of focus into finishing my chances this week, and even though I thought I played better on Saturday, I’m way happier with my performance now-with scoring my chances, that’s all that matters.” 

On what he saw on the field while finishing his chances:

“You know, I just saw there was a bunch of space to run in behind early, and Coach (James) Chambers told us they didn’t look too sharp in the warm-ups, so I thought why not test them early, and it worked.”

Match Statistics:

Saves: COS: Christian Herrera: (3) NM:  Alexander Tambakis (3)

Goals: COS: Fjeldberg (4′), Fjeldberg (A:Magee), (6′), Damus (PK), (75′) MEM: Switchbacks Own Goal (Mahoney) (31′), 

Disciplines:  COS: YC: Hanya (30′), Real (71′)  MEM:YC: Lapa (13′), Careaga (37′), Careaga (40′), Ward (40′), Paul (86′) RC: Careaga (40′), Marlon (77′)

Colorado Springs, CO (August 24th, 2024) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks battled New Mexico United at home but unfortunately lost, ending with a final score of 0-1.  

The game had an early start with New Mexico United scoring in the 8′. #1 Christian Herrera went forward to go for the ball, but New Mexico player #11 Mukwelle Akale got to it first, crossing it over and getting it right past the goal line. 

With a group of four substitutions coming from the Switchbacks bench early into the second half, the strategy shifted, bringing in more midfielders like #18 Aidan Rocha, #17 Jairo Henriquez, and #20 Yosuke Hanya. 

In the 71′, Henriquez had a quick touch on the ball midfield, and New Mexico player #19 Zico Bailey went right in front of him, colliding hard, giving Bailey his second yellow card of the night, which turned into a red card.

With New Mexico down a man, the Switchbacks were gunning to even the score. Eight shots were taken just in the second half and the good guys held 60.9% possession of the ball. As the minutes were ticking down, the Switchbacks were unable to equalize the score, resulting in a final of 0-1. 

Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field on Wednesday for Witches and Wizards night as they take on Memphis 901 FC! For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE. 

Post Game Quotes:

James Chambers:

Overall thoughts:

“Obviously we’re disappointed. I think in the first half we didn’t play as well as we would’ve liked, we weren’t as aggressive as we should’ve been and we gave up a sloppy goal, and that happens. And the response was there, but we just didn’t do enough, we didn’t do enough to get that goal. There were a couple of half chances here and there but ultimately it wasn’t the result we came for. Can’t fault the players’ efforts and their application, it just wasn’t to be tonight.” 

On the quick turnaround: 

“We’ve bounced back before. It’s not the result we wanted again, it was what it was, performance-wise, and the reality is we just need to regroup, get ourselves ready tomorrow, and go again for Memphis on Wednesday.”

Jonas Fjeldberg:

On moving on and bouncing back in time for Memphis on Wednesday: 

“Tonight we learned that we can’t afford to miss our chances, like the way we did. We can’t dwell on this too much, it’s going to hurt today, and maybe tomorrow, but in soccer, you have to forget about your last moment, you have to move on, it’s a sport that you’re only as good as your last game, so I think this will motivate the guys to go 100% again on Wednesday. You know you can’t fault us for effort, but honestly, it doesn’t matter, I just want to win. I can’t wait for Wednesday to come so we can turn this around again.” 

Match Statistics:

Saves: COS: Christian Herrera: (3) NM:  Alexander Tambakis (3)

Goal: NM: Akale (8′), 

Disciplines:  COS: YC: Henriquez (69′), Mahoney (77′), Hanya (90+2′)  NM:YC: Micaletto (10′), Bailey (52′), Bailey (71′), Hurst (90+8′) RC: Bailey (71′)

Colorado Springs, CO (August 17th, 2024) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks traveled to the East Coast, battling a game against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, ending with a final score of 2-2. 

Switchbacks goalkeeper #1 Christian Herrera had an incredible save early in the 8′, when the Riverhounds moved heavily into the box. #7 Langston Blackstock was high up near the goal line on the right side. He crossed it over to #15 Bradley Sample who attempted to rocket it into the net, but luckily Herrera was light on his feet hitting the ball upwards and away from the net. 

The Switchbacks made the first mark on the board in the 13′. #27 Juan Tejada passed it over to #6 Matt Real who was inside the attacking box, launching it towards the net. The Riverhounds goalkeeper #1 Eric Dick hit the ball away, but #7 Tyreek Magee rebound the block skipping it right into the goal. 

Pittsburgh came in hot by trying to equalize the score quickly in the 20′. Pittsburgh player #14 Charles Mertz sent the ball toward the net, and his fellow teammate, #19 Edward Kizza tried to tip it in, but Herrera dove to the left, securing the ball. 

Right into the second half, Pittsburgh found the back of the net in the 54′. From a corner kick, #2 Daniel Griffin was perfectly placed in the center of the box, and took a shot to the net, but was blocked by a header from #5 Matt Mahoney. Then the ball bounced in front of #42 Jack Walti who sent the ball towards the goal but was blocked again and off the rebound Walti shot again, earning Pittsburgh their first goal of the night. 

With the score staying even for both teams, the pressure was on going into five minutes of added stoppage time. In the 90+2′, Sample sent the ball over into the middle of the box, where #5 Sean Suber headed the ball in. 

With it coming down to the final seconds of the game, the Switchbacks had one last time to throw in the ball. #2 Koa Santos decided to throw it short to #80 Speedy Williams. Williams crossed the ball to the far left side of the box, where #4 Delentz Pierre headed it in, giving the Switchbacks the final equalizer.  

Mark your calendars for August 24th as the Switchbacks take on New Mexico United for Cyan Night at Weidner Field! For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE. 

Colorado Springs, CO (August 10th, 2024) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks had a tough battle against the new USL Championship team North Carolina FC, unfortunately ending in a final score of 4-1. 

An incredible save occurred early on in the game at the 21-minute mark, where North Carolina player #9 Oalex Anderson was at the top of the box and struck the ball towards the net. #1 Christian Herrera was quick on his toes, jumping up to punch the ball away from the net. 

As halftime was approaching, North Carolina was able to make their first mark on the scoreboard. In the 40′, #15 Michael Maldonado, crossed the ball over to the right in front of the net, and #9 Oalex Anderson headed the ball down past the goal line. 

Quickly into the start of the second half, North Carolina player #11 Evan Conway ran into the box jumping over Herrera as he went in for a clean tackle, bouncing the ball in for the second goal of the night. 

The Switchbacks needed to respond quickly in order to gain some good momentum back. In the 57′, #99 Maalique Foster was quickly moving in towards the middle of the box, battling past three defenders. Foster took the opportunity to strike the ball into the net, giving the Switchbacks their first goal of the night. 

Luck was not on the side of the good guys tonight as North Carolina scored again in the 78′. Anderson was just an inch outside the box and launched the ball towards the bottom right side of the net. 

With many substitutions from both teams, there was hope that a change would occur in favor of the Switchbacks. But with a tough night to begin with, seven minutes of added stoppage time unfortunately sealed the final score of the match. In the 90+5′, North Carolina player #10 Jaden Servania crossed the ball to the right of the box to fellow teammate #16 Rodrigo Da Costa who tipped it into the net, finalizing the score to be 4-1. 

The Switchbacks continue their road trip to Pittsburgh as they battle the Riverhounds on August 17th. Mark your calendars for August 24th as the Switchbacks take on New Mexico United for Cyan Night! For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE.