Game Recap

Colorado Springs, CO (July 4th, 2024) – With a very close game against FC Tulsa, the Switchbacks were able to secure the win in added stoppage time, ending with a final score of 1-0. 

During the first half of the match, the boys in black and blue came out with a bang by having four shots on target, a total of 156 accurate passes, and 14 touches in the opposition box. Defensively, the team won four tackles, intercepted four times, and held 62.4% possession.

Going into the second half, the intensity kicked in to see which team would score first. With two total big chances thanks to #10 Zach Zandi and #9 Ronaldo Damus, everyone was on the edge of their seats. In the 89′, FC Tulsa’s Head Coach, Mario Sanchez received an automatic red card due to foul and abusive language. With the clock ticking closer to the end, there were only a few more opportunities to score. Damus was set in the middle of the box, tipping the ball to the right, letting Zandi rocket it into the back of the net in the 90+3′. 

The team heads on the road against Birmingham Legion on July 13th and Louisville City FC on July 19th. Join us on July 26th as the team is back at Weidner Field for Christmas in July as they battle Las Vegas Lights. For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE. 

Colorado Springs, CO (June 29th, 2024) – The Switchbacks earned three more points tonight as they took on Monterey Bay FC Union ending in a final score of 1-0.

With the team coming back to Weidner Field, the atmosphere was absolutely electric with a sold-out crowd. The Switchbacks were eager to score, with a notable shot on target in the 20′. #18 Aidan Rocha skillfully fought off a Monterey Bay defender and went towards the middle of the attacking zone. Rocha struck the ball towards the top left corner of the net, but Monterey Bay’s goalkeeper #16 Gerold Siaha barely saved it with his fingertips, keeping the game scoreless.

As #9 Ronaldo Damus started to approach Monterey Bay’s goal, Union player #30 Kai Greene conceded a penalty in the box against Damus, resulting in the Switchbacks earning a penalty kick in the 39′. Damus did a quick step up to the ball and sent the ball into the bottom left corner, earning the first goal of the night. 

Into the second half, the Switchbacks went full throttle in the attacking half. The boys in black and blue had six out of 10 shots on target, held 58% of possession,  and had a total of 255 passes. An incredible save in the 90+3′ by #1 Christian Herrera allowed for the Switchbacks to keep the upper hand and to end the game 1-0. 

Join us on the fourth of July as the Switchbacks take on FC Tulsa. Stick around after the match to enjoy Southern Colorado’s largest fireworks display for the Star Spangled Firework Spectacular! For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE. 

Post Match Quotes:

James Chambers:

On his overall thoughts:

“I thought we dominated the game to be honest with you. I thought we had numerous opportunities, and again, we could have been more clinical, but the reality is we were complacent again at times. I think we overcomplicated it sometimes and we caused ourselves our own trouble, and then I thought Monterey looked like a real threat on transitions and set pieces, and they could have scored in the last minute apart from Christian’s [Herrera] big save. So overall, happy with the win, performance wise again it was good in fits and spurts, and it got us three points and the win.”

On having a stronger defensive team this season than in seasons past: 

“I think for us, you know,  we conceded six goals in the last three games, and we had a  number of clean sheets leading up to it, so you know for us it was about getting back to that. We don’t want to be a defensive team, but you have to rely on that in this league, because even if you have good players and nights like tonight – we could have probably had four or five goals – but the reality is when you leave teams hanging around you’ve got to be defensively solid, and I thought tonight we were, apart from one or two moments, and set pieces where like I said they were a threat.”

Matt Real:

On the locked in defense after last week’s loss: 

“I think after last week we had a bit of a sour feeling in our mouths, because we knew, on the road, at a really good team, you know they’re [New Mexico] top of the West, we felt we deserved more than even a point. We had plenty of chances to win that, obviously it got away from us there at the end, off of an error that can easily be prevented, and it doesn’t start with the PK, it starts with the things leading up before that, that was just unlucky at the end. But we needed to really focus tonight on keeping the clean sheet at home, because you know if we keep a clean sheet here we’ll most likely win games because we’ll wear teams down, teams will get discouraged at altitude, it’s really tough for them to continue to press us when we’re pressing the entire time as well. I’m happy we were able to sharpen that up, get the clean sheet at home, and obviously score. We need to finish more though, because we left a lot of chances on the table, they could have equalized if not for that big save at the end there, hats off to him [Christian Herrera], but yeah I’m really happy we were able to get three points out of tonight.”

On how the team works through another tight turnaround with the game on Thursday: 

“I think what’s most important is not to get too high and not to get too low at our highest and lowest points. So obviously we’re happy with the three points tonight, but Coach has been stressing, we all think we’re a championship team, so in order to prove that, we have to continue to get results at home – and I don’t mean draws, I mean all three points, because when teams come here there’s no excuse to give points away or leave any points on the table. Especially when they’re coming to altitude the day before, we’re way more prepared. So we have to enjoy this one tonight, but focus tomorrow in training, because we’re right back at it again.” 

Aidan Rocha:

On his hunger tonight:
“Just a bounce back, you know, we had a long trip away with two games and that was on top of three games in seven days and we didn’t take all the points we wanted from that. So the mindset here was no matter what we get points away from this (the game tonight), we make a statement we’re still here ready to be at the top of the table.”

On facing Monterey Bay’s Goalkeeper:
“I mean it just shows how good the league is. Like someone like (Gerold) Siaha is a world-class keeper and (Alex) Tambakis last week against New Mexico (United), you know and I can keep naming them, he’s a world-class keeper. These are great teams too, so not only do you have to break a team down from 11 players, when you get to that 11th player you gotta be clinical.”

Colorado Springs, CO (June 22nd, 2024) – The Switchbacks’ unbeaten streak comes to an end as they battled against New Mexico, finishing with a score of 1-0. 

The Switchbacks had a quick turnaround, playing three games in the past seven days. Bringing the heat to the desert, the Switchbacks had three shots on target, created two big chances, had five interceptions, and won two out of three tackles in just the first half.

One notable shot on target was in the 13′ of the match. #99 Maalique Foster carried the ball from the center line, weaving through New Mexico defenders. Foster crossed the ball over into the box to #20 Yosuke Hanya, who attempted to kick the ball into the net, but struck it a smidge too high, keeping the score even into halftime. 

With everyone on the edge of their seats to see which team would score first, both goalkeepers held strong. In the 63′, #1 Christian Herrera had the ultimate test. New Mexico United player #10 Marco Micaletto, crept up to the top of the box and launched the ball down the middle. With Herrera’s quick feet, he dove swiftly to the left side hitting the ball away with his fingertips. 

As the game went down to the final minute, United player #11 Mukwelle Akale was racing down into the box with Switchbacks player #14 Duke Lacroix. Due to a dive Lacroix took, a penalty was called, giving New Mexico United a Penalty Kick. #12 Talen Maples stepped right up to the line, and shot the ball into the the top right side of the net, unfortunately breaking the Switchbacks’ nine-game unbeaten streak. 

The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field on June 29th, as they go head to head against Monterey Bay Union for Club and Country Night!  For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE. 

Colorado Springs, CO (June 18th, 2024) – The Switchbacks fought a tough battle in Sin City against the Las Vegas Lights FC, ending with a score of 3-3.

The game started quickly with #11 Quenzi Huerman scoring his first professional goal in the 6′. #80 Speedy Williams was battling for the ball with a Las Vegas defender and quickly passed it to Huerman in the bottom right of the box. Without hesitation, Huerman took advantage of the quick pass and rocketed the ball past the goalkeeper. 

Las Vegas Lights added their first mark on the scoreboard in the 28′. #90 Khori Bennett crossed the ball over in the attacking 18 box to #22 Joseph Hafferty, tipping in the ball past the goal line. 

In the 31′ #17 Jairo Henriquez gained possession of the ball from Las Vegas, bringing it all the way up from the center line. Around 25 yards out from the net, Henriquez launched it down the middle straight into the net, giving the Switchbacks a lead. 

As the game was nearing the end of the first half, Las Vegas Lights was awarded a penalty kick due to Bennett and Huerman both reaching to head the ball in the box and Bennett was able to angle the ball down, hitting Huerman’s arm, calling for handball. Bennett took the penalty kick and shot the ball to the left side of the net. 

With an action-packed first half, everyone was on the edge of their seats to see what the final score would be. In the 80′ Orange County Midfielder Coleman Gannon attempted a shot on the goal but was blocked by Switchbacks goalkeeper #1 Christian Herrera. With Herrera still on the ground, LV player #14 Soloman Asante crossed it over to #27 Valentin Noel, who deflected the ball in, giving Las Vegas the lead for the first time throughout the match.

As the clock gets closer to full time, the Switchbacks needed to make some changes on the pitch bringing in, #9 Ronaldo Damus, #99 Maalique Foster and #6 Matt Real. With the new players on, it was only a matter of time until the Switchbacks equalized the game. In the 89′, #18 Aidan Rocha went to take a corner kick, passing it discreetly to #2 Koa Santos. Santos popped the ball into the air, allowing Damus to head it in, making the final score of the night 3-3. 

The Switchbacks continue their road trip as they head against New Mexico United on Saturday, June 22nd. The boys then return to Weidner Field on June 29th, as they go head to head against Monterey Bay Union for Club and  Night!  For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE. 

Match Statistics:  

Saves: COS: Christian Herrera: (3) LV: Nicholas Ammeter (1)

Goals: COS: Huerman (A: Williams) (6′), Henriquez (31′), Damus (A: Santos) (89′) LV:   Hafferty (A:Bennett) (28′), Bennett (PK) (49′), Noel (A:Asante) (80′)

Disciplines:  COS: YC: Santos (8′), Huerman (22′), Lacroix (53′) LV: YC: Howell (82′)

Colorado Springs, CO (June 8th, 2024) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks went head to head against Memphis 901 FC and ended with a final score of 1-1.

The battle in Memphis started quickly with Wahab Ackwei scoring the first goal of the night. In the 5′,  #18 Aidan Rocha swiftly took a corner kick, crossing it directly over Ackwei who perfectly headed the ball into the bottom left corner of the net. 

With the Switchbacks making the first mark on the scoreboard, Memphis 901 FC knew the battle was on. Memphis responded with a goal in the 38′, with #9 Luis Fernando creeping inside the 18 and sending the ball into the bottom left corner of the net. 

During the 48′, #1 Christian Herrera had a notable game save. Memphis’ player #4 Emerson Hyndman, shot from outside the 18, but with Herrera’s quick reflexes, he jumped up and hit the ball with his fingertips, allowing it to barely miss the top left corner of the net, keeping the score even and ending with a final score of 1-1. 

Match Statistics:  

Saves: COS: Christian Herrera: (5) MEM:  Tyler Deric (1)

Goals: COS:  Ackwei (5′) (A: Rocha)  MEM: Fernando (38′) (A: Vom Steeg)

Disciplines:  COS: YC: Tejada (34′), Mahoney (66′), Pierre (73′), Santos (90+4′) MEM: Turci (45+2′), Glass (45+4′), Ward (53′), Duncan (67′)

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. 

Colorado Springs, CO (May 8th, 2024) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks entered into the round of 32 for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, going against New York City FC II and suffered defeat with a final score of 1-0. 

With the Switchbacks heading to New York only a few days after a USL Championship regular season match, the battle was tough. The game started quickly with New York City FC II player Jonathan Jimenez, making his way inside the box, getting a goal in the 6′. Throughout the rest of the match, the Switchbacks kept applying pressure to get that equalizer and had three shots on target. 

Tensions were running high with only a few minutes left of the match, and in the 89′, Switchbacks player #18 Aidan Rocha received a double yellow card, turning into a red card, leaving the Switchbacks to 10 men for the remainder of the added stoppage time. 

Even down a player, the black and blue overall played an impressive game. Throughout the full 90′, the team had a total of 14 shots, held 52.7% possession, had five interceptions, and won 14 tackles. The Switchbacks look to Saturday, as they have another quick turnaround and head to Hartford with kickoff at 5:00 pm MT.

Mark your calendars for May 17th as the Switchbacks return to Weidner Field to battle Rhode Island FC for Armed Forces night! For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE. 

Colorado Springs, CO (May 4th, 2024) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks secured their points tonight against El Paso Locomotive ending with a final score of 2-0.

With a packed house at Weidner Field, the Switchbacks brought their A game against El Paso Locomotive. In the 21′, #2 Koa Santos ran up the right farside on the pitch in the attacking zone, crossing the ball to #9 Ronaldo Damus. Damus had a quick touch on the ball and then rocketed the ball into the back of the net, giving the Switchbacks their first goal of the night. 

In the 30′, #99 Maalique Foster had a quick breakaway running past multiple El Paso Locomotive defenders, then he went in for the strike but hit it perfectly on the right goal post, keeping the score at 1-0. Throughout the first half, the boys in black and blue brought the heat with three shots on target and held 53.9% of the possession. 

Throughout the second half, the boys held strong by having two shots on target, four tackles won, and four interceptions. In the 88′, a penalty was conceded by El Paso player Eric Calvillo and was won by Switchbacks player #20 Yosuke Hanya. Due to this penalty happening in the 18, the Switchbacks were awarded a penalty kick. Damus calmly took the position and struck the ball toward the left of the net, while El Paso’s goalkeeper leaped to the right. With Damus getting the second goal of the night, it had secured the Switchbacks’ second win of the 2024 season.

The Switchbacks have a double match this upcoming week. The team heads to New York to play in the Open Cup on Wednesday, May 8th with kickoff at 5:30 pm MT. Then the Switchbacks head to Connecticut to play Hartford Athletic on Saturday, May 11th at 5:00 pm MT. Mark your calendars for May 17th as the Switchbacks return to Weidner Field to battle Rhode Island FC for Armed Forces night! For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE. 

Post Match Quotes:

James Chambers

Overall thoughts

“I think in the first half I thought we were very good with possession and we thought we pressed well. We dropped off a little bit towards the last five to seven minutes of the first half. We came out in the second half and they (El Paso) had the ball more than we would have liked. But I think the boys did so well, especially out one nil to keep the clean sheet, so really really happy for the boys.”

On the Switchbacks fans at home:

“It’s our fourth home game. We let people down for three weeks when they came and paid money. Tonight we wanted to give back to the fans who took the time out to come and watch us. We really wanted to give back to them, we were really focused on that. This is what we want to do every week, it was electric! It is honestly what the players fed off of and were really happy that we kept the momentum going, but we only have two wins, that’s the reality of it, but it’s nowhere we want to be. I’m just so happy that the boys are continuing on with this momentum.

Koa Santos

On his first assist of the season, and what that means going forward:

“I think me and Maaliiqe (Foster) are starting to find a good relationship and I think the more we get in those areas the more I’ll be able to show my quality – double digits are aspirational but we just strive for that and hope we get close.”

On the back line the last two weeks, and the developing defense: 

“I think it’s just all about relationships and finding and building them week in and week out – hopefully it’s only up from here for us.”

On the atmosphere at Weidner Field and what it meant to have the fans supporting the team tonight: 

“It means the world – it’s our first win at home and fans deserve it, so you know I’m glad we could give them a good game.”

Speedy Williams:

On the team’s building momentum and what it means to get the win at home: 

“It means a lot, especially because there were so many people here today, and we didn’t want to disappoint them so we really tried to win for them.” 

On the team’s mentality and work to get on the right foot moving forward:

“We haven’t been sorry for ourselves, we’ve just been grinding and grinding and doing the simple things, and we’re getting the results, and we just need to keep doing that.” 

On what he saw on the field that allowed his pass to Santos for the assist: 

“His (Santos) run, his run. Their runs make the passes – so his run made my pass easy.”

Match Statistics:  

Saves: COS: Christian Herrera: (2) ELP:  Jahmali White (3)

Goals: COS:  Damus (A:Santos) (22′), Damus (PK) (89′) 

Disciplines: COS: YC: Damus (13′), Henriquez (79′), Herrera (86′), Mahoney (90+1) ELP: YC:  Lyons (53′), Clarhaut (54′), Dhillon (70′), Waite (76′) ,Calvillo (88′) RC: Clarhaut (54′)

Colorado Springs, CO (April 27th, 2024) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks had a massive breakthrough game tonight against the Oakland Roots, finishing with a final score of 2-0. 

The Switchbacks brought the heat tonight to California, controlling 54.9% of the ball’s possession in just the first half.  In the 31′, Christian Herrera had an incredible save with a quick leap to the left blocking Justin Rassmussen’s shot by just Herrera’s fingertips. With the good guys creating six shots throughout the first half, it was on to see who could score the first goal in the game. Yosuke Hanya created one last final chance in the 45′, thanks to a long pass from Maalique Foster, but unfortunately, the Oakland Roots goalkeeper, Paul Blanchette was able to stop the ball from passing the goal line.   

Into the second half, the Switchbacks made some substitutions with Jairo Henriquez and Juan Tejada coming onto the pitch for Zach Zandi and Yosuke Hanya. In the 70′, Maalique Foster passed the ball over to the left side of the 18, where Juan Tejada tipped the ball right into the net. With the Switchbacks feeling ecstatic, it was time to secure the three points for the match. Aidan Rocha ran right into the middle of the 18, calmly striking the ball into the right side of the net in the 84′, sneaking past Paul Blanchette. 

Mark your calendars for May 4th as the Switchbacks return to Weidner Field to battle El Paso Locomotive for Galactic night! For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE. 

Match Statistics:  
Saves: COS: Christian Herrera: (2) OAK: Paul Blanchette (4)
Goals: COS:  Tejada (A:Foster) (70′), Rocha (A:Foster) (84′) 
Disciplines: COS: YC: Zandi (22′), Lacroix (73′), Henriquez (90+1) OAK: YC: Rasmussen (52′), Riley (83′)

Colorado Springs, CO (April 20th, 2024) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks earned their first point of the season against Indy Eleven finishing with a final score of 1-1. 

Tonight was a very important night for the history of the club as the team celebrates the Switchbacks 10th season. Within the first three minutes of the match, the Switchbacks made it on the scoreboard. #20 Yosuke Hanya quickly brings the ball right up against the left sideline of the 18, crosses it between three Indy Eleven defenders and their goalkeeper, delivering it right above #9 Ronaldo Damus who heads into the net. 

In the 31′, Indy Eleven player #3 Aedan Stanley runs to the far left side passing it to #9 Augustine Williams who tips it in. With the score now even, the Switchbacks brought the heat, finishing the first half with a total of 10 shots. Maalique Foster had two shots on target and Ronaldo Damus had one shot on target. 

Into the second half, #3 Wahab Ackwei went in for a tackle and received a straight red card due to violent conduct. With the team being down a man, the Switchbacks had to change the strategy up. The second half was heavily focused on defense and it was imperative that the Switchbacks would earn at least a point. The boys were not backing down from the fight and were able to finish the match with a final score of 1-1. 

The Switchbacks head to California to play against the Oakland Roots on Saturday, April 27th. Mark your calendars for May 4th as the team returns to Weidner Field to battle El Paso Locomotive for Galactic night! For tickets to that match, and all others, head HERE.