Match Review

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Open Weidner Field with a Draw in First Game Downtown

Colorado Springs, CO (April 24, 2021) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC opened Weidner Field with a 2-2 draw against Orange County SC in the first ever friendly in downtown Colorado Springs.

The Switchbacks opened Weidner Field with a bang as José Torres found the foot of Hadji Barry who turned and faced his defender before doing a stepover to create space and firing a shot across the goalkeeper and inside the left post just five minutes into the game. Barry had another opportunity 15 minutes later as he curled a shot to the top corner but it was saved wide for a corner kick. Later in the first half, Matt Mahoney rose up above the defender to get a header downwards towards the right post but the Orange County goalkeeper made a foot save.

Orange County equalized early in the first half as Ronoldo Damus got around Abraham Rodriguez and slotted his shot into the empty net. The Switchbacks recovered their lead only a minute later as Austin Dewing found Hadji Barry inside the box and he fired a shot straight into the back of the net in the 52nd minute. Orange County found another equalizer seven minutes from full time after a shot deflected off a defender and landed inside the left post.

"Finally the preseason is over, this has been the longest preseason ever," said Hadji Barry. "I think we are all excited to go into the season next week. It was a good preseason so far, we're really happy to go into the season next week."

The Switchbacks ended preseason with a 2-2 draw against Orange County SC in the first ever Friendly at Weidner Field in downtown Colorado Springs.

"Last year when we were standing over there staring at a dirt patch, I never could've imagined what it turned out to be," said Jordan Burt after finishing his seventh preseason with the Switchbacks. "I think back to all of the years of me being with the Switchbacks, and I'm just incredibly grateful to be a part of this organization because tonight there was a special energy that I've never felt and I can't wait for the rest of the season."

The Switchbacks will begin its seventh season in the USL Championship on Saturday, May 1 at San Antonio FC with the Grand Home Opener at Weidner Field set for May 21 vs New Mexico United. Click here to view the full Switchbacks schedule.

"Preseason was good, it was hard. It was meant to be hard," said Switchbacks Head Coach, Brendan Burke. "We still have some players that haven't arrived yet because of the circumstances we're dealing with so there is still a lot more to come out of this group."

This will be the Switchbacks' first season in the new 8,000-seat state of the art stadium in Downtown Colorado Springs. Weidner Field is set to be the highest elevated professional stadium in the USL Championship and the United States at 6,035 ft.

Season tickets are the only way to confirm your tickets today and they can be purchased HERE or call 719-368-8480 to ensure your spot as a new era begins in Colorado Springs history.

Colorado Springs, CO (April 24, 2021) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC opened Weidner Field with a 2-2 draw against Orange County SC in the first ever friendly in downtown Colorado Springs.

The Switchbacks opened Weidner Field with a bang as José Torres found the foot of Hadji Barry who turned and faced his defender before doing a stepover to create space and firing a shot across the goalkeeper and inside the left post just five minutes into the game. Barry had another opportunity 15 minutes later as he curled a shot to the top corner but it was saved wide for a corner kick. Later in the first half, Matt Mahoney rose up above the defender to get a header downwards towards the right post but the Orange County goalkeeper made a foot save.

Orange County equalized early in the first half as Ronoldo Damus got around Abraham Rodriguez and slotted his shot into the empty net. The Switchbacks recovered their lead only a minute later as Austin Dewing found Hadji Barry inside the box and he fired a shot straight into the back of the net in the 52nd minute. Orange County found another equalizer seven minutes from full time after a shot deflected off a defender and landed inside the left post.

“Finally the preseason is over, this has been the longest preseason ever,” said Hadji Barry. “I think we are all excited to go into the season next week. It was a good preseason so far, we’re really happy to go into the season next week.”

The Switchbacks ended preseason with a 2-2 draw against Orange County SC in the first ever Friendly at Weidner Field in downtown Colorado Springs.

“Last year when we were standing over there staring at a dirt patch, I never could’ve imagined what it turned out to be,” said Jordan Burt after finishing his seventh preseason with the Switchbacks. “I think back to all of the years of me being with the Switchbacks, and I’m just incredibly grateful to be a part of this organization because tonight there was a special energy that I’ve never felt and I can’t wait for the rest of the season.”

The Switchbacks will begin its seventh season in the USL Championship on Saturday, May 1 at San Antonio FC with the Grand Home Opener at Weidner Field set for May 21 vs New Mexico United. Click here to view the full Switchbacks schedule.

“Preseason was good, it was hard. It was meant to be hard,” said Switchbacks Head Coach, Brendan Burke. “We still have some players that haven’t arrived yet because of the circumstances we’re dealing with so there is still a lot more to come out of this group.”

This will be the Switchbacks’ first season in the new 8,000-seat state of the art stadium in Downtown Colorado Springs. Weidner Field is set to be the highest elevated professional stadium in the USL Championship and the United States at 6,035 ft.

Season tickets are the only way to confirm your tickets today and they can be purchased HERE or call 719-368-8480 to ensure your spot as a new era begins in Colorado Springs history.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FCWin 3-1 Over Phoenix Rising FC in Preseason

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC defeated Phoenix Rising FC in a 75 minute preseason game 3-1 in Arizona Saturday morning.

Michee Ngalina got on the board early for the Switchbacks with his third goal in preseason so far. A trialist on the Switchbacks doubled the lead in the 30th minute. Phoenix got a goal back from the penalty spot, but the Switchbacks trialist scored again in the final moments to extend the lead to 3-1.

"Today was a very good building block for us, the whole group is very happy with the performance today against a top team," said Switchbacks Head Coach, Brendan Burke. "It is a preseason game in the end but our identity is forming and becoming more clear each week."

Saturday's win takes the Switchbacks preseason record to 3-2-0 ahead of the final Friendly against Orange County SC in the first ever game at the new Weidner Field on April 24.

The Switchbacks will begin its seventh season in the USL Championship on Saturday, May 1 at San Antonio FC with the Grand Home Opener at Weidner Field set for May 21 vs New Mexico United. The full Switchbacks 2021 schedule can be found HERE.

This will be the Switchbacks' first season in the new 8,000-seat state of the art stadium in Downtown Colorado Springs. Weidner Field is set to be the highest elevated professional stadium in the USL Championship and the United States at 6,035 ft.

Season tickets are the only way to confirm your tickets today and they can be purchased HERE or call 719-368-8480 to ensure your spot as a new era begins in Colorado Springs history.

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC defeated Phoenix Rising FC in a 75 minute preseason game 3-1 in Arizona Saturday morning.

“Today was a very good building block for us, the whole group is very happy with the performance today against a top team,” said Switchbacks Head Coach, Brendan Burke. “It is a preseason game in the end but our identity is forming and becoming more clear each week.”

Saturday’s win takes the Switchbacks preseason record to 3-2-0 ahead of the final Friendly against Orange County SC in the first ever game at the new Weidner Field on April 24.

The Switchbacks will begin its seventh season in the USL Championship on Saturday, May 1 at San Antonio FC with the Grand Home Opener at Weidner Field set for May 21 vs New Mexico United. The full Switchbacks 2021 schedule can be found HERE.

This will be the Switchbacks’ first season in the new 8,000-seat state of the art stadium in Downtown Colorado Springs. Weidner Field is set to be the highest elevated professional stadium in the USL Championship and the United States at 6,035 ft.

Season tickets are the only way to confirm your tickets today and they can be purchased HERE or call 719-368-8480 to ensure your spot as a new era begins in Colorado Springs history.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Conclude 2020 Season with Loss to FC Tulsa

Colorado Springs, CO (October 3, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC concluded the 2020 season with a 2-0 loss to FC Tulsa in Oklahoma.

FC Tulsa started the game on the front foot as Rodrigo da Costa brought down a ball and shot from point-blank range but Switchbacks' goalkeeper Sean Melvin got down and pushed the ball wide with a strong hand to keep the score level early. However, the hosts would take the lead in the 36th minute as da Costa played a looping cross into the head of Marlon who headed the ball back towards where it came from to sneak inside the post.

Four minutes later, an FC Tulsa through ball was met just outside of the box by Sean Melvin bravely sliding in to clear the ball. Unfortunately for the Switchbacks, the clearance bounced off the shin of an onrushing da Costa and looped into the air and bounced into the back of the net to double the hosts lead.

The Switchbacks now turn the page and shift their focus to 2021 with a new logo and the Downtown Stadium set to open in early 2021 for the USL Championship season.

Colorado Springs, CO (October 3, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC concluded the 2020 season with a 2-0 loss to FC Tulsa in Oklahoma.

FC Tulsa started the game on the front foot as Rodrigo da Costa brought down a ball and shot from point-blank range but Switchbacks’ goalkeeper Sean Melvin got down and pushed the ball wide with a strong hand to keep the score level early. However, the hosts would take the lead in the 36th minute as da Costa played a looping cross into the head of Marlon who headed the ball back towards where it came from to sneak inside the post.

Four minutes later, an FC Tulsa through ball was met just outside of the box by Sean Melvin bravely sliding in to clear the ball. Unfortunately for the Switchbacks, the clearance bounced off the shin of an onrushing da Costa and looped into the air and bounced into the back of the net to double the hosts lead.

The Switchbacks now turn the page and shift their focus to 2021 with a new logo and the Downtown Stadium set to open in early 2021 for the USL Championship season.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Play To Scoreless Draw in Final Game at Weidner Field

Colorado Springs, CO (September 30, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC played out to a scoreless draw against El Paso Locomotive FC on Wednesday night in the last ever game at Weidner Field.

In a tight first half, the Switchbacks had the best two opportunities starting with Aidan Daniels finding space on top of the penalty box and curling his effort just over the crossbar at the right post. The Switchbacks earned a corner kick in the 41st minute and played the ball short to Luke Ferreira on top of the penalty box but his shot was just wide of the left post.

Early in the second half, one of the best chances of the game fell to the foot of Luke Ferreira when El Paso misplayed a pass that put Ferreira in on goal but a defender recovered just enough to block the shot. Ten minutes later, El Paso defender Macauley King fired a shot at the upper corner but Switchbacks goalkeeper, Sean Melvin, got his fingertips to the ball to tip it over the bar.

With only nine minutes left in the game, El Paso redirected a cross to the left post back across the six-yard box to Leandro Carrijo who headed his effort towards goal from short range. However, Switchbacks defender Everardo Rubio was on the goal line to block the shot with his chest before clearing the ball to preserve the clean sheet and the draw with the 2019 Western Conference Finalists.

The Switchbacks end the 2020 USL Championship regular season on Saturday when the team travels to Oklahoma to take on FC Tulsa at 6pm MT.

Alan Koch
On keeping the team motivated to finish the 2020 season strong:
"The team we played against tonight has the potential to go on and win this thing. So for us to go toe to toe with them, and be a little disappointed that we didn’t win it in the end, shows the growth, shows where we’re going. I think we know we still got a long way to go. There’s moments in games that need to be a little bit better, but I’m incredibly proud of the performance tonight."

On what he wants to tell the fans:
"Thank you. Honestly, you can feel the love growing. And this is a new group, we’ve also got a new coaching staff, new players but you can feel when we walk around after the games, you can feel that love and you can feel that affection, and we truly appreciate it."

Jordan Burt
On getting a result tonight:
"This was one of our best games all season. It was awesome to see the work that guys put in. Definitely unfortunate to not get a win there. But it's a cruel game, you know. I probably should have scored that, could have gone on a high note, but it's a cruel game. Just gotta keep moving forward I guess."

On what he wants to tell the fans:
"Big thank you.You know I walked around afterwards and its crazy how many of them I know by name. Just appreciative of them supporting us through all the ups and downs. You know this is a special place, so I’ll be sad to not play anymore games here, but the fans make it special so thank you to the fans."

Rony Argueta
On the takeaways from tonight's game:
"The positive outlook on it really. They’re a really good team, El Paso, coach said it afterwards, they can definitely take it all the way and win it all. So for us to battle against them for a couple games now, I think that it shows a lot about what we have. I think it's just piecing it all together now."

On what he wants to tell the fans:
"Thank you guys for sticking with us, the highs and the lows. Definitely more lows, but you guys are always there for us. We really appreciate the support. Looking forward to next season, but we still got one more game, still got Tulsa so we’re looking to win that one."

Alan Koch
On keeping the team motivated to finish the 2020 season strong:
“The team we played against tonight has the potential to go on and win this thing. So for us to go toe to toe with them, and be a little disappointed that we didn’t win it in the end, shows the growth, shows where we’re going. I think we know we still got a long way to go. There’s moments in games that need to be a little bit better, but I’m incredibly proud of the performance tonight.”

On what he wants to tell the fans:
“Thank you. Honestly, you can feel the love growing. And this is a new group, we’ve also got a new coaching staff, new players but you can feel when we walk around after the games, you can feel that love and you can feel that affection, and we truly appreciate it.”

Jordan Burt
On getting a result tonight:
“This was one of our best games all season. It was awesome to see the work that guys put in. Definitely unfortunate to not get a win there. But it’s a cruel game, you know. I probably should have scored that, could have gone on a high note, but it’s a cruel game. Just gotta keep moving forward I guess.”

On what he wants to tell the fans:
“Big thank you.You know I walked around afterwards and its crazy how many of them I know by name. Just appreciative of them supporting us through all the ups and downs. You know this is a special place, so I’ll be sad to not play anymore games here, but the fans make it special so thank you to the fans.”

Rony Argueta
On the takeaways from tonight’s game:
“The positive outlook on it really. They’re a really good team, El Paso, coach said it afterwards, they can definitely take it all the way and win it all. So for us to battle against them for a couple games now, I think that it shows a lot about what we have. I think it’s just piecing it all together now.”

On what he wants to tell the fans:
“Thank you guys for sticking with us, the highs and the lows. Definitely more lows, but you guys are always there for us. We really appreciate the support. Looking forward to next season, but we still got one more game, still got Tulsa so we’re looking to win that one.”

Man of the Match// Everardo Rubio
Scoring Summary// COS: None | ELP: None
Saves// COS: Melvin (2) | ELP: Ketterer (1)
Discipline// COS: Rubio (11') | ELP: Robinson (57')

Man of the Match// Everardo Rubio
Scoring Summary// COS: None | ELP: None
Saves// COS: Melvin (2) | ELP: Ketterer (1)
Discipline// COS: Rubio (11′) | ELP: Robinson (57′)

Colorado Springs Switchbacks mirror consistent pressure against Salt Lake City

Colorado Springs, CO (September 26, 2020) – Tonight's penultimate home match for the Switchbacks sees them play Salt Lake City's Real Monarchs for the fourth and final time this season after the restart. After the Switchbacks' win last week against New Mexico, the team was looking to get another three points this week. Regardless of the fact that they are out of playoff contention for 2020, the Switchbacks are determined to not finish last in the group. The only problem? Salt Lake City has that exact same goal in mind, and only being a single point behind the Switchbacks in Group C, tonight's match could provide a crucial win for either team.

Starting in the first half, the Switchbacks put the pressure on the Monarchs when an early free-kick scoring opportunity was awarded to the home team; however, this pressure was alleviated from a missed opportunity on the kick which echoed a pattern that was seen throughout the match by both teams. The defense is able to take possession, the offense pushes towards the opposing goal, but nothing is able to connect to the back of the net until the 21st minute when Salt Lake City's Bode Davis is able to finish a corner kick opportunity with a point after the initial shot by Dayonn Harriss (SLC) was blocked by his teammate, Sam Brown. Continuing into the latter of the first half, the match diverges into a game of pong. The ball goes back and forth, in and out of possession by both teams, with no team seeming to come out on top after each attack. However, in the 41st minute, the Monarchs foul Luke Ferreira in their box and awarded the Switchbacks a penalty kick which was taken, and scored, by Christian Volesky. The first half ends, and the score is 1-1.

Going into the second half, the crowd is pumped, cheering on the Switchbacks, as they try and obtain a second win in a row for the 2020 season. Switchbacks players such as Gabe Robinson, Rony Argueta, and Jordan Burt, who kept loading on consistent pressure in the backline. The young keeper, Abraham Rodriguez, was also out in full force with save after save, and the main goal of… well… not giving up goals. However, regardless of the saves by each team's keeper, the constant pushes on the offensive, and multiple substitutions, even up to the last few minutes of the match, neither team was able to create a successful opportunity to get another point on the board ending this match in a 1-1 draw.

The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field on Wednesday, September 30th for the final home game of the 2020 regular season, and the final home game at the current Weidner Field before the club moves into the Downtown Stadium. Gates will be opening at 6pm with kickoff set for 7pm in the game presented by Pikes Peak National Bank. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Colorado Springs, CO (September 26, 2020) – Tonight’s penultimate home match for the Switchbacks sees them play Salt Lake City’s Real Monarchs for the fourth and final time this season after the restart. After the Switchbacks’ win last week against New Mexico, the team was looking to get another three points this week. Regardless of the fact that they are out of playoff contention for 2020, the Switchbacks are determined to not finish last in the group. The only problem? Salt Lake City has that exact same goal in mind, and only being a single point behind the Switchbacks in Group C, tonight’s match could provide a crucial win for either team.

Starting in the first half, the Switchbacks put the pressure on the Monarchs when an early free-kick scoring opportunity was awarded to the home team; however, this pressure was alleviated from a missed opportunity on the kick which echoed a pattern that was seen throughout the match by both teams. The defense is able to take possession, the offense pushes towards the opposing goal, but nothing is able to connect to the back of the net until the 21st minute when Salt Lake City’s Bode Davis is able to finish a corner kick opportunity with a point after the initial shot by Dayonn Harriss (SLC) was blocked by his teammate, Sam Brown. Continuing into the latter of the first half, the match diverges into a game of pong. The ball goes back and forth, in and out of possession by both teams, with no team seeming to come out on top after each attack. However, in the 41st minute, the Monarchs foul Luke Ferreira in their box and awarded the Switchbacks a penalty kick which was taken, and scored, by Christian Volesky. The first half ends, and the score is 1-1.

Going into the second half, the crowd is pumped, cheering on the Switchbacks, as they try and obtain a second win in a row for the 2020 season. Switchbacks players such as Gabe Robinson, Rony Argueta, and Jordan Burt, who kept loading on consistent pressure in the backline. The young keeper, Abraham Rodriguez, was also out in full force with save after save, and the main goal of… well… not giving up goals. However, regardless of the saves by each team’s keeper, the constant pushes on the offensive, and multiple substitutions, even up to the last few minutes of the match, neither team was able to create a successful opportunity to get another point on the board ending this match in a 1-1 draw.

The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field on Wednesday, September 30th for the final home game of the 2020 regular season, and the final home game at the current Weidner Field before the club moves into the Downtown Stadium. Gates will be opening at 6pm with kickoff set for 7pm in the game presented by Pikes Peak National Bank. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Post Game Quotes

Alan Koch
On keeping the team motivated to finish the 2020 season strong:
"Every game counts. I don't care if it's game one or it's the last game of the season…. When you step on the pitch, we're paying for our club. We're paying for our city. We're playing for individual pride, our family's pride, our team pride…. Those are the expectations that we expect from every player."

Overall thoughts on the match:
"Tonight is one of those games. It's a draw that feels like a loss, to be honest. There [are] some draws that feel like wins [,but], as far as I'm concerned, what we're trying to build, where we're trying to go, I'm not very satisfied. We need to push the envelope a little bit more. We [have] two games to do that."

Abe Rodriguez
Overall thoughts on the match:
"The first goal they scored, we were down. For [us], it just motivated the team. Try to push them to come back and we did. I thought we could've gotten the win. Unfortunately, we didn't. If we all worked together, it would've been a better result."

On personal goals for the remainder of the season
"Goalkeeper wise, going into these next two games, [I want] two shut-outs. That's my goal and has always been my goal. I also want to work on leadership. I am a young goalkeeper, but I want to work on that, and, if I do this well, I think we'll get two shut-outs."

Jordan Burt
Overall thoughts on the match:
"Honestly, [I'm] a little disappointed tonight. We had better players. We could've created a lot more changes, ad we just didn't take them. So, I'm a little disappointed, but…. onward and upward.

Thoughts on how the team can improve:
"When you play a team like the Monarchs, they're good at keeping the ball. I thought we were stretched the whole night from top to bottom. It gives them a lot of space to make plays. So just, a little bit of organization, a little bit of intensity, and a little bit of effort would've gone a long way and I think the result would've been different."

Post Game Quotes

Alan Koch
On keeping the team motivated to finish the 2020 season strong:
“Every game counts. I don’t care if it’s game one or it’s the last game of the season…. When you step on the pitch, we’re paying for our club. We’re paying for our city. We’re playing for individual pride, our family’s pride, our team pride…. Those are the expectations that we expect from every player.”

Overall thoughts on the match:
“Tonight is one of those games. It’s a draw that feels like a loss, to be honest. There [are] some draws that feel like wins [,but], as far as I’m concerned, what we’re trying to build, where we’re trying to go, I’m not very satisfied. We need to push the envelope a little bit more. We [have] two games to do that.”

Abe Rodriguez
Overall thoughts on the match:
“The first goal they scored, we were down. For [us], it just motivated the team. Try to push them to come back and we did. I thought we could’ve gotten the win. Unfortunately, we didn’t. If we all worked together, it would’ve been a better result.”

On personal goals for the remainder of the season
“Goalkeeper wise, going into these next two games, [I want] two shut-outs. That’s my goal and has always been my goal. I also want to work on leadership. I am a young goalkeeper, but I want to work on that, and, if I do this well, I think we’ll get two shut-outs.”

Jordan Burt
Overall thoughts on the match:
“Honestly, [I’m] a little disappointed tonight. We had better players. We could’ve created a lot more changes, ad we just didn’t take them. So, I’m a little disappointed, but…. onward and upward.

Thoughts on how the team can improve:
“When you play a team like the Monarchs, they’re good at keeping the ball. I thought we were stretched the whole night from top to bottom. It gives them a lot of space to make plays. So just, a little bit of organization, a little bit of intensity, and a little bit of effort would’ve gone a long way and I think the result would’ve been different.”

Game Stats

Man of the Match// Jordan Burt
Scoring Summary// COS: Volesky (41') | SLC: Davis (21')
Saves// COS: Rodriguez (3) | SLC: Slayton (4)
Discipline// COS: Volesky (11'), Cervós (45') | SLC: Brown (47')

Game Stats

Man of the Match// Jordan Burt
Scoring Summary// COS: Volesky (41′) | SLC: Davis (21′)
Saves// COS: Rodriguez (3) | SLC: Slayton (4)
Discipline// COS: Volesky (11′), Cervós (45′) | SLC: Brown (47′)

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs Real Monarchs SLC

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC are taking on Real Monarchs on September 26th! Gates will open at 5:00 PM MT! Kickoff will be at 6:00 PM MT. This game is sponsored by AMPRO Insurance and Sheath! This game is available for Season Ticket Members only.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC prevail over New Mexico's "Home Opener" at Weidner Field

Colorado Springs, CO (September 19, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC opened the doors to Weidner Field on September 19 to take on the "Home" team, New Mexico United. Fans from New Mexico took the nearly 400-mile trek from Albequerque to Colorado Springs to watch their team take temporary residence at Weidner Field to play the "away" team, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, in a (for lack of a better term) bizarre, reverse home opener due to COVID-19 stipulations. A sea of yellow and black flags seemed to fill the stands, as New Mexico fans belted words of encouragement and cheers of glory in support of their team.

Starting the match, both teams warred on the pitch, setting up opportunities and preventing attacks until the 28th minute when first blood was drawn. New Mexico's Devon Sandoval scored in the 28th minute to start a lead of 1-0. Switchbacks keeper, Abraham Rodriguez, fended off the "away" goal making multiple saves; however, nearing the end of the first half, it seemed as if New Mexico would be able to go into halftime with the wind at their back, and a one-goal lead. That is, until the 44th minute, when a penalty kick opportunity was awarded to the Switchbacks and converted by Christian Volesky to tie up the score at the end of the first half, 1-1.

Coming back in the second half, Luke Ferreira scored his first goal with the Switchbacks in the 48th minute assisted by Aidan Daniels, making the score 1-2. Keeping the pressure on, the Switchbacks created multiple opportunities throughout the remainder of the second half. With Abraham Rodriguez making multiple fantastic saves, Rony Argueta preventing a plethora of attacks, and great communication between all team members, the Switchbacks ensured that this half would be no walk in the park for New Mexico.

During the final 10 minutes of regular play, United created many scoring opportunities that were all either just off target or saved by Rodriguez. At stoppage time, New Mexico brought out one last-ditch effort in order to tie at full. The ball is at the feet of New Mexico's Kalen Ryden, he is able to make it past the Switchback's defences, and every fan is on their feet for what looks to be the shot that was needed for New Mexico to end their "Mid-September Home Opener" with a single point, rather than zero. However, Ryden was unable to put the ball in the net, making New Mexico concede not only their final scoring opportunity but the final scoring opportunity of the match, ending the evening with the Switchback's first-ever win against New Mexico United, 1-2.

The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field September 26 to take on the Real Monarchs SLC in the penultimate home game of the 2020 season. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Colorado Springs, CO (September 19, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC opened the doors to Weidner Field on September 19 to take on the “Home” team, New Mexico United. Fans from New Mexico took the nearly 400-mile trek from Albequerque to Colorado Springs to watch their team take temporary residence at Weidner Field to play the “away” team, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, in a (for lack of a better term) bizarre, reverse home opener due to COVID-19 stipulations. A sea of yellow and black flags seemed to fill the stands, as New Mexico fans belted words of encouragement and cheers of glory in support of their team.

Starting the match, both teams warred on the pitch, setting up opportunities and preventing attacks until the 28th minute when first blood was drawn. New Mexico’s Devon Sandoval scored in the 28th minute to start a lead of 1-0. Switchbacks keeper, Abraham Rodriguez, fended off the “away” goal making multiple saves; however, nearing the end of the first half, it seemed as if New Mexico would be able to go into halftime with the wind at their back, and a one-goal lead. That is, until the 44th minute, when a penalty kick opportunity was awarded to the Switchbacks and converted by Christian Volesky to tie up the score at the end of the first half, 1-1.

Coming back in the second half, Luke Ferreira scored his first goal with the Switchbacks in the 48th minute assisted by Aidan Daniels, making the score 1-2. Keeping the pressure on, the Switchbacks created multiple opportunities throughout the remainder of the second half. With Abraham Rodriguez making multiple fantastic saves, Rony Argueta preventing a plethora of attacks, and great communication between all team members, the Switchbacks ensured that this half would be no walk in the park for New Mexico.

During the final 10 minutes of regular play, United created many scoring opportunities that were all either just off target or saved by Rodriguez. At stoppage time, New Mexico brought out one last-ditch effort in order to tie at full. The ball is at the feet of New Mexico’s Kalen Ryden, he is able to make it past the Switchback’s defences, and every fan is on their feet for what looks to be the shot that was needed for New Mexico to end their “Mid-September Home Opener” with a single point, rather than zero. However, Ryden was unable to put the ball in the net, making New Mexico concede not only their final scoring opportunity but the final scoring opportunity of the match, ending the evening with the Switchback’s first-ever win against New Mexico United, 1-2.

The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field September 26 to take on the Real Monarchs SLC in the penultimate home game of the 2020 season. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Drop 2-1 Result to El Paso

El Paso, TX (September 16, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC fell to El Paso Locomotive FC 2-1 on Wednesday night at Southwest University Park.

In a tight first half, El Paso had the best opportunity to take the lead when the ball fell to Leandro Carrijo who turned and fired off a shot but Switchbacks goalkeeper, Sean Melvin, rushed out to close down the space and make the save.

El Paso took the lead from a corner kick in the 53rd minute as Saeed Robinson flicked his header off the underside of the crossbar and over the line. The Switchbacks had a couple of opportunities to equalize after Uvaldo Luna came into the game and had a strong shot saved and another effort just miss the top corner. The hosts doubled their advantage when a counter-attack put Omar Salgado behind the backline before he blasted his shot inside the right post in the 74th minute.

The Switchbacks pulled a goal back when Luke Ferreira played a ground cross to Mamadi Camara who controlled the ball and fired his shot from close range before the ball deflected off a defender and Logan Ketterer's fingertips before finding its way to the back of the net. Aidan Daniels almost completed the comeback when he hit a low shot from 25 yards towards the bottom corner, but Ketterer tipped the ball just beyond the post.

Camara's first professional goal was where the comeback attempt would end as the Switchbacks fell 2-1 on the road to last year's Western Conference Finalists.

"I am incredibly proud of the players for their commitment and application of what we asked them to do tonight on the road at one of the best teams in the league. We were moments away from doing something special here," said Switchbacks Head Coach, Alan Koch. "This group that we have been put in is the perfect group for us to be in right now. We need these difficult challenges to grow. Losing sucks but we are a few moments away from turning narrow losses into wins. We just played a team that put on a player who has played in La Liga and another who made the league team of the week this week as their subs in the second half. That quality was the difference. We are proud of our players and will keep pushing each other down the stretch."

The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field September 19 for an "away" game against New Mexico United before playing a traditional home game on September 26 at 6pm MT against the Real Monarchs SLC. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

El Paso, TX (September 16, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC fell to El Paso Locomotive FC 2-1 on Wednesday night at Southwest University Park.

In a tight first half, El Paso had the best opportunity to take the lead when the ball fell to Leandro Carrijo who turned and fired off a shot but Switchbacks goalkeeper, Sean Melvin, rushed out to close down the space and make the save.

El Paso took the lead from a corner kick in the 53rd minute as Saeed Robinson flicked his header off the underside of the crossbar and over the line. The Switchbacks had a couple of opportunities to equalize after Uvaldo Luna came into the game and had a strong shot saved and another effort just miss the top corner. The hosts doubled their advantage when a counter-attack put Omar Salgado behind the backline before he blasted his shot inside the right post in the 74th minute.

The Switchbacks pulled a goal back when Luke Ferreira played a ground cross to Mamadi Camara who controlled the ball and fired his shot from close range before the ball deflected off a defender and Logan Ketterer’s fingertips before finding its way to the back of the net. Aidan Daniels almost completed the comeback when he hit a low shot from 25 yards towards the bottom corner, but Ketterer tipped the ball just beyond the post.

Camara’s first professional goal was where the comeback attempt would end as the Switchbacks fell 2-1 on the road to last year’s Western Conference Finalists.

“I am incredibly proud of the players for their commitment and application of what we asked them to do tonight on the road at one of the best teams in the league. We were moments away from doing something special here,” said Switchbacks Head Coach, Alan Koch. “This group that we have been put in is the perfect group for us to be in right now. We need these difficult challenges to grow. Losing sucks but we are a few moments away from turning narrow losses into wins. We just played a team that put on a player who has played in La Liga and another who made the league team of the week this week as their subs in the second half. That quality was the difference. We are proud of our players and will keep pushing each other down the stretch.”

The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field September 19 for an “away” game against New Mexico United before playing a traditional home game on September 26 at 6pm MT against the Real Monarchs SLC. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Drop Result to Real Monarchs

Herriman, UT (September 9, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC were defeated 4-1 by the Real Monarchs SLC on Wednesday night in Utah.

The Switchbacks got on the board early after a long looping pass from Arturo Diz Pe bounced over the Monarch's goalkeeper and Aidan Daniels collected the ball and placed it into the back of the net from a tight angle. However, the Monarch's equalized just ten minutes later after Julian Vazquez rounded Sean Melvin and finished into the empty goal. The hosts would take the lead from a corner kick when Sam Brown rose up to score a header in the 26th minute.

The Monarchs extended their lead as Bode Davis found himself in open space on the back post before slotting his low shot between the legs of Switchbacks goalkeeper, Sean Melvin. A curled free-kick from Noah Powder 25 yards out from goal went around the wall and into the bottom left corner of the goal to finish off the game 4-1.

The Switchbacks are on the road again to take on the El Paso Locomotive FC on Wednesday, September 16 at 7pm MT. The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field September 19 for an "away" game against New Mexico United before playing a traditional home game on September 26 at 6pm MT against the Real Monarchs SLC. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Herriman, UT (September 9, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC were defeated 4-1 by the Real Monarchs SLC on Wednesday night in Utah.

The Switchbacks got on the board early after a long looping pass from Arturo Diz Pe bounced over the Monarch’s goalkeeper and Aidan Daniels collected the ball and placed it into the back of the net from a tight angle. However, the Monarch’s equalized just ten minutes later after Julian Vazquez rounded Sean Melvin and finished into the empty goal. The hosts would take the lead from a corner kick when Sam Brown rose up to score a header in the 26th minute.

The Monarchs extended their lead as Bode Davis found himself in open space on the back post before slotting his low shot between the legs of Switchbacks goalkeeper, Sean Melvin. A curled free-kick from Noah Powder 25 yards out from goal went around the wall and into the bottom left corner of the goal to finish off the game 4-1.

The Switchbacks are on the road again to take on the El Paso Locomotive FC on Wednesday, September 16 at 7pm MT. The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field September 19 for an “away” game against New Mexico United before playing a traditional home game on September 26 at 6pm MT against the Real Monarchs SLC. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Play Out to Scoreless Draw Against OKC Energy FC

Colorado Springs, CO (September 5, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC played out to a scoreless draw with OKC Energy FC on Saturday night at Weidner Field.

In a first half with few chances, a low driven corner kick from Aidan Daniels found George Lebese at the top of the box but his shot was deflected behind the goal. Oklahoma City's best chance of the game was a corner kick in the 30th minute that Nicolas Taravel headed over the crossbar.

After an appeal for a handball on a deflected cross in the 86th minute, Switchbacks midfielder Rony Argueta collected the ball and fired off a shot from 30 yards out to the lower corner of the goal that forced Oklahoma City's goalkeeper, CJ Cochran, into a diving save to keep the game even.

The Switchbacks held OKC Energy FC to zero shots on target to record the team's second clean sheet of the season.

The next three games for the Switchbacks are on the road starting with a trip west of the Rocky Mountains to take on the Real Monarchs SLC on Wednesday, September 9 at 8pm MT. The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field September 26 to take on the Real Monarchs SLC at 6pm MT. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Colorado Springs, CO (September 5, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC played out to a scoreless draw with OKC Energy FC on Saturday night at Weidner Field.

In a first half with few chances, a low driven corner kick from Aidan Daniels found George Lebese at the top of the box but his shot was deflected behind the goal. Oklahoma City’s best chance of the game was a corner kick in the 30th minute that Nicolas Taravel headed over the crossbar.

After an appeal for a handball on a deflected cross in the 86th minute, Switchbacks midfielder Rony Argueta collected the ball and fired off a shot from 30 yards out to the lower corner of the goal that forced Oklahoma City’s goalkeeper, CJ Cochran, into a diving save to keep the game even.

The Switchbacks held OKC Energy FC to zero shots on target to record the team’s second clean sheet of the season.

The next three games for the Switchbacks are on the road starting with a trip west of the Rocky Mountains to take on the Real Monarchs SLC on Wednesday, September 9 at 8pm MT. The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field September 26 to take on the Real Monarchs SLC at 6pm MT. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Alan Koch
On the Switchbacks getting 4 points against OKC in 2020 after tonight's game:
"If you would have offered me four points at the beginning of the season… we would’ve jumped at it. So, from that perspective it's a big positive. Tonight’s the first time anybody's come here, this season, and sat back, and, really, made us play. They made us be the ones that are going to possess and try to break them down."

On the Switchbacks 4th consecutive draw and what the team needs to do to turn the results to wins:
"I think the positive is we’ve gone through four games against four good teams and we haven’t lost. That’s a big positive. We have to capitalize on moments, and big games that are tight like tonight, you have less moments and you have to capitalize on those moments. That could be anybody in our group. It could be on a set piece, on a transitionary moment, it could be us in possession trying to get in behind them. And that’s what we’re pushing for."

Gabe Robinson
On adjusting to Colorado Springs' altitude in training this week leading up to his debut:
"I just had to go on a couple runs honestly, because this altitude will get you, and it did a little bit during the game."

On getting a clean sheet in his Switchbacks debut:
"Today, I think we communicated well. There was not really a lot of threat from OKC, honestly. So, I think I meshed into the group pretty quickly."

Joan Cervós
On his overall thoughts on the scoreless draw:
"I think this is the way we have to go. It was a very good game for the team because we arrived, we created a lot and we showed that we are better than them. I think they didn’t [have] a shot [on] goal."

On the Switchbacks 4th consecutive draw and what the team needs to do to turn the results to wins:
"I think we are doing good. What we have to do is to arrive more, get more shots, more crosses, and create a little bit more in the front… But I think we are creating something good and the team is responding very good."

Alan Koch
On the Switchbacks getting 4 points against OKC in 2020 after tonight’s game:
“If you would have offered me four points at the beginning of the season… we would’ve jumped at it. So, from that perspective it’s a big positive. Tonight’s the first time anybody’s come here, this season, and sat back, and, really, made us play. They made us be the ones that are going to possess and try to break them down.”

On the Switchbacks 4th consecutive draw and what the team needs to do to turn the results to wins:
“I think the positive is we’ve gone through four games against four good teams and we haven’t lost. That’s a big positive. We have to capitalize on moments, and big games that are tight like tonight, you have less moments and you have to capitalize on those moments. That could be anybody in our group. It could be on a set piece, on a transitionary moment, it could be us in possession trying to get in behind them. And that’s what we’re pushing for.”

Gabe Robinson
On adjusting to Colorado Springs’ altitude in training this week leading up to his debut:
“I just had to go on a couple runs honestly, because this altitude will get you, and it did a little bit during the game.”

On getting a clean sheet in his Switchbacks debut:
“Today, I think we communicated well. There was not really a lot of threat from OKC, honestly. So, I think I meshed into the group pretty quickly.”

Joan Cervós
On his overall thoughts on the scoreless draw:
“I think this is the way we have to go. It was a very good game for the team because we arrived, we created a lot and we showed that we are better than them. I think they didn’t [have] a shot [on] goal.”

On the Switchbacks 4th consecutive draw and what the team needs to do to turn the results to wins:
“I think we are doing good. What we have to do is to arrive more, get more shots, more crosses, and create a little bit more in the front… But I think we are creating something good and the team is responding very good.”

Man of the Match// Joan Cervos
Scoring Summary// COS: None | OKC: None
Saves// COS: Melvin (0) | OKC: Cochran (3)
Discipline// COS: Argueta (89') | OKC: Hernandez (34'), Taravel (90+2'), Ellis-Hayden (90+9') RC

Man of the Match// Joan Cervos
Scoring Summary// COS: None | OKC: None
Saves// COS: Melvin (0) | OKC: Cochran (3)
Discipline// COS: Argueta (89′) | OKC: Hernandez (34′), Taravel (90+2′), Ellis-Hayden (90+9′) RC

Match Review

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