Match Review

Colorado Springs, CO (August 29, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC responded quickly to earn a 1-1 draw against Group C leaders New Mexico United on Saturday night at Weidner Field.

Following the opening minutes of the contest, between 7:00 and 8:46 of the match, players from both sides came together at the center circle, united against racism, and in support of equality, diversity and compassion.

In a tight first half, the Switchbacks had the first opportunity as Christian Volesky hit a shot from 20 yards out that hit the underside of the crossbar and came back out. New Mexico forward Amando Moreno had the visitor's best opportunity of the first half a few minutes later as his header flashed just wide of the post. In first-half stoppage time, Volesky played a low cross to George Lebese but his first-time effort was saved by New Mexico goalkeeper, Cody Mizell.

Moreno gave New Mexico the lead from the penalty spot in the 54th minute after Switchbacks defender Arturo Diz Pe took down Romeo Parkes inside the penalty area. But the Switchbacks responded quickly as Aidan Daniels took Hiroki Kurimoto's pass and cut onto his right foot from the corner of the penalty area and unleashed a curling effort just inside the right post just four minutes after New Mexico took the lead.

The Switchbacks were up a player for the final 15 minutes of the match after New Mexico substitute, Ryan Williams, received his second yellow card in the span of 10 minutes and was sent off. However, the Switchbacks couldn't find a late winner as New Mexico parked all 10 players behind the ball.

The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field Wednesday night to take on El Paso Locomotive FC at 7pm MT. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Colorado Springs, CO (August 29, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC responded quickly to earn a 1-1 draw against Group C leaders New Mexico United on Saturday night at Weidner Field.

Following the opening minutes of the contest, between 7:00 and 8:46 of the match, players from both sides came together at the center circle, united against racism, and in support of equality, diversity and compassion.

In a tight first half, the Switchbacks had the first opportunity as Christian Volesky hit a shot from 20 yards out that hit the underside of the crossbar and came back out. New Mexico forward Amando Moreno had the visitor’s best opportunity of the first half a few minutes later as his header flashed just wide of the post. In first-half stoppage time, Volesky played a low cross to George Lebese but his first-time effort was saved by New Mexico goalkeeper, Cody Mizell.

Moreno gave New Mexico the lead from the penalty spot in the 54th minute after Switchbacks defender Arturo Diz Pe took down Romeo Parkes inside the penalty area. But the Switchbacks responded quickly as Aidan Daniels took Hiroki Kurimoto’s pass and cut onto his right foot from the corner of the penalty area and unleashed a curling effort just inside the right post just four minutes after New Mexico took the lead.

The Switchbacks were up a player for the final 15 minutes of the match after New Mexico substitute, Ryan Williams, received his second yellow card in the span of 10 minutes and was sent off. However, the Switchbacks couldn’t find a late winner as New Mexico parked all 10 players behind the ball.

The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field Wednesday night to take on El Paso Locomotive FC at 7pm MT. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Alan Koch
On if the team is disappointed coming away with a draw tonight: 
"We always want to win every game, obviously that’s our goal. At home or away, we’re going to push to try to win and we were trying to push at the end to try to get the three points."

On playing players in different positions tonight: 
"I think I’ve said all along my coaching journey, I want versatile footballers and players that need to and can play out of position. If you can play out of your position, maybe where you’re not most comfortable, it allows us to imbalance teams. And you can see that Rony was getting in positions tonight to influence the game."

Aidan Daniels
On if the team is frustrated with only coming away with a draw :
"Most definitely, I think we as a team played really well. It was one of our 90-minute performances of the year, one of our first actually. We’re definitely disappointed to not come away with three points. They went down a man there in the second half. We were trying to push, but unfortunately the ball didn’t go our way."

On getting the teams first points against New Mexico:
"I think as a team we’ve been building. A lot of us haven’t been together for a long time, you know it’s our first season together. So I think we’re heading in the right direction, we’re building something special here. You can see in the last couple games, you know minus the Austin first half cause that was embarrassing for us, but you saw in the second half we rallied and ultimately we could have won the game. We could’ve won tonight and we could’ve won against El Paso."

Sean Melvin
On starting his first game in a couple of weeks:
"I mean, you’re always super excited to get into a game. So I think that excitement, that joy, and being back in gets you super focused for that first game."

On the Switchbacks stringing a couple of results together:
"I feel a different energy with the group. Every point, every positive result we get will really help us out over the next couple of games."

Alan Koch
On if the team is disappointed coming away with a draw tonight: 
“We always want to win every game, obviously that’s our goal. At home or away, we’re going to push to try to win and we were trying to push at the end to try to get the three points.”

On playing players in different positions tonight: 
“I think I’ve said all along my coaching journey, I want versatile footballers and players that need to and can play out of position. If you can play out of your position, maybe where you’re not most comfortable, it allows us to imbalance teams. And you can see that Rony was getting in positions tonight to influence the game.”

Aidan Daniels
On if the team is frustrated with only coming away with a draw :
“Most definitely, I think we as a team played really well. It was one of our 90-minute performances of the year, one of our first actually. We’re definitely disappointed to not come away with three points. They went down a man there in the second half. We were trying to push, but unfortunately the ball didn’t go our way.”

On getting the teams first points against New Mexico:
“I think as a team we’ve been building. A lot of us haven’t been together for a long time, you know it’s our first season together. So I think we’re heading in the right direction, we’re building something special here. You can see in the last couple games, you know minus the Austin first half cause that was embarrassing for us, but you saw in the second half we rallied and ultimately we could have won the game. We could’ve won tonight and we could’ve won against El Paso.”

Sean Melvin
On starting his first game in a couple of weeks:
“I mean, you’re always super excited to get into a game. So I think that excitement, that joy, and being back in gets you super focused for that first game.”

On the Switchbacks stringing a couple of results together:
“I feel a different energy with the group. Every point, every positive result we get will really help us out over the next couple of games.”

• Man of the Match// Aidan Daniels
• Scoring Summary// COS: Daniels (59') | NM: Moreno – pen (54')
• Saves// COS: Melvin (1) | NM: Mizell (0)
• Discipline// COS: Lewis (54')  | NM: Tinari (37'), Williams (65'), Williams (75') RC, Mizell (90+3')

• Man of the Match// Aidan Daniels
• Scoring Summary// COS: Daniels (59′) | NM: Moreno – pen (54′)
• Saves// COS: Melvin (1) | NM: Mizell (0)
• Discipline// COS: Lewis (54′)  | NM: Tinari (37′), Williams (65′), Williams (75′) RC, Mizell (90+3′)

Colorado Springs, CO (August 26, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC were the first team in USL Championship history to score four consecutive goals in the second half to draw Austin Bold FC 4-4 on Wednesday night at Weidner Field.

Going with the wind, Austin Bold FC came out of the gates in the first half fast, scoring two goals in the first three minutes of the game from Billy Forbes and Kleber. Forbes set up his opportunity with a clever touch before slotting the ball into the bottom right corner and Xavier Baez laid off a loose ball to Kleber who hit a low shot from 19 yards out to give the visitors an early 2-0 lead.

Austin extended the lead to three goals in the 38th minute as Kleber won possession of the ball inside the penalty area before Baez came in and smashed a low shot into the back of the net. Austin Bold FC took a 4-0 lead just before halftime as Fabien Garcia headed a corner kick across the goal to Forbes, who finished his second goal of the game.

The Switchbacks came out for the second half with the same intensity to get an early goal as Aidan Daniels dribbled by multiple defenders before finding Christian Volesky who turned and fired his shot into the roof of the net from close range. Andre Lewis found the Switchbacks' second goal in the 59th minute as George Lebese played a low cross to the Jamaican on top of the penalty area and he beat a defender and smashed the ball by a defender and Austin's goalkeeper, Diego Restrepo.

Volesky would not be denied his second goal of the game five minutes later after getting behind the defense and seeing his initial shot saved by Restrepo, but the ball bounced up perfectly for Volesky to finish the Switchbacks third goal with 26 minutes left in the game.

Ten minutes from full time, Switchbacks goalkeeper Abraham Rodriguez came up with two massive saves to keep the hosts in the game. First, a flicked header from a free-kick was heading towards the top corner that Rodriguez tipped over the crossbar. On the ensuing corner kick, Alasanne Ates Diouf had a free header saved by the outstretched Rodriguez to keep it a one-goal game.

With only six minutes left in the game, George Lebese dribbled onto his left foot 25 yards out from goal before unleashing a rocket that clipped the inside of the left far post to level the score at 4-4.

The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field Saturday night to take on New Mexico United at 6pm MT. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Colorado Springs, CO (August 26, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC were the first team in USL Championship history to score four consecutive goals in the second half to draw Austin Bold FC 4-4 on Wednesday night at Weidner Field.

Going with the wind, Austin Bold FC came out of the gates in the first half fast, scoring two goals in the first three minutes of the game from Billy Forbes and Kleber. Forbes set up his opportunity with a clever touch before slotting the ball into the bottom right corner and Xavier Baez laid off a loose ball to Kleber who hit a low shot from 19 yards out to give the visitors an early 2-0 lead.

Austin extended the lead to three goals in the 38th minute as Kleber won possession of the ball inside the penalty area before Baez came in and smashed a low shot into the back of the net. Austin Bold FC took a 4-0 lead just before halftime as Fabien Garcia headed a corner kick across the goal to Forbes, who finished his second goal of the game.

The Switchbacks came out for the second half with the same intensity to get an early goal as Aidan Daniels dribbled by multiple defenders before finding Christian Volesky who turned and fired his shot into the roof of the net from close range. Andre Lewis found the Switchbacks’ second goal in the 59th minute as George Lebese played a low cross to the Jamaican on top of the penalty area and he beat a defender and smashed the ball by a defender and Austin’s goalkeeper, Diego Restrepo.

Volesky would not be denied his second goal of the game five minutes later after getting behind the defense and seeing his initial shot saved by Restrepo, but the ball bounced up perfectly for Volesky to finish the Switchbacks third goal with 26 minutes left in the game.

Ten minutes from full time, Switchbacks goalkeeper Abraham Rodriguez came up with two massive saves to keep the hosts in the game. First, a flicked header from a free-kick was heading towards the top corner that Rodriguez tipped over the crossbar. On the ensuing corner kick, Alasanne Ates Diouf had a free header saved by the outstretched Rodriguez to keep it a one-goal game.

With only six minutes left in the game, George Lebese dribbled onto his left foot 25 yards out from goal before unleashing a rocket that clipped the inside of the left far post to level the score at 4-4.

The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field Saturday night to take on New Mexico United at 6pm MT. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Alan Koch
On the negatives of going down 4 goals before half time: 
"We need experience and to get experience you have to do two things, you either have to go acquire it or you have to develop it. We’re in the process of developing it and you could see we develop experience during the course of the 90+ minutes tonight… If you don’t learn from tonight, you’re not going to be in the business very long."

On what he told the players at half time: 
"For the individuals and the collective, this is the start of the end or the start of the beginning."

Andre Lewis
On feeling pressure on performing:
"Football is like that, it's here and it can go by quick. Whether its injury or your job because there are plenty of guys that want your place… It’s tough for everyone even for the technical staff too, no one is safe in this business, football is a business. Its either you take it or it's going to hit you hard. That's football."

On coming back after being four goals down at half time:
"If we can put a full 90 minutes together, I don’t see any team beating us. I don’t see it. Because there is no game that we lost where we can put our hands up and be like ‘Oh, this team was good today. They deserve to win.’ There is no game. If we can get these 90 together and run, we will be unstoppable this year."

Christian Volesky
On how coming back from being down four goals represents the Switchbacks:
"It shouldn’t take going down 4-0, I think you heard that before from Coach and Andre [Lewis] but Its good to fight back, it shows our character as a group. But hopefully next game, we have a short turn around against New Mexico, we come out fighting from the get-go."

On if he's ever played in a game like tonight before:
"First and foremost, 2-0 in 4 minutes, I looked at the clock and I said ‘I’ve never seen this before.’ But my mentality isn’t to give up. I think it echoes, we all have a fight in us. But to come back 4-0 down, like I said builds character. It shouldn’t take that and hopefully we can take the momentum into the next game."

Alan Koch
On the negatives of going down 4 goals before half time: 
“We need experience and to get experience you have to do two things, you either have to go acquire it or you have to develop it. We’re in the process of developing it and you could see we develop experience during the course of the 90+ minutes tonight… If you don’t learn from tonight, you’re not going to be in the business very long.”

On what he told the players at half time: 
“For the individuals and the collective, this is the start of the end or the start of the beginning.”

Andre Lewis
On feeling pressure on performing:
“Football is like that, it’s here and it can go by quick. Whether its injury or your job because there are plenty of guys that want your place… It’s tough for everyone even for the technical staff too, no one is safe in this business, football is a business. Its either you take it or it’s going to hit you hard. That’s football.”

On coming back after being four goals down at half time:
“If we can put a full 90 minutes together, I don’t see any team beating us. I don’t see it. Because there is no game that we lost where we can put our hands up and be like ‘Oh, this team was good today. They deserve to win.’ There is no game. If we can get these 90 together and run, we will be unstoppable this year.”

Christian Volesky
On how coming back from being down four goals represents the Switchbacks:
“It shouldn’t take going down 4-0, I think you heard that before from Coach and Andre [Lewis] but Its good to fight back, it shows our character as a group. But hopefully next game, we have a short turn around against New Mexico, we come out fighting from the get-go.”

On if he’s ever played in a game like tonight before:
“First and foremost, 2-0 in 4 minutes, I looked at the clock and I said ‘I’ve never seen this before.’ But my mentality isn’t to give up. I think it echoes, we all have a fight in us. But to come back 4-0 down, like I said builds character. It shouldn’t take that and hopefully we can take the momentum into the next game.”

• Man of the Match// Christian Volesky
• Scoring Summary// COS: Volesky (48'), Lewis (59'), Volesky (64'), Lebese (84') | ATX: Forbes (2'), Kleber (3'), Baez (38'), Forbes (45')
• Saves// COS: Rodriguez (3) | ATX: Restrepo (3)
• Discipline// COS: Kurimoto (86')  | ATX: Twumasi (75'), Okugo (86'), Kleber (89')

• Man of the Match// Christian Volesky
• Scoring Summary// COS: Volesky (48′), Lewis (59′), Volesky (64′), Lebese (84′) | ATX: Forbes (2′), Kleber (3′), Baez (38′), Forbes (45′)
• Saves// COS: Rodriguez (3) | ATX: Restrepo (3)
• Discipline// COS: Kurimoto (86′)  | ATX: Twumasi (75′), Okugo (86′), Kleber (89′)

Colorado Springs, CO (August 22, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC picked up a point at home from a 0-0 draw with El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday night at Weidner Field.

The Switchbacks came out of the gate strong as Hiroki Kurimoto won possession of the ball before finding Luke Ferreira on top of the penalty area but his shot was right at El Paso goalkeeper Logan Ketterer. Ferreira had another shot saved by Ketterer in the 22nd minute from a tight angle.

In a tight second half, the best chance fell to El Paso Locomotive in the 82nd minute but Switchbacks defender Everardo Rubio came to the rescue to block the shot before it could threaten Switchbacks goalkeeper Abraham Rodriguez. The final chance of the game went to Colorado Springs as George Lebese's corner kick in stoppage time was directed towards goal before being cleared out. The Switchbacks held El Paso to zero shots on target to record their first clean sheet of the season in Saturday night's 0-0 draw.

The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field Wednesday night to take on Austin Bold FC at 7pm MT. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Colorado Springs, CO (August 22, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC picked up a point at home from a 0-0 draw with El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday night at Weidner Field.

The Switchbacks came out of the gate strong as Hiroki Kurimoto won possession of the ball before finding Luke Ferreira on top of the penalty area but his shot was right at El Paso goalkeeper Logan Ketterer. Ferreira had another shot saved by Ketterer in the 22nd minute from a tight angle.

In a tight second half, the best chance fell to El Paso Locomotive in the 82nd minute but Switchbacks defender Everardo Rubio came to the rescue to block the shot before it could threaten Switchbacks goalkeeper Abraham Rodriguez. The final chance of the game went to Colorado Springs as George Lebese’s corner kick in stoppage time was directed towards goal before being cleared out. The Switchbacks held El Paso to zero shots on target to record their first clean sheet of the season in Saturday night’s 0-0 draw.

The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field Wednesday night to take on Austin Bold FC at 7pm MT. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Alan Koch
On earning a 0-0 draw with a strong El Paso side: 
"I'm very, very proud of the group. I know I say it every single week. We’re building something. Tonight the guys got a little bit of a carrot. It's obviously a reward for the work they put in. We want to keep building, we want to work towards getting three points at home of course."

On finding continuity in the back four to earn the team's first clean sheet of 2020: 
"We speak of continuity and I’ve said that about our opponents that we play against in our group. They all have the same coach, they all have for the most part, the same players. We have a new coaching staff, we have new players. It's going to take time for us to get that continuity. But today we played the same goalkeeper and the same back four and you can see the growth for them as a group. But how we defend is just not the back four and the goalkeeper. It’s the entire 11 players that have to be committed to defend and you saw that tonight. The guys worked their backsides off to get their clean sheet."

Joan Cervos
On coach Alan Koch talking about building on positivity in the game:
"I think this match we were improving a lot in defence, in the attack, in transition, in possession, without the ball. I think The team has done a very great job and that helped us to keep going and we do a clean sheet and that helped us a lot because we were conceding a lot of goals [during] these big matches and [we’re] very happy that point that we [got] today because when we played over there, it seemed that they were better than us, but today we showed that we can compete against everybody."

On a different starting 11 and players taking on different roles:
"It doesn’t matter if we are [the same] back four or if [it was] someone else, i think the group is very compact, it doesn't matter who plays in the group, everybody knows [their] job. We’re doing good in training and this is the way to go."

Jordan Burt
On making his 150th regular-season appearance for the Switchbacks:
"I feel so blessed. I look back on how I got here and it just feels like, you know, God’s fingerprints are all over this and I’m supposed to be here.  So, that’s a very comforting feeling."

On playing six games in three weeks:
"I feel comfortable doing it. Obviously a lot less training. You know, I'm a gamer. That's what I get up for and I'm looking forward to it, to be honest."

Alan Koch
On earning a 0-0 draw with a strong El Paso side: 
“I’m very, very proud of the group. I know I say it every single week. We’re building something. Tonight the guys got a little bit of a carrot. It’s obviously a reward for the work they put in. We want to keep building, we want to work towards getting three points at home of course.”

On finding continuity in the back four to earn the team’s first clean sheet of 2020: 
“We speak of continuity and I’ve said that about our opponents that we play against in our group. They all have the same coach, they all have for the most part, the same players. We have a new coaching staff, we have new players. It’s going to take time for us to get that continuity. But today we played the same goalkeeper and the same back four and you can see the growth for them as a group. But how we defend is just not the back four and the goalkeeper. It’s the entire 11 players that have to be committed to defend and you saw that tonight. The guys worked their backsides off to get their clean sheet.”

Joan Cervos
On coach Alan Koch talking about building on positivity in the game:
“I think this match we were improving a lot in defence, in the attack, in transition, in possession, without the ball. I think The team has done a very great job and that helped us to keep going and we do a clean sheet and that helped us a lot because we were conceding a lot of goals [during] these big matches and [we’re] very happy that point that we [got] today because when we played over there, it seemed that they were better than us, but today we showed that we can compete against everybody.”

On a different starting 11 and players taking on different roles:
“It doesn’t matter if we are [the same] back four or if [it was] someone else, i think the group is very compact, it doesn’t matter who plays in the group, everybody knows [their] job. We’re doing good in training and this is the way to go.”

Jordan Burt
On making his 150th regular-season appearance for the Switchbacks:
“I feel so blessed. I look back on how I got here and it just feels like, you know, God’s fingerprints are all over this and I’m supposed to be here.  So, that’s a very comforting feeling.”

On playing six games in three weeks:
“I feel comfortable doing it. Obviously a lot less training. You know, I’m a gamer. That’s what I get up for and I’m looking forward to it, to be honest.”

• Man of the Match// Joan Cervos
• Scoring Summary// COS: None | ELP: None
• Saves// COS: Rodriguez (0) | ELP: Ketterer (3)
• Discipline// COS: Rubio (18'), Volesky (89')  | ELP: King (16'), Rebellon (51'), Ryan (82')

• Man of the Match// Joan Cervos
• Scoring Summary// COS: None | ELP: None
• Saves// COS: Rodriguez (0) | ELP: Ketterer (3)
• Discipline// COS: Rubio (18′), Volesky (89′)  | ELP: King (16′), Rebellon (51′), Ryan (82′)

Colorado Springs, CO (August 15, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC lost 1-0 to New Mexico United behind a first-half goal from Chris Wehan Saturday afternoon at Weidner Field.

The first clear cut chance of the game fell to the foot of Austin Dewing in the 30th minute as he curled his left-footed effort, but New Mexico Goalkeeper Cody Mizell got a strong hand to push the shot wide. Andre Lewis had the next best opportunity for the Switchbacks with a shot from outside the box that drifted just wide of the right post. New Mexico United took the lead just before halftime when Chris Wehan met a cross from Amando Moreno and got a slight touch to redirect the ball past Abraham Rodriguez.

After a brief lightning delay at the beginning of the second half, New Mexico thought they doubled their advantage on two different occasions from Alex Bruce and a bicycle kick from Devon Sandoval, but they were denied both times by the offside flag. Five minutes from full time, a clever move from the Switchbacks found Christian Volesky inside the penalty area but his shot was saved from point-blank range by Mizell. A minute later, it was Abraham Rodriguez who came up big for the Switchbacks to deny Chris Wehan a 1-on-1 opportunity to keep the game at 1-0.

The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field for the next five games starting with a rematch against El Paso Locomotive FC on August 22nd. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Colorado Springs, CO (August 15, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC lost 1-0 to New Mexico United behind a first-half goal from Chris Wehan Saturday afternoon at Weidner Field.

The first clear cut chance of the game fell to the foot of Austin Dewing in the 30th minute as he curled his left-footed effort, but New Mexico Goalkeeper Cody Mizell got a strong hand to push the shot wide. Andre Lewis had the next best opportunity for the Switchbacks with a shot from outside the box that drifted just wide of the right post. New Mexico United took the lead just before halftime when Chris Wehan met a cross from Amando Moreno and got a slight touch to redirect the ball past Abraham Rodriguez.

After a brief lightning delay at the beginning of the second half, New Mexico thought they doubled their advantage on two different occasions from Alex Bruce and a bicycle kick from Devon Sandoval, but they were denied both times by the offside flag. Five minutes from full time, a clever move from the Switchbacks found Christian Volesky inside the penalty area but his shot was saved from point-blank range by Mizell. A minute later, it was Abraham Rodriguez who came up big for the Switchbacks to deny Chris Wehan a 1-on-1 opportunity to keep the game at 1-0.

The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field for the next five games starting with a rematch against El Paso Locomotive FC on August 22nd. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Alan Koch
On his overall thoughts from the game: 
"To be frank, I thought we actually played well tonight. Obviously, we made a mistake, and it’s certainly not just Abe. It’s the collective group. When you concede a goal, it’s an entire team. But I think we came out with the required energy. Even though we lost tonight, it’s probably one of our best performances, and I feel like the group is coming together."

On the team's morale after a third straight loss: 
"Everybody is still very very disappointed to lose, but I told them to walk out of the tent tonight, heads up high, chests up. Because, we’re building, and I know I sound like a broken record when I say that, but, it is a work in progress. You don’t go from the bottom of the league to the top in a hurry.  Particularly going through COVID. Particularly having to deal with this group we are in. It would be great if we came in tonight and we played one of the weaker teams in the league, and we won 3 or 4 [to] nothing, and everybody would feel great. I’d feel great. Fans would feel great too, of course. It’s frustrating to lose, but, we have to stay true to what we’re trying to do. There were a lot of good performances, and I think the collective energy from the group tonight was significantly better than last week, and we’ll continue to push. We’re not worried about the table.  We’re just focusing on one game at a time."

On playing a tight game with New Mexico United: 
"You could see, the energy was sucked out of the entire group when they conceded that goal, because they worked so hard to try to get a clean sheet. So, that’s something we are going to continue to strive for. I think the collective response to defend tonight was very very good. We limited a very very good team to only a few chances. Then, on the flip side, we have got to be a little bit more creative, and, obviously, a little bit more clinical when we get those chances. Because we had chances tonight.  We could’ve won this game, but, unfortunately, it didn’t go our way."

Austin Dewing
On coach Alan Koch talking about building on positivity in the game:
"It’s a coaching technique for sure, and I am fully committed to the positives as well, right? I think we would be naive to not learn from the negatives, right? But, focus on what we did do positive. Let’s build on that. Let’s identify the negative, and make them positive. I like it, but we can’t ignore the negatives either."

On a different starting 11 and players taking on different roles:
"I think that’s part of the challenge of this league. We are constantly adjusting, but we are constantly needing to play a different 11. So, with a different 11, comes a different formation, a lot of times that, ideally, suits that 11 better. I think it’s just part of the challenges unique to this league. We’re still, 6 games now, I believe, as a team, which is not a lot in the grand scheme of things. Like, it feels like a long time since we had the pandemic in between, but we didn’t really train any of that time or have a chance to actually build chemistry. Definitely a tough part of it, but to be expected."

Hiroki Kurimoto
On the Switchbacks progression so far:
"First of all, obviously, to this game, we were getting better than last week against El Paso. So we are still progressing right now. [Making a] team from scratch is difficult, so we need to be more patient to get results."

On losing a third straight game:
"We felt frustrated. We want to win, you know? [But] we couldn’t get the result right now."

On mistakes costing the Switchbacks points:
"Everyone [made] a mistake in the game. This game. Last game. Every game. Everyone. I think the most important thing is how we react."

Alan Koch
On his overall thoughts from the game: 
“To be frank, I thought we actually played well tonight. Obviously, we made a mistake, and it’s certainly not just Abe. It’s the collective group. When you concede a goal, it’s an entire team. But I think we came out with the required energy. Even though we lost tonight, it’s probably one of our best performances, and I feel like the group is coming together.”

On the team’s morale after a third straight loss: 
“Everybody is still very very disappointed to lose, but I told them to walk out of the tent tonight, heads up high, chests up. Because, we’re building, and I know I sound like a broken record when I say that, but, it is a work in progress. You don’t go from the bottom of the league to the top in a hurry.  Particularly going through COVID. Particularly having to deal with this group we are in. It would be great if we came in tonight and we played one of the weaker teams in the league, and we won 3 or 4 [to] nothing, and everybody would feel great. I’d feel great. Fans would feel great too, of course. It’s frustrating to lose, but, we have to stay true to what we’re trying to do. There were a lot of good performances, and I think the collective energy from the group tonight was significantly better than last week, and we’ll continue to push. We’re not worried about the table.  We’re just focusing on one game at a time.”

On playing a tight game with New Mexico United: 
“You could see, the energy was sucked out of the entire group when they conceded that goal, because they worked so hard to try to get a clean sheet. So, that’s something we are going to continue to strive for. I think the collective response to defend tonight was very very good. We limited a very very good team to only a few chances. Then, on the flip side, we have got to be a little bit more creative, and, obviously, a little bit more clinical when we get those chances. Because we had chances tonight.  We could’ve won this game, but, unfortunately, it didn’t go our way.”

Austin Dewing
On coach Alan Koch talking about building on positivity in the game:
“It’s a coaching technique for sure, and I am fully committed to the positives as well, right? I think we would be naive to not learn from the negatives, right? But, focus on what we did do positive. Let’s build on that. Let’s identify the negative, and make them positive. I like it, but we can’t ignore the negatives either.”

On a different starting 11 and players taking on different roles:
“I think that’s part of the challenge of this league. We are constantly adjusting, but we are constantly needing to play a different 11. So, with a different 11, comes a different formation, a lot of times that, ideally, suits that 11 better. I think it’s just part of the challenges unique to this league. We’re still, 6 games now, I believe, as a team, which is not a lot in the grand scheme of things. Like, it feels like a long time since we had the pandemic in between, but we didn’t really train any of that time or have a chance to actually build chemistry. Definitely a tough part of it, but to be expected.”

Hiroki Kurimoto
On the Switchbacks progression so far:
“First of all, obviously, to this game, we were getting better than last week against El Paso. So we are still progressing right now. [Making a] team from scratch is difficult, so we need to be more patient to get results.”

On losing a third straight game:
“We felt frustrated. We want to win, you know? [But] we couldn’t get the result right now.”

On mistakes costing the Switchbacks points:
“Everyone [made] a mistake in the game. This game. Last game. Every game. Everyone. I think the most important thing is how we react.”

• Man of the Match// Hiroki Kurimoto
• Scoring Summary// COS: None | NM: Wehan (45')
• Saves// COS: Rodriguez (2) | NM: Mizell (3)
• Discipline// COS: Rubio (63'), Ferreira (90+4')  | NM: Tinari (30'), Najem (66'), Ryden (90+1')

• Man of the Match// Hiroki Kurimoto
• Scoring Summary// COS: None | NM: Wehan (45′)
• Saves// COS: Rodriguez (2) | NM: Mizell (3)
• Discipline// COS: Rubio (63′), Ferreira (90+4′)  | NM: Tinari (30′), Najem (66′), Ryden (90+1′)

El Paso, TX (August 8, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC lost to the El Paso Locomotive FC 4-2 on Saturday night at Southwest University Park.

El Paso opened the scoring 15 minutes into the game from a free-kick as Dylan Mares curled his effort around the wall and inside the post. The hosts doubled their lead in the 21st minute after Aaron Gomez collected a missed clearance and fired his shot into the bottom corner.

El Paso picked up where they left off to start the second half as Louis Herrera scored two goals in two minutes from similar ground crosses. Uvaldo Luna pulled two goals back for the Switchbacks in the final eight minutes of the game. Luna first pounced on a loose ball in the box before smashing his left-footed shot low into the bottom corner. The Switchbacks late pressure resulted in Luna's second goal as he took a touch in the box before hitting a half volley into the bottom corner.

The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field to take on New Mexico United on Saturday, August 15th with gates opening at 2pm for a 3pm kickoff. This game was originally scheduled to be played in New Mexico, but it was moved to Colorado Springs due to the fluid nature of COVID-19 restrictions. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

El Paso, TX (August 8, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC lost to the El Paso Locomotive FC 4-2 on Saturday night at Southwest University Park.

El Paso opened the scoring 15 minutes into the game from a free-kick as Dylan Mares curled his effort around the wall and inside the post. The hosts doubled their lead in the 21st minute after Aaron Gomez collected a missed clearance and fired his shot into the bottom corner.

El Paso picked up where they left off to start the second half as Louis Herrera scored two goals in two minutes from similar ground crosses. Uvaldo Luna pulled two goals back for the Switchbacks in the final eight minutes of the game. Luna first pounced on a loose ball in the box before smashing his left-footed shot low into the bottom corner. The Switchbacks late pressure resulted in Luna’s second goal as he took a touch in the box before hitting a half volley into the bottom corner.

The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field to take on New Mexico United on Saturday, August 15th with gates opening at 2pm for a 3pm kickoff. This game was originally scheduled to be played in New Mexico, but it was moved to Colorado Springs due to the fluid nature of COVID-19 restrictions. All home matches in 2020 at Weidner Field will be available for Switchbacks Season Ticket Members only.

Colorado Springs, CO (August 1, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC lost 2-1 after a stoppage-time goal in the rematch against the Real Monarchs SLC.

Both teams traded opportunities in the early stages of the game with the best chance falling to the foot of Switchbacks forward, Austin Dewing, who created his own space and fired a shot that was saved by James Slayton. The Switchbacks had another opportunity to take the lead from a free-kick when Arturo Diz Pe rose up to head his effort on target but Slayton managed to make the save into the crossbar. Ten minutes till halftime, Jack Blake put the Monarchs in the lead by placing his penalty kick into the bottom corner.

The Switchbacks had the opportunity to equalize in the second half after Aidan Daniels was pulled down in the box to earn a penalty. George Lebese stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty into the bottom corner, sending Slayton the wrong direction for his first goal with the Switchbacks. The Real Monarchs took all three points as Taylor Peay turned in a redirected free-kick three minutes into stoppage time.

"We’re trying to build, and we put together, what, a 90-minute performance tonight, and not a 95-minute performance," said Switchbacks Head Coach, Alan Koch. "So we’re pushing, but the biggest word I would say is 'concentration'. Concentration in the minor details when we’re attacking, but also concentration when we’re defending."

The Switchbacks will be on the road next to face El Paso Locomotive FC at Southwest University Park on August 8th and New Mexico United on August 15th before returning to Weidner Field to take on El Paso on August 22nd.

Colorado Springs, CO (August 1, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC lost 2-1 after a stoppage-time goal in the rematch against the Real Monarchs SLC.

Both teams traded opportunities in the early stages of the game with the best chance falling to the foot of Switchbacks forward, Austin Dewing, who created his own space and fired a shot that was saved by James Slayton. The Switchbacks had another opportunity to take the lead from a free-kick when Arturo Diz Pe rose up to head his effort on target but Slayton managed to make the save into the crossbar. Ten minutes till halftime, Jack Blake put the Monarchs in the lead by placing his penalty kick into the bottom corner.

The Switchbacks had the opportunity to equalize in the second half after Aidan Daniels was pulled down in the box to earn a penalty. George Lebese stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty into the bottom corner, sending Slayton the wrong direction for his first goal with the Switchbacks. The Real Monarchs took all three points as Taylor Peay turned in a redirected free-kick three minutes into stoppage time.

“We’re trying to build, and we put together, what, a 90-minute performance tonight, and not a 95-minute performance,” said Switchbacks Head Coach, Alan Koch. “So we’re pushing, but the biggest word I would say is ‘concentration’. Concentration in the minor details when we’re attacking, but also concentration when we’re defending.”

The Switchbacks will be on the road next to face El Paso Locomotive FC at Southwest University Park on August 8th and New Mexico United on August 15th before returning to Weidner Field to take on El Paso on August 22nd.

Alan Koch
On what he could take from tonight's game: 
"The positive is we are going toe to toe with the champions, and we said we’re playing in the group of death, and you can see they’re a quality team. It still hurts. Nobody likes to lose right at the end.  I think we’re a team that’s growing and we’re trying to build something. It would be almost too easy, I’m sure we would like it, but it would almost be too easy if we went from the bottom of the table, where this club finished last year, to the top like that. We are building, and building something takes time.  You can see the growth out there tonight.  Everybody can. You can see how we’re playing. You can see the strength of our players. I just think we’re not putting a 90 plus minute performance together, and that’s why we lost tonight.  But we’re showing substantial growth, individually and collectively. We created all sorts of opportunities tonight. You can see we’re playing a good brand of soccer, and we are excited about where we’re going. But losing tonight, obviously, still hurts. That’s for sure."

On the Switchbacks losing deep into stoppage time: 
"Honestly, I think it’s one word. Concentration. We said that to the guys at the last water break, the hydration break.  It’s, 'We’ve got 15 plus minutes to go. Now it’s about concentration.' When you’re getting mentally, physically fatigued … this is when it matters the most. And you can see how guys are pushing themselves, but we’re not quite there yet. We’re trying to build, and we put together, what, a 90-minute performance tonight, and not a 95-minute performance. So we’re pushing, but the biggest word I would say is concentration. Concentration in the minor details when we’re attacking, but also concentration when we’re defending.  To concede, obviously, on a set-piece at the end there is incredibly frustrating.  It’s what we did to them at their place, and now they’ve come to our place and done it here too. We’ll learn, we’ll grow, and, hopefully, continue to grow from it."

George Lebese
On his overall thoughts on the game:
"It's a little disappointing, you know? I think we played well. We should’ve at least gotten a point. I don’t know. We can blame it on concentration. But we got work to do. We’re building a solid team here. I’m proud of the lads. We worked very hard. But, unfortunately, we have nothing to show for it."

On scoring his first goal for the Switchbacks:
"It's a 50/50 for me. I’m happy to have gotten a goal today, but it means nothing, honestly, for me, because we didn’t get anything out of the game. If I hadn’t scored, and we got the points, it means something to me. I’d be very happy. But… yeah…it’s just one of those games."

On how the team is coming together in the early stages of the season:
"We are working hard. We see it in training. Together, the whole squad…not only the players that are on the field during the day. I think we’re working very hard to achieve what we want, considering that we are building. We are a building team. But, no excuse. We should be getting results. We have a good team here. We were just unlucky today."

Rony Argueta
On what went wrong tonight:
"We have really good talent, really good players, and, physically, we’re there as well. But it comes down to, I think, just concentration. You know? Those last few minutes where we lose concentration, and then those set pieces get us. We look to mentally stay from minute 0 to 95th, 96th minute. We have to stay focused."

On what he can take away from tonight's game:
"We look forward to El Paso, and we just take the positives.  We’re going to work on the negatives, and what we’re lacking right now, but we walk away with positives.  We had a lot of positives."

On playing at Weidner Field again:
"It's a blessing, definitely. It’s crazy times, but we are just rolling through what we can control and we focus on that. Again, it goes back to just staying mentally ready, and being ready for anything really."

Alan Koch
On what he could take from tonight’s game: 
“The positive is we are going toe to toe with the champions, and we said we’re playing in the group of death, and you can see they’re a quality team. It still hurts. Nobody likes to lose right at the end.  I think we’re a team that’s growing and we’re trying to build something. It would be almost too easy, I’m sure we would like it, but it would almost be too easy if we went from the bottom of the table, where this club finished last year, to the top like that. We are building, and building something takes time.  You can see the growth out there tonight.  Everybody can. You can see how we’re playing. You can see the strength of our players. I just think we’re not putting a 90 plus minute performance together, and that’s why we lost tonight.  But we’re showing substantial growth, individually and collectively. We created all sorts of opportunities tonight. You can see we’re playing a good brand of soccer, and we are excited about where we’re going. But losing tonight, obviously, still hurts. That’s for sure.”

On the Switchbacks losing deep into stoppage time: 
“Honestly, I think it’s one word. Concentration. We said that to the guys at the last water break, the hydration break.  It’s, ‘We’ve got 15 plus minutes to go. Now it’s about concentration.’ When you’re getting mentally, physically fatigued … this is when it matters the most. And you can see how guys are pushing themselves, but we’re not quite there yet. We’re trying to build, and we put together, what, a 90-minute performance tonight, and not a 95-minute performance. So we’re pushing, but the biggest word I would say is concentration. Concentration in the minor details when we’re attacking, but also concentration when we’re defending.  To concede, obviously, on a set-piece at the end there is incredibly frustrating.  It’s what we did to them at their place, and now they’ve come to our place and done it here too. We’ll learn, we’ll grow, and, hopefully, continue to grow from it.”

George Lebese
On his overall thoughts on the game:
“It’s a little disappointing, you know? I think we played well. We should’ve at least gotten a point. I don’t know. We can blame it on concentration. But we got work to do. We’re building a solid team here. I’m proud of the lads. We worked very hard. But, unfortunately, we have nothing to show for it.”

On scoring his first goal for the Switchbacks:
“It’s a 50/50 for me. I’m happy to have gotten a goal today, but it means nothing, honestly, for me, because we didn’t get anything out of the game. If I hadn’t scored, and we got the points, it means something to me. I’d be very happy. But… yeah…it’s just one of those games.”

On how the team is coming together in the early stages of the season:
“We are working hard. We see it in training. Together, the whole squad…not only the players that are on the field during the day. I think we’re working very hard to achieve what we want, considering that we are building. We are a building team. But, no excuse. We should be getting results. We have a good team here. We were just unlucky today.”

Rony Argueta
On what went wrong tonight:
“We have really good talent, really good players, and, physically, we’re there as well. But it comes down to, I think, just concentration. You know? Those last few minutes where we lose concentration, and then those set pieces get us. We look to mentally stay from minute 0 to 95th, 96th minute. We have to stay focused.”

On what he can take away from tonight’s game:
“We look forward to El Paso, and we just take the positives.  We’re going to work on the negatives, and what we’re lacking right now, but we walk away with positives.  We had a lot of positives.”

On playing at Weidner Field again:
“It’s a blessing, definitely. It’s crazy times, but we are just rolling through what we can control and we focus on that. Again, it goes back to just staying mentally ready, and being ready for anything really.”

• Man of the Match// George Lebese
• Scoring Summary// COS: Lebese (57' – Pen) | SLC: Blake (35' – Pen), Peay (90+3')
• Saves// COS: Melvin (1) | SLC: Slayton (3)
• Discipline// COS: Burt (2'), Diz Pe (90+2')  | SLC: Davis (67'), Sierakowski (90+5')

• Man of the Match// George Lebese
• Scoring Summary// COS: Lebese (57′ – Pen) | SLC: Blake (35′ – Pen), Peay (90+3′)
• Saves// COS: Melvin (1) | SLC: Slayton (3)
• Discipline// COS: Burt (2′), Diz Pe (90+2′)  | SLC: Davis (67′), Sierakowski (90+5′)

Sandy, UT (July 18, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC pulled off an incredible comeback on the road to the defending champions as Abdul Rwatubyaye scored an equalizer deep into stoppage time to secure a 3-3 draw for the 10-man Switchbacks.

The Monarchs got on the board first when they pounced on a loose ball in the box before Kyle Coffee unleashed a shot into the top corner. Andrew Brody doubled the hosts lead in the 40th minute as he cut inside onto his left foot before firing his shot into the bottom left corner. Joan Cervos cut the deficit in half in first-half stoppage time for the Switchbacks after Monarch's goalkeeper, James Slayton, couldn't handle Uvaldo Luna's shot and Cervos scored the rebound in off of a defender.

Taylor Peay added a third goal for the Monarchs 15 minutes after halftime as he flicked his headed effort inside the post from an in-swinging free-kick near the touchline. Things would get tougher for the Switchbacks as Andre Lewis was sent off in the 73rd minute after receiving a second yellow card. In the final minute of regular time, Austin Dewing jumped on a loose ball on top of the Monarch's box and held off a defender before laying the ball off for Jordan Burt to finish the Switchbacks' second goal. In the fifth minute of added time, Luke Ferreira sent a corner kick into the box for Abdul Rwatubyaye to rise up and head in the equalizer into the top corner of the net to complete a thrilling comeback.

Goals from three different defenders helped the Switchbacks steal a point in the heat on the road to the defending champions on Saturday afternoon.

The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field to take on Austin Bold on Sunday, July 26 with gates opening at 1pm.

Sandy, UT (July 18, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC pulled off an incredible comeback on the road to the defending champions as Abdul Rwatubyaye scored an equalizer deep into stoppage time to secure a 3-3 draw for the 10-man Switchbacks.

The Monarchs got on the board first when they pounced on a loose ball in the box before Kyle Coffee unleashed a shot into the top corner. Andrew Brody doubled the hosts lead in the 40th minute as he cut inside onto his left foot before firing his shot into the bottom left corner. Joan Cervos cut the deficit in half in first-half stoppage time for the Switchbacks after Monarch’s goalkeeper, James Slayton, couldn’t handle Uvaldo Luna’s shot and Cervos scored the rebound in off of a defender.

Taylor Peay added a third goal for the Monarchs 15 minutes after halftime as he flicked his headed effort inside the post from an in-swinging free-kick near the touchline. Things would get tougher for the Switchbacks as Andre Lewis was sent off in the 73rd minute after receiving a second yellow card. In the final minute of regular time, Austin Dewing jumped on a loose ball on top of the Monarch’s box and held off a defender before laying the ball off for Jordan Burt to finish the Switchbacks’ second goal. In the fifth minute of added time, Luke Ferreira sent a corner kick into the box for Abdul Rwatubyaye to rise up and head in the equalizer into the top corner of the net to complete a thrilling comeback.

Goals from three different defenders helped the Switchbacks steal a point in the heat on the road to the defending champions on Saturday afternoon.

The Switchbacks return to Weidner Field to take on Austin Bold on Sunday, July 26 with gates opening at 1pm.

Colorado Springs, CO (July 11, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC lost at home 2-1 to New Mexico United in the club's home opener at Weidner Field behind a late Chris Wehan goal.

Early in the first half, Christian Volesky got in behind the defense but he saw his shot deflected by a defender at the last second. However, it was the visitors that got on the board first as Sean Melvin denied Devon Sandoval on the initial shot. The ball rebounded 30 yards out to Saalih Muhammed who scored on a full volley directly into the back of the net.

The Switchbacks were determined to level the game before halftime as Uvaldo Luna fired a shot from distance that came back off the crossbar in first-half stoppage time. Moments later, Aidan Daniels unleashed a shot from distance that bounced off the left post and into the net to equalize before the break.

Switchbacks Winger, George Lebese, thought he gave the hosts the lead in the 79th minute but he was judged to be offside. Three minutes from full-time, Chris Wehan scored the winning goal for New Mexico United as he saw his shot go in the lower corner from a counter-attack.

"We felt like we had them. But in this game it doesn't mean anything until you score goals. Obviously, goals are everything. You can possess the ball, you can create opportunities, but unless you finish them, that's all that matters," said Switchbacks Head Coach, Alan Koch. "I felt momentum and energy was starting to shift to our side. We grew into the game more and more as the game went on. But when you sometimes get a little overzealous, you can get stretched and I think that's what happened tonight."

The Switchbacks will be on the road next to face the defending champions in the Real Monarchs SLC on Saturday, July 18 at Rio Tinto Stadium before returning to Weidner Field to take on Austin Bold on Sunday, July 26 with gates opening at 1pm.

Colorado Springs, CO (July 11, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC lost at home 2-1 to New Mexico United in the club’s home opener at Weidner Field behind a late Chris Wehan goal.

Early in the first half, Christian Volesky got in behind the defense but he saw his shot deflected by a defender at the last second. However, it was the visitors that got on the board first as Sean Melvin denied Devon Sandoval on the initial shot. The ball rebounded 30 yards out to Saalih Muhammed who scored on a full volley directly into the back of the net.

The Switchbacks were determined to level the game before halftime as Uvaldo Luna fired a shot from distance that came back off the crossbar in first-half stoppage time. Moments later, Aidan Daniels unleashed a shot from distance that bounced off the left post and into the net to equalize before the break.

Switchbacks Winger, George Lebese, thought he gave the hosts the lead in the 79th minute but he was judged to be offside. Three minutes from full-time, Chris Wehan scored the winning goal for New Mexico United as he saw his shot go in the lower corner from a counter-attack.

“We felt like we had them. But in this game it doesn’t mean anything until you score goals. Obviously, goals are everything. You can possess the ball, you can create opportunities, but unless you finish them, that’s all that matters,” said Switchbacks Head Coach, Alan Koch. “I felt momentum and energy was starting to shift to our side. We grew into the game more and more as the game went on. But when you sometimes get a little overzealous, you can get stretched and I think that’s what happened tonight.”

The Switchbacks will be on the road next to face the defending champions in the Real Monarchs SLC on Saturday, July 18 at Rio Tinto Stadium before returning to Weidner Field to take on Austin Bold on Sunday, July 26 with gates opening at 1pm.

Alan Koch – On his thoughts on the team's performance tonight: "We felt like we had them. But in this game it doesn't mean anything until you score goals. Obviously, goals are everything. You can possess the ball, you can create opportunities, but unless you finish them, that's all that matters. I felt momentum and energy was starting to shift to our side. We grew into the game more and more as the game went on. But when you sometimes get a little overzealous, you can get stretched and I think that's what happened tonight. Fair play to New Mexico, they're a good team. They've been together all of last year while we're a new group trying to change and turn things around. We're disappointed to lose, but we're going to stay true to what we're tyring to achieve."

On how much every game counts in a shortened season: "I think the result is bigger. And I think our result going to Oklahoma City in the first game was bigger because we're essentially playing a condensed schedule. Going in and getting three points on the road was a huge result. But also slipping up tonight was a disappointing result too. We're in a very short fight, we threw a punch in the first game and we got punched at the end tonight. We're going to have to reflect, learn, and grow."

Aidan Daniels – On his overall thoughts on the game: "It was tough. It's just the flow of the game. We had the momentum, we were dominating them and unfortunately, we weren't able to capitalize on some of our chances. We lose the ball in our zone two and they counter and score. They probably two or three opportunities in the second half and they scored one. We had five or six half chances and didn't convert. Ultimately, it comes down to execution and it's tough."

On playing a league game in front of fans again: "It's been blessing being back out here. The fans brought some energy, I wish we could've got a full house, but we really appreciate the fans that came out."


Jordan Burt – On his overall thoughts on tonight's performance: "We're disappointed. I'm interested to watch it back because we had some good moments but we also had some 'first game back after four months' moments. We had some sloppy mistakes that lead to their goals. Overall, there were a lot of positives but I think the fans can see that we can play. It's just putting it all together now."

On this Switchbacks team compared to teams in the past: "I've been here the whole time and this is the best team we've had, hands down. Just from a quality standpoint, I think once we put a full game together with bringing energy and closing guys down fast, we'll be a tough team to beat."

Alan Koch – On his thoughts on the team’s performance tonight: “We felt like we had them. But in this game it doesn’t mean anything until you score goals. Obviously, goals are everything. You can possess the ball, you can create opportunities, but unless you finish them, that’s all that matters. I felt momentum and energy was starting to shift to our side. We grew into the game more and more as the game went on. But when you sometimes get a little overzealous, you can get stretched and I think that’s what happened tonight. Fair play to New Mexico, they’re a good team. They’ve been together all of last year while we’re a new group trying to change and turn things around. We’re disappointed to lose, but we’re going to stay true to what we’re tyring to achieve.”

On how much every game counts in a shortened season: “I think the result is bigger. And I think our result going to Oklahoma City in the first game was bigger because we’re essentially playing a condensed schedule. Going in and getting three points on the road was a huge result. But also slipping up tonight was a disappointing result too. We’re in a very short fight, we threw a punch in the first game and we got punched at the end tonight. We’re going to have to reflect, learn, and grow.”

Aidan Daniels – On his overall thoughts on the game: “It was tough. It’s just the flow of the game. We had the momentum, we were dominating them and unfortunately, we weren’t able to capitalize on some of our chances. We lose the ball in our zone two and they counter and score. They probably two or three opportunities in the second half and they scored one. We had five or six half chances and didn’t convert. Ultimately, it comes down to execution and it’s tough.”

On playing a league game in front of fans again: “It’s been blessing being back out here. The fans brought some energy, I wish we could’ve got a full house, but we really appreciate the fans that came out.”


Jordan Burt – On his overall thoughts on tonight’s performance: “We’re disappointed. I’m interested to watch it back because we had some good moments but we also had some ‘first game back after four months’ moments. We had some sloppy mistakes that lead to their goals. Overall, there were a lot of positives but I think the fans can see that we can play. It’s just putting it all together now.”

On this Switchbacks team compared to teams in the past: “I’ve been here the whole time and this is the best team we’ve had, hands down. Just from a quality standpoint, I think once we put a full game together with bringing energy and closing guys down fast, we’ll be a tough team to beat.”

• Man of the Match// Aidan Daniels
• Scoring Summary// COS: Daniels (45+2') | NM: Muhammed (25'), Wehan (87')
• Saves// COS: Melvin (3) | NM: Mizzell (0)
• Discipline// COS: None  | NM: Wehan (56')

• Man of the Match// Aidan Daniels
• Scoring Summary// COS: Daniels (45+2′) | NM: Muhammed (25′), Wehan (87′)
• Saves// COS: Melvin (3) | NM: Mizzell (0)
• Discipline// COS: None  | NM: Wehan (56′)

Photo Courtesy of Isaiah Downing

By: Cody Costra
Colorado Springs, CO (July 4, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC played an intrasquad match on the Fourth of July where the gray squad defeated the black squad 2-0 from set-pieces.

The game started quickly for the black squad as Aidan Daniels fired off a shot from 25 yards out that came back off the crossbar. However, the gray squad got on the board in the 22nd minute as Luke Ferreira slotted home a penalty. In the second half, Will Vint doubled the gray teams lead with a perfectly placed free-kick over the top of the wall and into the top corner of the goal.

"It was absolutely vital tonight for all of us to go through a dry run. I think it was imperative for operations, stadium personnel, coaching staff, players, for everybody. We haven't played a home game yet," said Switchbacks Head Coach, Alan Koch. "I think we can get some of the challenges out of the way and hopefully come back and put in a good showing next week and get three points."

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC home opener is set for July 11th when New Mexico United comes to Colorado Springs on the opening night of the return of the USL Championship.

Photo Courtesy of Isaiah Downing

By: Cody Costra
Colorado Springs, CO (July 4, 2020) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC played an intrasquad match on the Fourth of July where the gray squad defeated the black squad 2-0 from set-pieces.

The game started quickly for the black squad as Aidan Daniels fired off a shot from 25 yards out that came back off the crossbar. However, the gray squad got on the board in the 22nd minute as Luke Ferreira slotted home a penalty. In the second half, Will Vint doubled the gray teams lead with a perfectly placed free-kick over the top of the wall and into the top corner of the goal.

“It was absolutely vital tonight for all of us to go through a dry run. I think it was imperative for operations, stadium personnel, coaching staff, players, for everybody. We haven’t played a home game yet,” said Switchbacks Head Coach, Alan Koch. “I think we can get some of the challenges out of the way and hopefully come back and put in a good showing next week and get three points.”

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC home opener is set for July 11th when New Mexico United comes to Colorado Springs on the opening night of the return of the USL Championship.