News
Switchbacks FC Midfielder Sam Hamilton Recalled by Colorado Rapids
Switchbacks FC midfielder, Sam Hamilton, has been recalled by the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.
Hamilton, 23, was loaned to the Switchbacks on April 27th. The University of Denver product has logged 1,536 in 18 appearances and one assist for the Switchbacks during the 2018 season.
Switchbacks FC midfielder, Sam Hamilton, has been recalled by the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.
Hamilton, 23, was loaned to the Switchbacks on April 27th. The University of Denver product has logged 1,536 in 18 appearances and one assist for the Switchbacks during the 2018 season.
Luke Vercollone Announces Retirement From Professional Soccer
Switchbacks midfielder, Luke Vercollone, has officially announced his retirement from professional soccer on Monday, culminating an impressive 17-year playing career where he spent time with the New England Revolution (MLS), Charleston Battery (USL), Richmond Kickers (USL), and the Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL).
"Luke has done so much for this club, being my first player signed, the first captain of the team, and being a finalist for player of the year. He set the tone with his hard work and competitive nature and that continues to be part of our culture," said Switchbacks Head Coach, Steve Trittschuh. "We wish him the best and he will always be part of this organization."
The American midfielder arrived in Colorado Springs in 2014 as the first ever signing for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks. Vercollone was also the first captain in club history, earning the nickname, "The Original Switchback". Vercollone became the first player to reach 100 games played in the USL during the Switchbacks 2015 season opener. Vercollone was named tot he 2015 First Team All-League team and was a finalist for the league MVP. Vercollone holds the club record for goals in a season (14), assists in a season (9) and holds the all-time goalscoring record (26) for the Switchbacks. Vercollone was named to the 2015 First Team All-League team and was a finalist for the league MVP.
"It is with gratitude and sentiment that I am announcing my retirement from pro soccer. While I do still have fuel in the tank, and I am not walking away on the ending I had hoped for, I know that I am called in a different direction," said Luke Vercollone. "I am extremely grateful to my family, the Switchbacks, the fans, the USL, all the other teams I've played for, especially the Kickers, and my teammates over the years. God has blessed me more than I could have imagined and allowed me to play this beautiful game for so long. While it is sad to hang up the boots, I am looking forward to the next chapter for me and my family."
Vercollone, 36, appeared in 25 games, totaling 1,422 minutes where he had four goals and two assists this season. He was named to the USL Team of the Week in week five and week eleven during the 2018 campaign.
Switchbacks midfielder, Luke Vercollone, has officially announced his retirement from professional soccer on Monday, culminating an impressive 17-year playing career where he spent time with the New England Revolution (MLS), Charleston Battery (USL), Richmond Kickers (USL), and the Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL).
“Luke has done so much for this club, being my first player signed, the first captain of the team, and being a finalist for player of the year. He set the tone with his hard work and competitive nature and that continues to be part of our culture,” said Switchbacks Head Coach, Steve Trittschuh. “We wish him the best and he will always be part of this organization.”
The American midfielder arrived in Colorado Springs in 2014 as the first ever signing for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks. Vercollone was also the first captain in club history, earning the nickname, “The Original Switchback”. Vercollone became the first player to reach 100 games played in the USL during the Switchbacks 2015 season opener. Vercollone was named tot he 2015 First Team All-League team and was a finalist for the league MVP. Vercollone holds the club record for goals in a season (14), assists in a season (9) and holds the all-time goalscoring record (26) for the Switchbacks. Vercollone was named to the 2015 First Team All-League team and was a finalist for the league MVP.
“It is with gratitude and sentiment that I am announcing my retirement from pro soccer. While I do still have fuel in the tank, and I am not walking away on the ending I had hoped for, I know that I am called in a different direction,” said Luke Vercollone. “I am extremely grateful to my family, the Switchbacks, the fans, the USL, all the other teams I’ve played for, especially the Kickers, and my teammates over the years. God has blessed me more than I could have imagined and allowed me to play this beautiful game for so long. While it is sad to hang up the boots, I am looking forward to the next chapter for me and my family.”
Vercollone, 36, appeared in 25 games, totaling 1,422 minutes where he had four goals and two assists this season. He was named to the USL Team of the Week in week five and week eleven during the 2018 campaign.
Two Road Goals Earn Switchbacks FC Draw In Final Game Of 2018
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC scored two goals within a minute to draw 2-2 against the Seattle Sounders FC 2 on Wednesday night to close out the 2018 season.
Coming off of the road loss against Fresno FC last Friday, the Switchbacks traveled to Seattle to take on the Seattle Sounders FC 2 to conclude the 2018 season. The home side threatened early when Shandon Hopeau hit a shot from distance but Steward Ceus made the save at his near post. Just before the stroke of halftime, Azriel Gonzalez crossed a free kick that Lamar Neagle got his head on to give the hosts the 1-0 lead going into the break.
The Switchbacks leveled the game just six minutes after halftime when Jordan Schweitzer found Saeed Robinson, who curled his effort off the crossbar and over the line. Less than a minute later, the Switchbacks were on the counter-attack when Karsten Hanlin played an inch-perfect cross into the feet of Shane Malcolm as Malcolm finished it off to quickly turn the game around and stun the home crowd. With ten minutes left to play, the Sounders found an equalizer after a long throw-in landed at the feet of second-half substitute, Alec Diaz, who made no mistake of his finish from close range. The visitors nearly had another quick strike when Jordan Burt's effort beat the goalkeeper, but it didn't beat the crossbar to end the Switchbacks season with a draw in Washington.
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC scored two goals within a minute to draw 2-2 against the Seattle Sounders FC 2 on Wednesday night to close out the 2018 season.
Coming off of the road loss against Fresno FC last Friday, the Switchbacks traveled to Seattle to take on the Seattle Sounders FC 2 to conclude the 2018 season. The home side threatened early when Shandon Hopeau hit a shot from distance but Steward Ceus made the save at his near post. Just before the stroke of halftime, Azriel Gonzalez crossed a free kick that Lamar Neagle got his head on to give the hosts the 1-0 lead going into the break.
The Switchbacks leveled the game just six minutes after halftime when Jordan Schweitzer found Saeed Robinson, who curled his effort off the crossbar and over the line. Less than a minute later, the Switchbacks were on the counter-attack when Karsten Hanlin played an inch-perfect cross into the feet of Shane Malcolm as Malcolm finished it off to quickly turn the game around and stun the home crowd. With ten minutes left to play, the Sounders found an equalizer after a long throw-in landed at the feet of second-half substitute, Alec Diaz, who made no mistake of his finish from close range. The visitors nearly had another quick strike when Jordan Burt’s effort beat the goalkeeper, but it didn’t beat the crossbar to end the Switchbacks season with a draw in Washington.
Vargish's View: Switchbacks FC Looking To End Season On A High Note
Wednesday marks the final match of the 2018 season for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC as they travel to the great Pacific Northwest to take on the Seattle Sounders FC 2 at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma.
The Sounders 2 have endured a miserable campaign and have not won since defeating San Antonio FC 3-2 on August 11th. S2 are in the midst of a run that sees Head Coach John Hutchinson’s team play five matches in the span of just two weeks. Following Wednesday’s match with the Switchbacks, S2 will finish their season at ONEOK Field against the Tulsa Roughnecks on Saturday evening.
Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders are faring far better than their USL affiliate in 2018, with Brian Schmetzer’s team currently locked into 5th place in the MLS’s Western Conference. On Monday evening the Sounders will host the Houston Dynamo at CenturyLink Field in downtown Seattle, and will not play again in the MLS until a Wednesday night matchup with Orlando City SC in Florida on October 17th.
“Our plan will depend on if S2 play their younger guys or not,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh during a near-freezing training session at Weidner Field on Monday morning. “S2 have guys who work hard, bring a ton of energy, and are hungry, and they also have the next-level quality guys from the MLS first-team when they need them. We have to be prepared to play against two different groups. Our guys – and I know we want this – want to go out and end the season well and play our best and cut-out the mistakes we had in Fresno that cost us the game. We’re going to still approach this game in Seattle as we have every other. We’ll do all we can to go out and win the game. S2 have been playing and rotating two different teams with their group of young guys and their first-team. They might be on that rotation this week because of their schedule – we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Last Friday saw the Switchbacks upended 3-0 at Chukchansi Park in Fresno despite out-possessing the Fresno FC Foxes. Lineup changes could abound for the Switchbacks on Wednesday, although Trittschuh was tight-lipped when asked about his squad selection for 2018’s final match.
“The guys have been training hard all season and we’ll keep that going today before we go to Seattle tomorrow,” said Trittschuh. “We’ll choose a group soon that will go to Seattle but we’ll pick the best team we can. There are guys I want to keep from this team and some of those ones who have done well this season may move on – that’s just how it goes. We have to do what we can with what we have so we can keep our best players here. After Wednesday we’ll sit down with the guys and make a plan for the offseason. The guys here have had the whole season to show what they can do at this level and in the end, I need to get some more quality in here. We were not consistent enough this season, but we were competitive in every game. We’ve got to get results next season and win a championship. We need more top-level guys in here to do that and we’ll look for that during the offseason.”
“These small victories, even though we’re out of the playoffs, are good for us and for the organization,” said Shane Malcolm. “We’re going to go out there and play for contracts and for our pride as a team. We know we’re a playoff-caliber team, but we haven’t always shown that – but we’ll get a chance this week to end our season well.”
S2 and the Switchbacks played out a 0-0 draw at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs on April 21st, with both teams going down to 10-men in the span of three minutes in the second-half. On Saturday evening the Sounders 2 lost 2-1 at Champions Soccer Stadium at OC Great Park on the site of the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in California, with S2’s goal coming through midfielder Azriel Gonzalez on the hour-mark. David Estrada, himself a second-half substitute against OC on Saturday, leads the Sounders 2 in goals with 10 in 2018. Australian midfielder Jesse Daley tops S2’s assist chart, just one in front of the aforementioned Azriel Gonzalez.
“On a personal level, it’s good to see my family in Seattle, but we’re there to do a job as a team,” said midfielder Jordan Schweitzer. “Let’s end this year on a high note.”
“You always want to go into the offseason a winner,” said Jordan Burt. “We’re all competing for different things but I expect a good effort from everyone and a good game against whichever team shows up for Seattle.”
Wednesday marks the final match of the 2018 season for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC as they travel to the great Pacific Northwest to take on the Seattle Sounders FC 2 at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma.
The Sounders 2 have endured a miserable campaign and have not won since defeating San Antonio FC 3-2 on August 11th. S2 are in the midst of a run that sees Head Coach John Hutchinson’s team play five matches in the span of just two weeks. Following Wednesday’s match with the Switchbacks, S2 will finish their season at ONEOK Field against the Tulsa Roughnecks on Saturday evening.
Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders are faring far better than their USL affiliate in 2018, with Brian Schmetzer’s team currently locked into 5th place in the MLS’s Western Conference. On Monday evening the Sounders will host the Houston Dynamo at CenturyLink Field in downtown Seattle, and will not play again in the MLS until a Wednesday night matchup with Orlando City SC in Florida on October 17th.
“Our plan will depend on if S2 play their younger guys or not,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh during a near-freezing training session at Weidner Field on Monday morning. “S2 have guys who work hard, bring a ton of energy, and are hungry, and they also have the next-level quality guys from the MLS first-team when they need them. We have to be prepared to play against two different groups. Our guys – and I know we want this – want to go out and end the season well and play our best and cut-out the mistakes we had in Fresno that cost us the game. We’re going to still approach this game in Seattle as we have every other. We’ll do all we can to go out and win the game. S2 have been playing and rotating two different teams with their group of young guys and their first-team. They might be on that rotation this week because of their schedule – we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Last Friday saw the Switchbacks upended 3-0 at Chukchansi Park in Fresno despite out-possessing the Fresno FC Foxes. Lineup changes could abound for the Switchbacks on Wednesday, although Trittschuh was tight-lipped when asked about his squad selection for 2018’s final match.
“The guys have been training hard all season and we’ll keep that going today before we go to Seattle tomorrow,” said Trittschuh. “We’ll choose a group soon that will go to Seattle but we’ll pick the best team we can. There are guys I want to keep from this team and some of those ones who have done well this season may move on – that’s just how it goes. We have to do what we can with what we have so we can keep our best players here. After Wednesday we’ll sit down with the guys and make a plan for the offseason. The guys here have had the whole season to show what they can do at this level and in the end, I need to get some more quality in here. We were not consistent enough this season, but we were competitive in every game. We’ve got to get results next season and win a championship. We need more top-level guys in here to do that and we’ll look for that during the offseason.”
“These small victories, even though we’re out of the playoffs, are good for us and for the organization,” said Shane Malcolm. “We’re going to go out there and play for contracts and for our pride as a team. We know we’re a playoff-caliber team, but we haven’t always shown that – but we’ll get a chance this week to end our season well.”
S2 and the Switchbacks played out a 0-0 draw at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs on April 21st, with both teams going down to 10-men in the span of three minutes in the second-half. On Saturday evening the Sounders 2 lost 2-1 at Champions Soccer Stadium at OC Great Park on the site of the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in California, with S2’s goal coming through midfielder Azriel Gonzalez on the hour-mark. David Estrada, himself a second-half substitute against OC on Saturday, leads the Sounders 2 in goals with 10 in 2018. Australian midfielder Jesse Daley tops S2’s assist chart, just one in front of the aforementioned Azriel Gonzalez.
“On a personal level, it’s good to see my family in Seattle, but we’re there to do a job as a team,” said midfielder Jordan Schweitzer. “Let’s end this year on a high note.”
“You always want to go into the offseason a winner,” said Jordan Burt. “We’re all competing for different things but I expect a good effort from everyone and a good game against whichever team shows up for Seattle.”
Switchbacks FC Drop 3-0 Result On The Road To Fresno FC
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC lost 3-0 to Fresno FC on Friday night at Chukchansi Park.
Coming off of the road win against the Real Monarchs SLC last weekend, the Switchbacks traveled to California to take on Fresno FC. Fresno took ahold of the game early when Christian Chaney unleashed a shot from distance that found the top corner of the net in the 23rd minute.
Just two minutes after the break, Fresno doubled their lead when Alex Cooper's shot went through traffic and snuck by Switchbacks' keeper, Moise Pouaty. The Switchbacks would create some opportunities, but none of them found their way by Fresno keeper, Kyle Reynish. In the 71st minute, Jemal Johnson wanted in on the action as he dribbled into the box and slotted home the final goal of the game.
The Switchbacks FC will now travel to Washington where they will take on the Seattle Sounders FC 2 on Wednesday, October 10th at 8:00 PM MT in the final game of the 2018 USL regular season.
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC lost 3-0 to Fresno FC on Friday night at Chukchansi Park.
Coming off of the road win against the Real Monarchs SLC last weekend, the Switchbacks traveled to California to take on Fresno FC. Fresno took ahold of the game early when Christian Chaney unleashed a shot from distance that found the top corner of the net in the 23rd minute.
Just two minutes after the break, Fresno doubled their lead when Alex Cooper’s shot went through traffic and snuck by Switchbacks’ keeper, Moise Pouaty. The Switchbacks would create some opportunities, but none of them found their way by Fresno keeper, Kyle Reynish. In the 71st minute, Jemal Johnson wanted in on the action as he dribbled into the box and slotted home the final goal of the game.
The Switchbacks FC will now travel to Washington where they will take on the Seattle Sounders FC 2 on Wednesday, October 10th at 8:00 PM MT in the final game of the 2018 USL regular season.
Dead Man's Brewfest Pictures From Switchbacks FC And iHeart Radio
Ziggy Cheered On Students At Howbert Elementary Walk-A-Thon Fundraiser
On October 3rd the Switchbacks FC and Ziggy came out to Howbert Elementary school to show support for the schools 5th annual Walk-A-Thon. The fundraiser was a huge success with tons of kids and adults participating. The community also came to show their support which included Police, Firefighters and the Army’s Fort Carson 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team. The bulk of the pledge donations will go for additional computer laptops with the remainder going to other basic supplies. The Switchbacks Fc will always take time to show support for the kids and the community.
On October 3rd the Switchbacks FC and Ziggy came out to Howbert Elementary school to show support for the schools 5th annual Walk-A-Thon. The fundraiser was a huge success with tons of kids and adults participating. The community also came to show their support which included Police, Firefighters and the Army’s Fort Carson 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team. The bulk of the pledge donations will go for additional computer laptops with the remainder going to other basic supplies. The Switchbacks Fc will always take time to show support for the kids and the community.
Switchbacks FC Youth Soccer Clinic With The YMCA
On September 17th the Switchbacks FC Players and Ziggy came out to the YMCA Soccer Clinic at Weidner Field. The clinic hosted over a hundred children eager to soak up some of the tricks of the trade from the Switchbacks players. The players had a blast guiding the kids through drills and shaping their young soccer minds. The YMCA Soccer clinic is one of the Switchback players favorite events to attend during the season. “It’s always just a blast for us to come out and interact with the kids, they are what is shaping soccer’s future in the United States and we are glad to be a part of that,” said Switchbacks captain, Josh Suggs.
On September 17th the Switchbacks FC Players and Ziggy came out to the YMCA Soccer Clinic at Weidner Field. The clinic hosted over a hundred children eager to soak up some of the tricks of the trade from the Switchbacks players. The players had a blast guiding the kids through drills and shaping their young soccer minds. The YMCA Soccer clinic is one of the Switchback players favorite events to attend during the season. “It’s always just a blast for us to come out and interact with the kids, they are what is shaping soccer’s future in the United States and we are glad to be a part of that,” said Switchbacks captain, Josh Suggs.
Switchbacks FC Visited Pita Pit!
On September 26th the Switchbacks own Mascot Ziggy got hungry and decided to stop by One of our loyal partners, Pita Pit! Ziggy had a blast meeting with The Pita Pit staff and customers at their downtown location. Ziggy posed for pictures and the staff was nice enough to allow Ziggy to get behind the grill to make his own pita. The Switchbacks FC will jump at every opportunity to come out and show our support for one of our loyal partners.
On September 26th the Switchbacks own Mascot Ziggy got hungry and decided to stop by One of our loyal partners, Pita Pit! Ziggy had a blast meeting with The Pita Pit staff and customers at their downtown location. Ziggy posed for pictures and the staff was nice enough to allow Ziggy to get behind the grill to make his own pita. The Switchbacks FC will jump at every opportunity to come out and show our support for one of our loyal partners.
