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The 105th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup makes its way to Weidner Field this Wednesday evening as the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC host FC Denver in the second round.  $1 beer will be on offer during the first 30 minutes after gates open to all fans 21 and over.

FC Denver reached the second round after defeating Azteca FC 4-2 on May 9th in Westminster, Colorado.  As a member of the USL, the Switchbacks were not tasked with playing a first round match and entered the 2018 competition in the second round.  

Last season, the Switchbacks defeated Premier Development League opponents FC Tucson 2-0 in the second round of the US Open Cup at Weidner Field on May 17th behind goals from Jung-Yeong Park and Kevaughn Frater.

“It’s the first Open Cup game that I’ll be a part of so I’m really looking forward to it,” said Jordan Schweitzer.  “We don’t know too much about them [FC Denver] – but we know they are a team that will give their all. We have to respect their game and be ready for a battle.”

The Switchbacks last played on Saturday night at Weidner Field as they defeated the Las Vegas Lights FC behind a strike from Luke Vercollone.  “I feel like we had a good game,” said Taylor Hunter immediately following the win against the Lights FC. “We don’t know who will play on Wednesday, but we’ll make sure we’re rested and do what we need to.  Being at home really helps and saves legs. Anytime we’re in front of our own fans and at our stadium we get that home presence that’s huge no matter who the game is against.”

“We needed that…we really needed that win,” said Trittschuh after defeating the Lights FC.  “Defensively we did really well – they [Lights FC] didn’t have a single shot on goal. We’ve got to take that forward into Wednesday.”

Planning for FC Denver remains difficult, as their amateur status makes game footage difficult to acquire.  Switchbacks Assistant Coach Wolde Harris watched FC Denver’s first round victory against Azteca FC, and will see his duties extend even further this week.  

“It’s Wolde’s game – he’s the man,” said Trittschuh.  “It’s a part of taking my Pro License and it’s for Wolde’s development as a coach.  Wolde will prepare the team and get them ready for Wednesday and it’s all him for this game and that’s great for him and for everybody.”

“This game was a good opportunity and it’s great for me to be in charge of the game,” said Harris after running Monday’s practice in Colorado Springs.  “Since I’ve been an assistant here for four years, Tritt has given me a lot of autonomy and I’m very thankful for that. I’m looking forward to Wednesday, we’ve done well in the Cup before, and we’re looking to go far this year.  That’s the most important thing.”

Three matches in just nine days may signal changes in the Switchbacks’ starting XI for Wednesday’s match.   “It’s a tricky game because at the end of the day we’re expected to win,” said Marty Maybin. “But it will be a great opportunity for a lot of the boys who aren’t playing to get a game and get some quality minutes, especially at home.  We have to make sure we go out there and handle our business because on paper we’re supposed to go into the next round.”

“You’re playing an amateur team and it’s their biggest game of the season.  They’ll work and bring energy and it’s important we bring our own energy to match them,” said Taylor Hunter.  “Because we can’t get much info on them we focus more on ourselves and our style and make sure we take that into Wednesday and implement that on them.”

FC Denver’s four goal outburst in their first round win against Azteca FC gave notice that Wednesday’s visitors can have success going forward.  “They have a couple good players and good movement up top,” said Harris. “They work hard on both sides of the ball. We have to make sure we keep compact and we must be fast in transition and use our speed.”

The first round victory for FC Denver was also notable due to its location, at the North Stadium in Westminster, Colorado.  “If these teams are going to get into these early stages of the U.S. Open Cup there needs to be standards from U.S. Soccer for the fields where there aren’t football lines on the field,” said Trittschuh.  “Soccer is at a place where we can’t have that in this country anymore. It’s got to change.”

After Wednesday’s match the Switchbacks travel east to Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City to face the OKC Energy FC on Saturday evening.  Saint Louis FC will visit Weidner Field on Saturday, May 26th with Fox 21 News presenting a Ziggy Bobblehead Giveaway for the first 500 fans in attendance.  

The 105th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup makes its way to Weidner Field this Wednesday evening as the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC host FC Denver in the second round.  $1 beer will be on offer during the first 30 minutes after gates open to all fans 21 and over.

FC Denver reached the second round after defeating Azteca FC 4-2 on May 9th in Westminster, Colorado.  As a member of the USL, the Switchbacks were not tasked with playing a first round match and entered the 2018 competition in the second round.  

Last season, the Switchbacks defeated Premier Development League opponents FC Tucson 2-0 in the second round of the US Open Cup at Weidner Field on May 17th behind goals from Jung-Yeong Park and Kevaughn Frater.

“It’s the first Open Cup game that I’ll be a part of so I’m really looking forward to it,” said Jordan Schweitzer.  “We don’t know too much about them [FC Denver] – but we know they are a team that will give their all. We have to respect their game and be ready for a battle.”

The Switchbacks last played on Saturday night at Weidner Field as they defeated the Las Vegas Lights FC behind a strike from Luke Vercollone.  “I feel like we had a good game,” said Taylor Hunter immediately following the win against the Lights FC. “We don’t know who will play on Wednesday, but we’ll make sure we’re rested and do what we need to.  Being at home really helps and saves legs. Anytime we’re in front of our own fans and at our stadium we get that home presence that’s huge no matter who the game is against.”

“We needed that…we really needed that win,” said Trittschuh after defeating the Lights FC.  “Defensively we did really well – they [Lights FC] didn’t have a single shot on goal. We’ve got to take that forward into Wednesday.”

Planning for FC Denver remains difficult, as their amateur status makes game footage difficult to acquire.  Switchbacks Assistant Coach Wolde Harris watched FC Denver’s first round victory against Azteca FC, and will see his duties extend even further this week.  

“It’s Wolde’s game – he’s the man,” said Trittschuh.  “It’s a part of taking my Pro License and it’s for Wolde’s development as a coach.  Wolde will prepare the team and get them ready for Wednesday and it’s all him for this game and that’s great for him and for everybody.”

“This game was a good opportunity and it’s great for me to be in charge of the game,” said Harris after running Monday’s practice in Colorado Springs.  “Since I’ve been an assistant here for four years, Tritt has given me a lot of autonomy and I’m very thankful for that. I’m looking forward to Wednesday, we’ve done well in the Cup before, and we’re looking to go far this year.  That’s the most important thing.”

Three matches in just nine days may signal changes in the Switchbacks’ starting XI for Wednesday’s match.   “It’s a tricky game because at the end of the day we’re expected to win,” said Marty Maybin. “But it will be a great opportunity for a lot of the boys who aren’t playing to get a game and get some quality minutes, especially at home.  We have to make sure we go out there and handle our business because on paper we’re supposed to go into the next round.”

“You’re playing an amateur team and it’s their biggest game of the season.  They’ll work and bring energy and it’s important we bring our own energy to match them,” said Taylor Hunter.  “Because we can’t get much info on them we focus more on ourselves and our style and make sure we take that into Wednesday and implement that on them.”

FC Denver’s four goal outburst in their first round win against Azteca FC gave notice that Wednesday’s visitors can have success going forward.  “They have a couple good players and good movement up top,” said Harris. “They work hard on both sides of the ball. We have to make sure we keep compact and we must be fast in transition and use our speed.”

The first round victory for FC Denver was also notable due to its location, at the North Stadium in Westminster, Colorado.  “If these teams are going to get into these early stages of the U.S. Open Cup there needs to be standards from U.S. Soccer for the fields where there aren’t football lines on the field,” said Trittschuh.  “Soccer is at a place where we can’t have that in this country anymore. It’s got to change.”

After Wednesday’s match the Switchbacks travel east to Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City to face the OKC Energy FC on Saturday evening.  Saint Louis FC will visit Weidner Field on Saturday, May 26th with Fox 21 News presenting a Ziggy Bobblehead Giveaway for the first 500 fans in attendance.  

Reno 1868 FC visit Weidner Field this Saturday evening to face the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Cinco de Mayo, with Colorado Technical University sponsoring a cushion giveaway for the first 500 fans.  

The Switchbacks are winless since a rampant 4-0 win against Saturday’s opponents on April 14th at Greater Nevada Field in Reno.  A narrow 2-1 loss for the Switchbacks in Sacramento was followed by a goalless draw with the Seattle Sounders FC 2.  Last Saturday, the Switchbacks were unlucky to lose 1-0 at Champions Soccer Stadium at OC Great Park to Orange County SC.

“No matter what the score of the first game, this Saturday is still a home game and we have to win those and play well and use our strengths,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh.  “We’ve talked over and over about scoring. We’re just not finishing our chances right now. Defensively we’re strong and we’ll need that because Reno have good players.”

“The big win against them definitely adds to our confidence because we know they’ll be thinking about it,” said Marty Maybin.  “They’ll be ready for a new start and it sets us up for a competitive game. They’re a good team – we saw that earlier this year even though we won – but we’re glad to be back home and ready for the week.”

Reno 1868 FC played to a tense 0-0 draw against Rio Grande Valley FC on Wednesday morning at H-E-B Park in Edinburg, Texas.  Not a typo: the 09:30 MT kickoff was by far the earliest in the USL, as the rescheduled match had to be shoehorned into a packed schedule for both clubs.

Statistically, Reno slightly edged Wednesday’s match, with RGV FC ‘keeper Nicolas Corti making five saves to keep Reno scoreless.  

Midfielder Kevin Partida was named a starter on the USL’s Team of the Week after his strike against the Oklahoma City Energy FC set Reno 1868 FC on their way to last Saturday’s 2-0 win.  Former San Jose Earthquakes striker Danny Musovski leads Reno 1868 in goals with 3 after scoring a match-winning brace against the Portland Timbers 2 on April 21st in a 2-1 Reno 1868 FC victory at the University of Portland’s Merlo Field.

Musovski was removed from the 0-0 draw against RGV in the 57th minute for Brian Brown.  Reno 1868 FC Head Coach Ian Russell will no doubt be hoping his star hitman Musovski will be fit for Saturday’s match against the Switchbacks, with this weekend’s hosts well aware of the quality Reno will bring.

“We know they’re a dangerous team and they’ve been able to score some goals,” said Trittschuh.  “[Danny] Musovski is a player who can score goals in this league. [Antoine] Hoppenot is a good player too.  Kevin Partida on Team of the Week after the goal. Being able to have a week here before Saturday will help us and we can watch Reno.  They’ll be trying to get one after earlier this season – that’s one of the things we’re going to have to be ready for this time. They’re going to be full of energy and we have to match that.  We can’t think of the 4-0. They’ve changed themselves since that game. On Wednesday, we’ll get to see a little bit more of what they’re about and that will help with the rest of our week.”

Goals from AJ Ajeakwa, Luke Vercollone, and Jamal Jack set the Switchbacks on their way to the 4-0 win on April 14th.  Reno 1868 FC are undefeated since the large loss to the Switchbacks, with back-to-back wins against the Portland Timbers 2 and Oklahoma City Energy FC coming before Wednesday morning’s draw against Rio Grande Valley FC.

“They know we beat them in the last game and they are going to try even harder to get the win,” said Jamal Jack.  “It’s good we’re back and we will come back full-force at home. It’s going to be a close game – both teams will be going all out for all three points.”

“Reno are on a bit on a run of not losing now,” said Saeed Robinson.  “I expect a competitive game and a close game – the first game against them shouldn’t matter.  They like to possess the ball and pass quickly so it’s going to be hard to play that way on our field the way it is now.  Hopefully we will use being here to help us and spend some time together working while Reno have a tough game in the week.  They’re a good team and we must worry only about Saturday.”

The Switchbacks will remain in Colorado Springs after this weekend’s match as they prepare for their first Friday night home game of 2018 with the inaugural visit of the Las Vegas Lights FC to Weidner Field.  Pikes Peak Brewing Company will be sponsoring a hat giveaway on Military Appreciation Night for Las Vegas’ visit on May 11th. Fans are encouraged to wear RED to Remember Everyone Deployed.  Tickets start at just $12 and are available here.

 

Reno 1868 FC visit Weidner Field this Saturday evening to face the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Cinco de Mayo, with Colorado Technical University sponsoring a cushion giveaway for the first 500 fans.  

The Switchbacks are winless since a rampant 4-0 win against Saturday’s opponents on April 14th at Greater Nevada Field in Reno.  A narrow 2-1 loss for the Switchbacks in Sacramento was followed by a goalless draw with the Seattle Sounders FC 2.  Last Saturday, the Switchbacks were unlucky to lose 1-0 at Champions Soccer Stadium at OC Great Park to Orange County SC.

“No matter what the score of the first game, this Saturday is still a home game and we have to win those and play well and use our strengths,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh.  “We’ve talked over and over about scoring. We’re just not finishing our chances right now. Defensively we’re strong and we’ll need that because Reno have good players.”

“The big win against them definitely adds to our confidence because we know they’ll be thinking about it,” said Marty Maybin.  “They’ll be ready for a new start and it sets us up for a competitive game. They’re a good team – we saw that earlier this year even though we won – but we’re glad to be back home and ready for the week.”

Reno 1868 FC played to a tense 0-0 draw against Rio Grande Valley FC on Wednesday morning at H-E-B Park in Edinburg, Texas.  Not a typo: the 09:30 MT kickoff was by far the earliest in the USL, as the rescheduled match had to be shoehorned into a packed schedule for both clubs.

Statistically, Reno slightly edged Wednesday’s match, with RGV FC ‘keeper Nicolas Corti making five saves to keep Reno scoreless.  

Midfielder Kevin Partida was named a starter on the USL’s Team of the Week after his strike against the Oklahoma City Energy FC set Reno 1868 FC on their way to last Saturday’s 2-0 win.  Former San Jose Earthquakes striker Danny Musovski leads Reno 1868 in goals with 3 after scoring a match-winning brace against the Portland Timbers 2 on April 21st in a 2-1 Reno 1868 FC victory at the University of Portland’s Merlo Field.

Musovski was removed from the 0-0 draw against RGV in the 57th minute for Brian Brown.  Reno 1868 FC Head Coach Ian Russell will no doubt be hoping his star hitman Musovski will be fit for Saturday’s match against the Switchbacks, with this weekend’s hosts well aware of the quality Reno will bring.

“We know they’re a dangerous team and they’ve been able to score some goals,” said Trittschuh.  “[Danny] Musovski is a player who can score goals in this league. [Antoine] Hoppenot is a good player too.  Kevin Partida on Team of the Week after the goal. Being able to have a week here before Saturday will help us and we can watch Reno.  They’ll be trying to get one after earlier this season – that’s one of the things we’re going to have to be ready for this time. They’re going to be full of energy and we have to match that.  We can’t think of the 4-0. They’ve changed themselves since that game. On Wednesday, we’ll get to see a little bit more of what they’re about and that will help with the rest of our week.”

Goals from AJ Ajeakwa, Luke Vercollone, and Jamal Jack set the Switchbacks on their way to the 4-0 win on April 14th.  Reno 1868 FC are undefeated since the large loss to the Switchbacks, with back-to-back wins against the Portland Timbers 2 and Oklahoma City Energy FC coming before Wednesday morning’s draw against Rio Grande Valley FC.

“They know we beat them in the last game and they are going to try even harder to get the win,” said Jamal Jack.  “It’s good we’re back and we will come back full-force at home. It’s going to be a close game – both teams will be going all out for all three points.”

“Reno are on a bit on a run of not losing now,” said Saeed Robinson.  “I expect a competitive game and a close game – the first game against them shouldn’t matter.  They like to possess the ball and pass quickly so it’s going to be hard to play that way on our field the way it is now.  Hopefully we will use being here to help us and spend some time together working while Reno have a tough game in the week.  They’re a good team and we must worry only about Saturday.”

The Switchbacks will remain in Colorado Springs after this weekend’s match as they prepare for their first Friday night home game of 2018 with the inaugural visit of the Las Vegas Lights FC to Weidner Field.  Pikes Peak Brewing Company will be sponsoring a hat giveaway on Military Appreciation Night for Las Vegas’ visit on May 11th. Fans are encouraged to wear RED to Remember Everyone Deployed.  Tickets start at just $12 and are available here.

 

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC travel to Champions Soccer Stadium at OC Great Park this Saturday to face an Orange County SC team who sit 2nd in the USL’s Western Conference.  

Orange County SC have lost twice in 2018 – a narrow 1-0 defeat at Champions Soccer Stadium in Irvine, California to Sacramento Republic FC on March 24th was followed a month later by a 2-0 defeat against Rio Grande Valley FC.  After the loss to Sacramento, Orange County SC won their next four matches by a combined score of 12-0.  Danish striker Thomas Enevoldsen leads Orange County SC in goals with 5 and shots with 14.

Orange County SC lost 2-0 to Rio Grande Valley FC on Wednesday evening at H-E-B Park in Edinburg, Texas.  RGV goals from Memo Rodriguez and Aldo Quintanilla sealed the win for the Toros, although Orange County SC remain in second place at the time of writing.

“OC play with confidence,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh.  “They won four in a row, and they’ve totally changed-over that roster with seventeen new players.  Their affiliation with LAFC has helped them a lot – their roster is full of good players that we have to be ready for.  [Mark] Segbers, who they got from New England, is a top player in this league. [Thomas] Enevoldsen is an opportunist – he just knows where to be and how to score goals.  He’s one of the most dangerous players we’ve seen so far. OC’s midfield is good – we must make sure we control the game in that area. We must keep playing defensively like we have been.  If we can do that, we’ll be alright.”

“They’re a strong team – I expect OC will be one of the top teams in the conference,” said Switchbacks captain Josh Suggs.  “Watching them against RGV will help us. We’ll be able to get a good idea of their style. Hopefully the Wednesday game and the travel will take a toll on OC and they’ll be a little tired.”

The Switchbacks will train for the first four days of the week in the altitude of Colorado Springs.  Last Saturday the Switchbacks played to a goalless tie with the Seattle Sounders FC 2 at Weidner Field as both teams had a player sent off.  Luke Vercollone was given his second yellow card just after the hour mark against S2 and will not make the trip to Orange County.

“We’ll miss him, but other guys have to step up,” said Trittschuh.  “In some areas, we’re a little thin, but we’re still looking to bring guys in and Niki [Jackson] came in for us and did well last week.  We’ll have to pick a strong team in California.”

Niki Jackson, signed on loan from the Colorado Rapids before the draw against S2, made his Switchbacks debut when he came on in the 55th minute as a replacement for Shane Malcolm.  Jackson trained with the Switchbacks during the week and should be available for selection against Orange County, along with fellow attackers AJ Ajeakwa, Marty Maybin, and Tobenna Uzo.  

“From watching OC, right now they are one of the best teams in the West,” said Saeed Robinson.  “They know how to manage the game and they play to their strengths and they pass the ball very well.  We know it will be a hard game. They’re second and they have been very good so far to be honest. It’s a fun place to play and another long trip but we’ll have a good week at home to prepare.”

“I’m glad OC will have a midweek game and not us for once,” said Jordan Burt.  “They’re a good team and they’ve got some new players that we’ll have to look at.  Having the week to work and then watch them will help us look at the players we’ll be up against.  We’ve had good games with them in the past.”

Switchbacks defender Taylor Hunter was named a starter on the USL’s Team of the Week after his performance in holding the Sounders FC 2 goalless last weekend.  It’s the second time in the young 2018 USL regular season that Hunter has been named to the USL’s Team of the Week.

“It’s good to be recognized – just like it was the first time this season.  But I’d rather have the three points against Seattle from Saturday,” said Taylor Hunter.  “Our number one goal is to keep clean-sheets and the rest will come. Defensively we’ve done well.  We’ll work this week on putting away goals and take that on the road and play against a good team who are strong out there.”

“It makes me think that people are watching the games more closely to see that it’s not just the defenders who score goals that deserve to be recognized,” said Trittschuh when asked about Hunter.  “Taylor was great against S2 and it’s great that was seen. But it’s not just him; you could have picked any of our back four to make the Team of the Week. We just need to find goals. Hopefully the surface this weekend will help us.  We’ll go to OC to win and see what we can do.”

On May 5th the Switchbacks will return to Weidner Field as they host Reno 1868 FC with Colorado Technical University sponsoring a Cinco de Mayo cushion giveaway.

 

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC travel to Champions Soccer Stadium at OC Great Park this Saturday to face an Orange County SC team who sit 2nd in the USL’s Western Conference.  

Orange County SC have lost twice in 2018 – a narrow 1-0 defeat at Champions Soccer Stadium in Irvine, California to Sacramento Republic FC on March 24th was followed a month later by a 2-0 defeat against Rio Grande Valley FC.  After the loss to Sacramento, Orange County SC won their next four matches by a combined score of 12-0.  Danish striker Thomas Enevoldsen leads Orange County SC in goals with 5 and shots with 14.

Orange County SC lost 2-0 to Rio Grande Valley FC on Wednesday evening at H-E-B Park in Edinburg, Texas.  RGV goals from Memo Rodriguez and Aldo Quintanilla sealed the win for the Toros, although Orange County SC remain in second place at the time of writing.

“OC play with confidence,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh.  “They won four in a row, and they’ve totally changed-over that roster with seventeen new players.  Their affiliation with LAFC has helped them a lot – their roster is full of good players that we have to be ready for.  [Mark] Segbers, who they got from New England, is a top player in this league. [Thomas] Enevoldsen is an opportunist – he just knows where to be and how to score goals.  He’s one of the most dangerous players we’ve seen so far. OC’s midfield is good – we must make sure we control the game in that area. We must keep playing defensively like we have been.  If we can do that, we’ll be alright.”

“They’re a strong team – I expect OC will be one of the top teams in the conference,” said Switchbacks captain Josh Suggs.  “Watching them against RGV will help us. We’ll be able to get a good idea of their style. Hopefully the Wednesday game and the travel will take a toll on OC and they’ll be a little tired.”

The Switchbacks will train for the first four days of the week in the altitude of Colorado Springs.  Last Saturday the Switchbacks played to a goalless tie with the Seattle Sounders FC 2 at Weidner Field as both teams had a player sent off.  Luke Vercollone was given his second yellow card just after the hour mark against S2 and will not make the trip to Orange County.

“We’ll miss him, but other guys have to step up,” said Trittschuh.  “In some areas, we’re a little thin, but we’re still looking to bring guys in and Niki [Jackson] came in for us and did well last week.  We’ll have to pick a strong team in California.”

Niki Jackson, signed on loan from the Colorado Rapids before the draw against S2, made his Switchbacks debut when he came on in the 55th minute as a replacement for Shane Malcolm.  Jackson trained with the Switchbacks during the week and should be available for selection against Orange County, along with fellow attackers AJ Ajeakwa, Marty Maybin, and Tobenna Uzo.  

“From watching OC, right now they are one of the best teams in the West,” said Saeed Robinson.  “They know how to manage the game and they play to their strengths and they pass the ball very well.  We know it will be a hard game. They’re second and they have been very good so far to be honest. It’s a fun place to play and another long trip but we’ll have a good week at home to prepare.”

“I’m glad OC will have a midweek game and not us for once,” said Jordan Burt.  “They’re a good team and they’ve got some new players that we’ll have to look at.  Having the week to work and then watch them will help us look at the players we’ll be up against.  We’ve had good games with them in the past.”

Switchbacks defender Taylor Hunter was named a starter on the USL’s Team of the Week after his performance in holding the Sounders FC 2 goalless last weekend.  It’s the second time in the young 2018 USL regular season that Hunter has been named to the USL’s Team of the Week.

“It’s good to be recognized – just like it was the first time this season.  But I’d rather have the three points against Seattle from Saturday,” said Taylor Hunter.  “Our number one goal is to keep clean-sheets and the rest will come. Defensively we’ve done well.  We’ll work this week on putting away goals and take that on the road and play against a good team who are strong out there.”

“It makes me think that people are watching the games more closely to see that it’s not just the defenders who score goals that deserve to be recognized,” said Trittschuh when asked about Hunter.  “Taylor was great against S2 and it’s great that was seen. But it’s not just him; you could have picked any of our back four to make the Team of the Week. We just need to find goals. Hopefully the surface this weekend will help us.  We’ll go to OC to win and see what we can do.”

On May 5th the Switchbacks will return to Weidner Field as they host Reno 1868 FC with Colorado Technical University sponsoring a Cinco de Mayo cushion giveaway.