Switchbacks News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Post Game Quotes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Post Game Quotes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Game Stats

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

Game Stats

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