Vargish’s View: Switchbacks Continue to Keep Winning Streak
It’s a Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza at Weidner Field as the Switchbacks host high-flying Monterey Bay FC in downtown Colorado Springs. Limited tickets remain available HERE with the first 6,000 fans through the gates at 6pm receiving light-up wristbands courtesy of Pikes Peak National Bank. Post-match Independence Day fireworks follow the final whistle.
The Switchbacks won their third match in a row at Weidner Field on Saturday night, defeating Miami FC 2-0 behind goals from Deshane Beckford and Romario Williams.
What the Switchbacks Say:
Head Coach Stephen Hogan: “We knew it was a big one [against Miami FC] after what we just went through in RGV and New Mexico. We have to really make [Weidner Field] a fortress and we have the potential, and we have the ability [to do so against] any team. It’s special here and it’s an atmosphere that keeps us going. The execution of the half time team talk came out and we scored two goals from it and [I think] the atmosphere then got us over the line – as well as another good defensive display [and] another clean sheet at home. We had to get through this as much as we could [and get] three points – that was the first and foremost job. But obviously we had to think about Tuesday. So a lot of rotation happened – there were a lot of little injuries after New Mexico that we had to take care of. There will probably be changes [against Monterey] – maybe three of four changes again – and the guys know it, the roster knows it. Everyone is comfortable with it and we’ll see what we look like on Tuesday night.
“The [Switchbacks players] have to mentally prepare for one or two ideas that we’ve already drawn up and if we execute them, I think it will be a great game. I think it’s two tactical staffs. The brains in each staff are very soccer oriented and very good, so hopefully we come out on top. We have to kick-on. If we can make it back-to-back [wins] and four in a row at Weidner Field, then I think it becomes [a time where] people get scared [to come here] and people fear it and people are like, ‘sigh, we’re going to Weidner next.’ We have to make this place a fortress and we have to take as many points here as possible.”
Monterey Bay Breakdown:
“That organization is kicking into gear,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Hogan when asked about Tuesday’s opponents. “It’s taken them a few years, but they’re solid now. They are very, very well organized and they’re very good on the ball. They can hit you on the counter, and they’re quite decent on set-pieces too. They’ve got players that can put the ball in any area they want. I’m making them sound out to be a Tampa or a San Antonio of years past – or a Louisville – but they’re getting to that point where we really have to be careful with our game plan, but also exploit them in areas where we can really hurt them.”
Frank Yallop’s Monterey Bay enter Weidner Field with a 7-5-5 record in 2023 USL Championship play and are 3-3-2 away from Cardinale Stadium in Seaside, California. Alex Dixon leads MBFC in goals with eight, one ahead of former Switchback Christian Volesky. On Saturday night, Monterey lost to Orange County SC 3-1 at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, California, despite taking a 35th minute lead through Hugh Roberts.
Vargish’s View:
Monterey Bay are one of the better teams the Switchbacks will face this season. The weekend loss to Orange County was full of individual mistakes from an MBFC team that appeared to have one eye on the short-turnaround and long road trip to Colorado Springs. There’s no shortage of veteran leadership and top-of-the-league talent on a Monterey roster that will be desperate to recapture the form that saw them win four in a row before Saturday night’s loss to Orange County.
The Switchbacks put together one of their most complete and dominating second-half performances of the season in the victory against Miami on Saturday at Weidner Field. On Tuesday, the Switchbacks must control the tempo in the center of the field and limit Monterey Bay’s set-piece opportunities if they’re going to find success. Legs will no doubt be heavy for the visitors after their Sunday journey to Colorado from Southern California, and if the Switchbacks can edge possession, another three points at Weidner Field is well within reach.
