For the first time in nearly a year, the Orange County Blues FC will play host to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks when they meet this Mother’s Day at Anteater Stadium in Irvine, California. Three straight one-nil victories have propelled the Orange County Blues toward the top of the USL’s Western Conference after they opened the 2016 regular season with back-to-back home losses.
Orange County Blues FC and the Switchbacks split their two games in 2015, with both matches producing a bevy of goals. A May 13th game in California ended in a 3-1 victory for the Blues, with JJ Greer netting the Switchbacks’ lone goal off a flicked-on Luke Vercollone corner kick. Switchbacks Stadium was the site of a lopsided 5-0 victory for the Switchbacks on June 24, as the home team dominated the OC Blues from the opening whistle.
A 3-2 defeat to the Los Angeles Galaxy II on Wednesday night was a disappointing way to start the Switchbacks’ two-game West Coast road trip, but it was the fight back shown by the visitors from Colorado Springs that lends promise ahead of the match against the Orange County Blues. Down 3-0 after 71 minutes to a Jack McBean hat trick, the Switchbacks scored two goals in the final 13 minutes of the match to almost salvage a draw.
The second half introduction of Saeed Robinson helped change the game for the Switchbacks, as the Jamaican winger was able to break through the Galaxy II’s defense just ten minutes after coming on. “The game could have gone either way – unfortunately it didn’t go our way,” said Robinson. “We showed heart, we didn’t give up, and we fought until the last minute and that almost paid off for us. For the game against OC I hope we can pick up where we left off against Los Angeles and play with that same intensity that we ended the game with.”
Personnel changes have abounded for the OC Blues since last season, as Swiss Head Coach Oliver Wyss has tinkered with a squad that finished the 2015 regular season atop the Western Conference standings. Despite being knocked out of the playoffs by eventual Western Conference Champions Los Angeles Galaxy II, last season was hugely successful for the Orange County Blues. Midfielder Ivan Mirković made a move across California as he left Sacramento Republic to sign with the OC Blues, and he has proved highly influential during OC’s last two victories. Screening the back four, Mirković is a player who both picks up the defensive mantle and recycles the ball to start many an OC attack.
Trinidad and Tobago international forward Trevin Caesar also joined the OC Blues this season, after playing in 2015 for the Austin Aztex. Despite scoring just once this campaign, Caesar opens up attacking channels for his teammates, and Switchbacks Head Coach Steven Trittschuh is wary of the danger posed by the speedy striker. “They’ve brought in good players and it will be a test to go there and play,” said former U.S. Men’s National Team international Trittschuh. “Caesar up top causes a lot of problems – we have to be aware of him. They also have a sound defense, they’ve upgraded their players, and we need to go and compete.”
Sunday afternoon’s match represents a homecoming of sorts for three Switchbacks players. Goalkeeper Billy Thompson, born in Southern California’s Orange County, played last season with the OC Blues – along with current Switchbacks teammate Josh Suggs. Suggs, who has started all five matches of the season at left back for the Switchbacks, was a member of the OC Blues for four seasons before his off-season move to Colorado Springs. Defensive midfielder Rony Argueta was raised in Orange County, California and calls the city of Costa Mesa home.
Argueta has been a constant in the Switchbacks’ starting XI this season, and is establishing a formidable central midfield trio alongside Luke Vercollone and newcomer Taeseong Kim. “Of course I’m excited to play where I grew up – in Orange County. But the main priority is the game. It’s great to see my friends and family, but we’re there to win,” said Argueta before mentioning his two favorite fans. “I’m most excited to see my Mom and my older brother – he’s my father figure. He kept me in check and kept me in line growing up in Costa Mesa and I can’t wait to play in front of them.”
Billy Thompson, who produced one of the best league-wide goalkeeping performances of the early season against San Antonio FC, played down his return to the team he represented in 2015. “It is just another 90 minutes of eleven versus eleven, but it’s definitely different in some ways. I don’t want to say it’s full circle for me but I know a lot of their players and still have a lot of friends – both on and off the field,” said Thompson before offering a smile and a shout out to his Mom. “It’s great to go home and see my family there,” said the graduate of Santa Margarita High School. “I’ve got to give a happy belated Birthday to my Mom because we play on Mother’s Day and her Birthday was a week earlier. Hopefully I’ll get to see her and have a small family day there.”
“I’m excited because this is the first official game versus a team I used to play for,” said Josh Suggs who then paid tribute to Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. “They [OC Blues] know what type of player I am, but they don’t know how Steve has helped mold me. I’m a different style of player now; I’m able to get forward more. Last year I was very defensive, but Steve is very attacking minded.”
When asked about the return of his new left back to the OC Blues, Head Coach Steve Trittschuh was full of praise for Josh Suggs. “He seems happy, and he’s playing very well this season,” said Trittschuh. “Being up against OC will maybe bring a little extra to his game.”
Proving to be a true utility man early in the 2016 season, Switchbacks midfielder Davy Armstrong will be pushing for a start against the OC Blues. Equally adept across the midfield or at right back, Armstrong admits that staying ready for his call-up requires an extra focus. “I have to be mentally prepared for anything. I’m always ready to play, and each game-day is a chance for all of us to prove ourselves,” said Armstrong. “There’s no special way to prepare, I just have to deal with what comes. Every game in this league is a battle. I’m always hungry and ready for that battle.”
Last season’s 3-1 win for the Orange County Blues on May 13th transpired without the Switchbacks being able to call on suspended central defender Josh Phillips. Available for Sunday, and having played every minute for the Switchbacks this season, Phillips is ready for his first run-out at Anteater Stadium on the campus of UC Irvine. “My first ever collegiate soccer game was there, so it’s great to go back where it started,” said the former Gonzaga Bulldog. “I’m expecting a tough game, but it helps that we saw them this preseason. That game was a battle, but we now need to focus on what we know and what we can do to beat them.”
While sure to be outnumbered by the hosting OC Blues fans and their passionate official supports group, the County Line Coalition, Rony Argueta knows his watching family will lend his teammates the support he’s always received. “I’ve noticed a real motivation playing in front of my family. They’re a big influence on my performance – I’m a lot happier with them there,” said Argueta. “I’m hoping a lot of my friends and family come to the game. It’s great to have so many people rooting for us; it brings all the guys up when we have that support around.”
For the first time in nearly a year, the Orange County Blues FC will play host to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks when they meet this Mother’s Day at Anteater Stadium in Irvine, California. Three straight one-nil victories have propelled the Orange County Blues toward the top of the USL’s Western Conference after they opened the 2016 regular season with back-to-back home losses.
Orange County Blues FC and the Switchbacks split their two games in 2015, with both matches producing a bevy of goals. A May 13th game in California ended in a 3-1 victory for the Blues, with JJ Greer netting the Switchbacks’ lone goal off a flicked-on Luke Vercollone corner kick. Switchbacks Stadium was the site of a lopsided 5-0 victory for the Switchbacks on June 24, as the home team dominated the OC Blues from the opening whistle.
A 3-2 defeat to the Los Angeles Galaxy II on Wednesday night was a disappointing way to start the Switchbacks’ two-game West Coast road trip, but it was the fight back shown by the visitors from Colorado Springs that lends promise ahead of the match against the Orange County Blues. Down 3-0 after 71 minutes to a Jack McBean hat trick, the Switchbacks scored two goals in the final 13 minutes of the match to almost salvage a draw.
The second half introduction of Saeed Robinson helped change the game for the Switchbacks, as the Jamaican winger was able to break through the Galaxy II’s defense just ten minutes after coming on. “The game could have gone either way – unfortunately it didn’t go our way,” said Robinson. “We showed heart, we didn’t give up, and we fought until the last minute and that almost paid off for us. For the game against OC I hope we can pick up where we left off against Los Angeles and play with that same intensity that we ended the game with.”
Personnel changes have abounded for the OC Blues since last season, as Swiss Head Coach Oliver Wyss has tinkered with a squad that finished the 2015 regular season atop the Western Conference standings. Despite being knocked out of the playoffs by eventual Western Conference Champions Los Angeles Galaxy II, last season was hugely successful for the Orange County Blues. Midfielder Ivan MirkoviÄ made a move across California as he left Sacramento Republic to sign with the OC Blues, and he has proved highly influential during OC’s last two victories. Screening the back four, MirkoviÄ is a player who both picks up the defensive mantle and recycles the ball to start many an OC attack.
Trinidad and Tobago international forward Trevin Caesar also joined the OC Blues this season, after playing in 2015 for the Austin Aztex. Despite scoring just once this campaign, Caesar opens up attacking channels for his teammates, and Switchbacks Head Coach Steven Trittschuh is wary of the danger posed by the speedy striker. “They’ve brought in good players and it will be a test to go there and play,” said former U.S. Men’s National Team international Trittschuh. “Caesar up top causes a lot of problems – we have to be aware of him. They also have a sound defense, they’ve upgraded their players, and we need to go and compete.”
Sunday afternoon’s match represents a homecoming of sorts for three Switchbacks players. Goalkeeper Billy Thompson, born in Southern California’s Orange County, played last season with the OC Blues – along with current Switchbacks teammate Josh Suggs. Suggs, who has started all five matches of the season at left back for the Switchbacks, was a member of the OC Blues for four seasons before his off-season move to Colorado Springs. Defensive midfielder Rony Argueta was raised in Orange County, California and calls the city of Costa Mesa home.
Argueta has been a constant in the Switchbacks’ starting XI this season, and is establishing a formidable central midfield trio alongside Luke Vercollone and newcomer Taeseong Kim. “Of course I’m excited to play where I grew up – in Orange County. But the main priority is the game. It’s great to see my friends and family, but we’re there to win,” said Argueta before mentioning his two favorite fans. “I’m most excited to see my Mom and my older brother – he’s my father figure. He kept me in check and kept me in line growing up in Costa Mesa and I can’t wait to play in front of them.”
Billy Thompson, who produced one of the best league-wide goalkeeping performances of the early season against San Antonio FC, played down his return to the team he represented in 2015. “It is just another 90 minutes of eleven versus eleven, but it’s definitely different in some ways. I don’t want to say it’s full circle for me but I know a lot of their players and still have a lot of friends – both on and off the field,” said Thompson before offering a smile and a shout out to his Mom. “It’s great to go home and see my family there,” said the graduate of Santa Margarita High School. “I’ve got to give a happy belated Birthday to my Mom because we play on Mother’s Day and her Birthday was a week earlier. Hopefully I’ll get to see her and have a small family day there.”
“I’m excited because this is the first official game versus a team I used to play for,” said Josh Suggs who then paid tribute to Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. “They [OC Blues] know what type of player I am, but they don’t know how Steve has helped mold me. I’m a different style of player now; I’m able to get forward more. Last year I was very defensive, but Steve is very attacking minded.”
When asked about the return of his new left back to the OC Blues, Head Coach Steve Trittschuh was full of praise for Josh Suggs. “He seems happy, and he’s playing very well this season,” said Trittschuh. “Being up against OC will maybe bring a little extra to his game.”
Proving to be a true utility man early in the 2016 season, Switchbacks midfielder Davy Armstrong will be pushing for a start against the OC Blues. Equally adept across the midfield or at right back, Armstrong admits that staying ready for his call-up requires an extra focus. “I have to be mentally prepared for anything. I’m always ready to play, and each game-day is a chance for all of us to prove ourselves,” said Armstrong. “There’s no special way to prepare, I just have to deal with what comes. Every game in this league is a battle. I’m always hungry and ready for that battle.”
Last season’s 3-1 win for the Orange County Blues on May 13th transpired without the Switchbacks being able to call on suspended central defender Josh Phillips. Available for Sunday, and having played every minute for the Switchbacks this season, Phillips is ready for his first run-out at Anteater Stadium on the campus of UC Irvine. “My first ever collegiate soccer game was there, so it’s great to go back where it started,” said the former Gonzaga Bulldog. “I’m expecting a tough game, but it helps that we saw them this preseason. That game was a battle, but we now need to focus on what we know and what we can do to beat them.”
While sure to be outnumbered by the hosting OC Blues fans and their passionate official supports group, the County Line Coalition, Rony Argueta knows his watching family will lend his teammates the support he’s always received. “I’ve noticed a real motivation playing in front of my family. They’re a big influence on my performance – I’m a lot happier with them there,” said Argueta. “I’m hoping a lot of my friends and family come to the game. It’s great to have so many people rooting for us; it brings all the guys up when we have that support around.”
