“We’re looking forward to getting back on winning ways and that feeling we had after the first game.” – Luke Vercollone
Saturday afternoon sees the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC begin their 2018 USL road campaign against Saint Louis FC at Fenton, Missouri’s Toyota Stadium. Saint Louis FC are winless on the young season after a draw against Rio Grande Valley FC in Edinburg, Texas was followed on Saturday by a 2-1 loss against San Antonio FC. This weekend’s match against the Switchbacks will be the home opener for Saint Louis FC.
“For me, Saint Louis play in a similar way to Portland; 4-4-2 with good players in [Corey] Hertzog and Kyle Greig up top,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. “Those are two really good players and we have to make sure we know where they are. It’s Saint Louis’ home opener so we’ll have to work hard, go in with confidence, and play our game. We did well defensively against Portland. We gave up just two shots, and one was the goal, which is frustrating but we need to keep up our play on that side of the ball. The goal was bad, but for the rest of the game we had more possession – for the second game in a row. There are a lot of positives for us despite the loss. There’s a really positive energy and attitude around the guys today and we’ll look to carry that forward throughout the rest of the week.”
After Saturday’s match, the Switchbacks remain in the Show Me State before making the short trip west to face the Swope Park Rangers on Wednesday, April 4th just inside the Kansas state border, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City.
“Being able to stay on the road really helps – not just physically but also with the team spirit,” said Trittschuh. “It helps guys in getting to know each other and gel as a group.”
“We got a glimpse of the road when we traveled to Reno in the preseason,” said center back Taylor Hunter. “I’m excited to get the alone time with the team – it’s a good bonding experience to stay together on the road, share team dinners, and be able to spend our time as a group. Obviously after the loss we want to get back on the field as quickly as possible and get that taste out of our mouth. Saint Louis [FC] have a couple experienced guys in their attack so we’ll have to stay together defensively. This week is about making sure we fix the mistakes from the Portland game and get back on track.”
The aforementioned attacking duo for Saint Louis FC of Kyle Greig and Corey Hertzog are one of the most potent in the USL’s Western Conference. Stevens Point, Wisconsin native Greig brings years of USL experience from his time with the Wilmington Hammerheads, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2, and FC Cincinnati. Fellow striker Hertzog, a former collegiate standout at Penn State University, was the 13th overall draft selection in the 2011 MLS Super Draft. Hertzog joined Saint Louis FC and first year Head Coach Anthony Pulis after leading the line and tallying 27 goals for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
“Saint Louis [FC] will be tough – they’ve got a lot of attacking experience and skill. They’re a good team and we know that,” said Luke Vercollone. “We don’t change too much when we go on the road. We out-possessed our opponents in both games this year and we need to keep that going. Our focus this weekend will be on what we need to improve that will give us the best opportunity to win in Saint Louis against a good team. It’s better for us to stay out there and we’re looking forward to the experience.”
“I’m looking forward to going on the road and rebounding from last weekend,” said Jordan Burt. “Saint Louis is a fun place to play and we’re ready for it. We played well versus Portland, there are obviously things we can do better, and we’ll be looking to do that this weekend.”
Returning to contention for starting places against Saint Louis FC are Switchbacks wingers Shane Malcolm and Saeed Robinson. Malcolm was called up to the Guam National Team for a pair of friendlies, while Robinson missed the loss against the Portland Timbers 2 through suspension. “Shane’s back Tuesday and Saeed will be eligible so that’s a boost for us,” said Trittschuh. “These next three games we need everybody. It was frustrating to only have five substitutes against Portland. We need to have a bigger squad. Hopefully we can add some players here soon. Sometimes we can’t play XI versus XI in practice but we’re doing our best.”
After their first away games of 2018, the Switchbacks will return to Weidner Field on April 7th as they host Rio Grande Valley FC. Kneader’s Bakery & Café will be sponsoring the first part of the 2018 Poster Giveaway series on 2000’s Theme Night.
“We’re looking forward to getting back on winning ways and that feeling we had after the first game.” – Luke Vercollone
Saturday afternoon sees the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC begin their 2018 USL road campaign against Saint Louis FC at Fenton, Missouri’s Toyota Stadium. Saint Louis FC are winless on the young season after a draw against Rio Grande Valley FC in Edinburg, Texas was followed on Saturday by a 2-1 loss against San Antonio FC. This weekend’s match against the Switchbacks will be the home opener for Saint Louis FC.
“For me, Saint Louis play in a similar way to Portland; 4-4-2 with good players in [Corey] Hertzog and Kyle Greig up top,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Steve Trittschuh. “Those are two really good players and we have to make sure we know where they are. It’s Saint Louis’ home opener so we’ll have to work hard, go in with confidence, and play our game. We did well defensively against Portland. We gave up just two shots, and one was the goal, which is frustrating but we need to keep up our play on that side of the ball. The goal was bad, but for the rest of the game we had more possession – for the second game in a row. There are a lot of positives for us despite the loss. There’s a really positive energy and attitude around the guys today and we’ll look to carry that forward throughout the rest of the week.”
After Saturday’s match, the Switchbacks remain in the Show Me State before making the short trip west to face the Swope Park Rangers on Wednesday, April 4th just inside the Kansas state border, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City.
“Being able to stay on the road really helps – not just physically but also with the team spirit,” said Trittschuh. “It helps guys in getting to know each other and gel as a group.”
“We got a glimpse of the road when we traveled to Reno in the preseason,” said center back Taylor Hunter. “I’m excited to get the alone time with the team – it’s a good bonding experience to stay together on the road, share team dinners, and be able to spend our time as a group. Obviously after the loss we want to get back on the field as quickly as possible and get that taste out of our mouth. Saint Louis [FC] have a couple experienced guys in their attack so we’ll have to stay together defensively. This week is about making sure we fix the mistakes from the Portland game and get back on track.”
The aforementioned attacking duo for Saint Louis FC of Kyle Greig and Corey Hertzog are one of the most potent in the USL’s Western Conference. Stevens Point, Wisconsin native Greig brings years of USL experience from his time with the Wilmington Hammerheads, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2, and FC Cincinnati. Fellow striker Hertzog, a former collegiate standout at Penn State University, was the 13th overall draft selection in the 2011 MLS Super Draft. Hertzog joined Saint Louis FC and first year Head Coach Anthony Pulis after leading the line and tallying 27 goals for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
“Saint Louis [FC] will be tough – they’ve got a lot of attacking experience and skill. They’re a good team and we know that,” said Luke Vercollone. “We don’t change too much when we go on the road. We out-possessed our opponents in both games this year and we need to keep that going. Our focus this weekend will be on what we need to improve that will give us the best opportunity to win in Saint Louis against a good team. It’s better for us to stay out there and we’re looking forward to the experience.”
“I’m looking forward to going on the road and rebounding from last weekend,” said Jordan Burt. “Saint Louis is a fun place to play and we’re ready for it. We played well versus Portland, there are obviously things we can do better, and we’ll be looking to do that this weekend.”
Returning to contention for starting places against Saint Louis FC are Switchbacks wingers Shane Malcolm and Saeed Robinson. Malcolm was called up to the Guam National Team for a pair of friendlies, while Robinson missed the loss against the Portland Timbers 2 through suspension. “Shane’s back Tuesday and Saeed will be eligible so that’s a boost for us,” said Trittschuh. “These next three games we need everybody. It was frustrating to only have five substitutes against Portland. We need to have a bigger squad. Hopefully we can add some players here soon. Sometimes we can’t play XI versus XI in practice but we’re doing our best.”
After their first away games of 2018, the Switchbacks will return to Weidner Field on April 7th as they host Rio Grande Valley FC. Kneader’s Bakery & Café will be sponsoring the first part of the 2018 Poster Giveaway series on 2000’s Theme Night.
