Colorado Springs, CO (March 26, 2022) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC notched their third straight win this evening as they beat Birmingham Legion FC 2-0 in the first of a multi game road series, earning the top slot in the Western Conference so far this season.
The Switchbacks dominated the ball during the first half, spending almost all of the first 45 minutes on the offensive, but were unable to convert those opportunities into goals. Zandi found a few big chances early on in the match, shooting low across the box into the left corner during the 8′, but the chance was stopped by Birmingham goalkeeper VanOekel. Another chance by Zandi resulted in nothing, and Switchbacks goalie Caldwell stopped a shot by Birmingham’s Kasim in the 34′, to keep the score zero to zero going into the half.
Ngalina was able to find the back of the net in the opening minutes of the second half, but an offsides call kept the scoresheet blank. As the Switchbacks continued to lead the offensive, Ngalina again found the ball in the 70′ on a pass from Zandi, and the ball found the top-right corner of the net, resulting in the first goal of the evening.
With only one minute to go in regular time, the final goal of the evening came off a low pass from Hadji Barry that found its way down the right side of the field to Mines, who was able to finish it off. A huge save from Caldwell in the 95′ earned him his second clean sheet, and the Switchbacks third consecutive win of the season.
The Switchbacks are on the road again next week as they take on Miami FC. They will be home again on April 6th as they play Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup. Tickets to that match, and all other matches, available HERE.
Game Statistics:
- Man of the Match// Michee Ngalina
- Scoring Summary// COS: Ngalina (70′), Mines (89′)
- Saves// COS: Caldwell (1) | COS: Van Oekel (6)
- Discipline// COS: YC: Makangila (24′), Lindley (45+’) | BHM: YC: Vancaeyezeele (4′), Lopez (17′), Dean (81′), Asiedu (90+’)