Colorado Springs, CO (July 15, 2022) – The Switchbacks FC out paced LA to grab the home field victory Friday night as they defeated the Galaxy II 4-2.
LA had the upper hand early as they had several chances test Christian Herrera in the Colorado Springs net. Colorado Springs was sparse on defense entering the game due to injuries sidelining many defenders as well as Matt Mahoney missing play due to a red card suspension.
The game quickly came to a halt as lightning delayed the match just 14 minutes into play. After an hour and twenty minute stoppage, play resumed and the Switchbacks wasted no time. Michee Ngalina found the net off a pass from Hadji Barry just six minutes after play resumed to put Colorado Springs on the board first. The offense did not let off the gas as Barry found the net himself for his 11th strike of the season, finishing an impressive individual effort just inside the 18.
LA would make their way onto the score sheet with just seconds to play in 1st half stoppage time when Cam Dunbar put a penalty kick past Herrera to bring the Switchbacks lead back to one at halftime.
Colorado Springs would build on their lead in the 58th minute when Michee Ngalina beat a defender on the sideline and found Elvis Amoh streaking to the front of the net. Amoh put a gentle touch on the cross to finish past Sanchez. Physicality picked up in the second half as did the discipline with seven cautions issued in the latter frame. Los Angeles had several opportunities to pull back within a goal but couldn’t find the net shooting off target on multiple open looks. The Switchbacks, however, were not done for the night as Barry found Amoh splitting the defense five minutes into stoppage time. The play saw Barry notch his second assist of the night, with Amoh netting his second of the match in the dying minutes.
The Switchbacks head to San Diego for a Monday night meeting with the Loyal SC and return to Weidner Field next Friday as they welcome Charleston Battery. Tickets to that match, and all other matches, are available HERE.