Colorado Springs, CO (August 17, 2022) – The Switchbacks FC suffered a hard loss against Sacramento Republic Wednesday, unable to take control of the match, resulting in a 0-3 loss.
The first eight minutes of the game were fairly well matched, but Sacramento got on the board in the 11′ thanks to Maalique Foster, and that opening goal changed the momentum of the game. Sacramento Republic would go on to earn two more goals, holding 58.5% of ball possession to the Switchbacks’ 41.5%. #33 Isaiah Foster and #55 Triston Hodge made some clever defensive plays to keep the team in the game, and both #11 Ngalina and #23 Amoh saw near misses in the final ten minutes of first half play, but they needed to increase their turnovers in the second half.
It seemed maybe there was a chance in the second half of the match, and Switchbacks goalkeeper seemed perfectly placed as he made several giant saves, including a perfect read on a penalty kick awarded to Sacramento that otherwise would have put the deficit to four. The Switchbacks fought to keep in the game, and possession was reversed from the first half, with the black and blue fighting to hold almost 60% of the ball during the latter 45. The team also made seven shots on goal in the second half (nearly double from the first) but with Daniel Vitiello in goal for Sacramento they were unable to find themselves on the board. The second half would end with no change to the score board.
The Switchbacks will be back at home in just three days as they take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies Saturday August 20th for their Soccer For All night. Tickets to that match, and all other matches, are available HERE.