Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, COLO (November 6, 2022) – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC found the end of their playoff run against San Antonio FC as the team fell 2-1 to the Texan opponent.
The match started with some spice, underscoring the unspoken rivalry between these two clubs, as #2 Sebastian Anderson was forced under the table of the 4th official within the first 45 seconds of the game. The uncalled foul would only add fire to the flames, as SA got the first attempted shot. COS goalkeeper #1 Jeff Caldwell had a big save in the 4th minute, and then three minutes later San Antonio’s goalkeeper would get the same chance after a risky possible SA handball was saved and returned to play by #1 Jordan Farr.
An early card to #11 Ngalina after a high boot play forced the Switchbacks to play with a little more care, but despite some chances by San Antonio, #55 Triston Hodge stepped up with two huge defensive blocks back to back to keep the score at 0.
The Switchbacks held 67.7% of possession in the first half, completing over 100 more accurate passes than San Antonio in forty five minutes of play and winning 55% of the duels. Despite this, San Antonio were able to find the scoreboard first after #31 Connor Maloney completes the pass from #9 Santiago Patino and finds the back left corner of the net from just outside the 18 yard box.
Coming out of the second half the team was eager to balance out the score, but unfortunately the home field advantage of fans and refs would fall in the favor of San Antonio FC. The Switchbacks had several big chances in the second half, including a touch by #2 Sebastian Anderson after a pass back from Ngalina that was saved by Farr.
Switchbacks made several impactful subs, like #21 Aaron Wheeler taking the field in the 73′ – Wheeler is most notable for earning a brace in the Switchbacks playoff match against Rio Grande Valley FC – which earned the team a spot in the conference semifinals for the first time in club history.
Unfortunately for the Switchbacks, fate would be against them; a stolen goal scoring opportunity would not get called as a foul – in fact it would be a goal kick call for the opponent – and despite three huge chances by Ngalina, Foster, and Anderson in stoppage time, San Antonio would ultimately find the win at 2-0 in the 100′ of play.
The Switchbacks have had a historic season for 2022, making it further in the playoffs this season than they have before in their eight years as a franchise. They also had a record number of sellouts for 2022, and averaged close to 150,000 guests this season. Make sure to follow the club on social or head to their website HERE for all off season updates.